The Ghana Health Service (GHS) is embarking on significant reforms to enhance healthcare delivery, improve staff welfare, and streamline operations, according to Prof. Samuel Kaba Akoriyea, Director-General of GHS. Speaking at the 2024 Volta Region Annual Health Sector Performance Review in Ho, he emphasized the need for a cost-effective and sustainable healthcare strategy to achieve the government’s resetting agenda.
With the theme, “Strengthening the Primary Healthcare System for Improved Access to Quality Health Service Delivery: The Role of Networks of Practice (NoP),” the event brought together health professionals, development partners, and traditional leaders to assess the region’s healthcare landscape.
Prof. Akoriyea highlighted notable achievements in Ghana’s healthcare sector over the last two decades, including expanded access to health services, improved infrastructure, and a strengthened workforce. He noted that GHS has played a pivotal role in disease control, immunization, and emergency response systems, which have significantly boosted public health outcomes.
However, he acknowledged critical challenges affecting the sector, including funding constraints, migration of health professionals, deteriorating infrastructure, and declining public trust.
A major focus of the reforms is staff welfare and motivation. Prof. Akoriyea outlined plans to restructure staff welfare schemes, improve promotion and career progression, and implement incentives for healthcare workers in remote areas.
“We need to eliminate barriers in human resource management, address short-term promotion delays, and enhance incentives for those working in underserved communities,” he stressed.
The GHS Director-General emphasized the need to strengthen primary and secondary healthcare systems. Plans include:
- Delivering free primary healthcare from CHPS (Community Health Planning and Services) compounds to community-level facilities.
- Promoting community-based and facility-based care to improve health access.
- Enhancing public health emergency preparedness and response mechanisms.
- Strengthening disease surveillance and control efforts.
Dr. Chrysantus Kubio, the outgoing Volta Regional Director of Health, reported significant progress in healthcare delivery within the region. An assessment by the Bono East Regional Health Directorate Peer Review Team upgraded Volta from a moderately performing region to a highly performing region in the Holistic Assessment framework.
Data also showed a decline in institutional neonatal mortality and stillbirth rates, a major indicator of improved maternal and child health services.
Prof. Lydia Aziato, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Health and Allied Sciences, called for deliberate policies to make rural postings more attractive, proposing fringe benefits for healthcare professionals working in underserved areas.
Meanwhile, Volta Regional Minister, Mr. James Gunu, emphasized that quality healthcare requires adequate infrastructure, medical supplies, skilled personnel, and the integration of technology. He stressed the importance of Networks of Practice (NoP) in bridging healthcare delivery gaps and improving accessibility.
Stakeholders at the forum urged the government to prioritize funding for health infrastructure, workforce development, and community-based healthcare initiatives.
As Ghana moves forward with its health sector reforms, the challenge remains: Can the country balance financial constraints with the growing demand for quality healthcare services?
