The Minister of Health, Hon. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, together with Directors and Heads of Agencies under the Ministry of Health, on Friday, July 24, 2026, embarked on a one-day working visit to the Ashanti Region to inspect ongoing healthcare projects and engage key stakeholders on service delivery and policy implementation.
The high-level delegation included Miss Adjoa Obobia Darko-Opoku, Administrator of Mahama Cares/Ghana Medical Trust Fund; Prof. Samuel Kaba Akoriyea, Director-General of the Ghana Health Service; Dr. (Med) George Kojo Owusu, Chief Executive Officer of the National Ambulance Service (NAS); Dr. Paa Kwesi Baidoo, Chief Executive Officer of the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH); and Heads of other Agencies and Sub-Institutions under the Ministry of Health.
The visit formed part of efforts to monitor the implementation of projects under Mahama Cares, officially known as the Ghana Medical Trust Fund, a flagship national healthcare initiative launched by H.E. President John Dramani Mahama to provide financial support and specialist care for persons living with chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs). The delegation also engaged healthcare professionals on service delivery and the implementation of government health policies.
Engagement with Regional Leadership
The working visit commenced at the Ashanti Regional Coordinating Council, where the delegation was warmly received by the Ashanti Regional Minister, Hon. Dr. Amoakohene. Discussions focused on healthcare delivery within the region, ongoing infrastructure development, and strategies to improve access to quality healthcare services for residents.
Courtesy Call on Otumfuo Osei Tutu II
A major highlight of the visit was a courtesy call on His Royal Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, Asantehene, at the Manhyia Palace.
The delegation, led by the Ashanti Regional Minister and the Minister of Health, briefed Otumfuo on ongoing health infrastructure projects and the implementation of Mahama Cares interventions within the region. The Minister also sought the continued support and partnership of the Asantehene in advancing healthcare delivery and improving health outcomes for the people of Ashanti and Ghana as a whole.
The engagement underscored the critical role of traditional leadership in national development and reaffirmed the Ministry of Health’s commitment to working closely with key stakeholders to strengthen healthcare systems and expand access to specialist care.
Inspection of Key Projects at KATH
The delegation later toured the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital to inspect several strategic projects aimed at enhancing specialist healthcare delivery in the country.
Among the facilities inspected were:
* The Specialist Cardiology Centre;
* The Pharmacy Complex for Medicines Management; and
* The Doctors’ and Nurses’ Flats.
The inspection provided firsthand insight into the progress of these projects and their anticipated impact on specialist healthcare services, particularly for patients requiring advanced medical interventions.
For the National Ambulance Service, the expansion of specialist healthcare infrastructure remains closely aligned with its mandate of providing timely emergency medical response and facilitating safe inter-facility transfers for critically ill patients across the country.
Minister Engages KATH Management and Staff
The Minister of Health also met with the Management and Staff of KATH, where he outlined key policies and priorities within the health sector.
The engagement provided an opportunity for healthcare workers to interact directly with the Minister and the leadership of the Ministry. Staff members raised concerns, shared experiences, and offered recommendations aimed at strengthening healthcare delivery and improving patient outcomes.
The open forum reinforced the Ministry’s commitment to inclusive policy implementation and stakeholder engagement in addressing challenges within the health sector.
Condolence Visit to NAS Board Chairman
The delegation concluded the day’s activities with a condolence visit to Nana Baffour Kotei Kutin Nsraman II, Board Chairman of the National Ambulance Service, following the passing of his beloved wife.
The Minister of Health, together with the leadership of the Ministry and its agencies, conveyed their heartfelt condolences to the Board Chairman and his family, assuring them of their prayers and support during this difficult period.
The visit reflected the strong bonds of solidarity and mutual support that exist within the health sector family.
NAS Reaffirms Commitment to Mahama Cares
The working visit provided an important opportunity to assess progress on Mahama Cares interventions in the Ashanti Region, strengthen collaboration with regional and traditional leadership, and reaffirm the Ministry of Health’s commitment to improving access to specialist and emergency healthcare services.
As a key agency under the Ministry of Health, the National Ambulance Service remains committed to supporting the objectives of Mahama Cares through the provision of timely pre-hospital emergency care and efficient inter-facility transfers for patients living with chronic non-communicable diseases and other critical conditions requiring specialist treatment.
