Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, Member of Parliament for Juaboso and Ranking Member on Parliament’s Health Committee, has praised former President John Dramani Mahama for his significant contributions to Ghana’s health sector.
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Speaking on NDC360, Akandoh highlighted Mahama’s strategic initiatives aimed at transforming Ghana into a center for quality and affordable healthcare.
Under Mahama’s administration, Akandoh emphasized efforts to expand Ghana’s healthcare infrastructure by adding 6,000 beds through projects like the Ridge Hospital, Police Hospital, Dodowa District Hospital, Maritime Hospital, and facilities in Fomena, Afari, and Kumawu.
However, Akandoh expressed criticism regarding the current state of Ghana’s health sector under President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s leadership, describing it as ailing.
He particularly lamented the handling of longstanding partnerships with international health organizations such as UNICEF, GAVI, and the Global Fund.
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Akandoh underscored the pivotal role of UNICEF and GAVI in supplying vaccines against major childhood diseases like polio and measles, supporting Ghana’s health efforts for over four decades.
He noted with concern a resurgence of these diseases in 2022, which he attributed to lapses under the current administration.
Regarding the Global Fund, which has assisted Ghana in combating diseases like malaria, HIV, and tetanus since 2002, Akandoh highlighted substantial financial support.
He revealed that between 2021 and 2023, Ghana received $233 million from the Global Fund for essential drugs, aimed at bolstering healthcare provision across the country.
Addressing issues at the port, Akandoh raised concerns about a backlog of uncleared medicines, attributing delays to increased port charges despite the Global Fund’s provision of additional funding for clearance.
He emphasized the importance of proper quantification and logistics planning by the Ghana Health Service to ensure timely receipt and distribution of essential medications.
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