By Celestine Avi and Seth Eyiah
President John Dramani Mahama has announced government’s plan to recruit 16,000 nurses in two phases as part of efforts to strengthen healthcare delivery and improve access to quality care across the country.
Speaking at a durbar with health professionals at the Ho Municipal Hospital in the Volta Region, President Mahama said the first batch of 8,000 nurses will be recruited, followed by another 8,000, to address staffing gaps and ensure that newly trained nurses are posted without prolonged delays.
He said many of the recruits will be deployed to underserved communities where healthcare needs are greatest.
President Mahama commended the management and staff of the Ho Municipal Hospital for a century of dedicated service, describing the facility as an important pillar in healthcare delivery in the region.
He noted that although the hospital once served as the main health institution for the area before the establishment of Trafalgar Hospital, it continues to provide valuable healthcare services to residents of the municipality.
Addressing nurses and other health workers, the President urged them to continue providing compassionate care, stressing that their role remains critical in supporting patients during their most vulnerable moments.
“Health is our most precious possession. Nothing you own is more valuable than your health,” President Mahama said, encouraging health professionals to remain committed to their duties despite challenges.
On the Free Primary Healthcare Programme, President Mahama said the initiative is aimed at removing barriers to basic healthcare by ensuring that citizens can access services at polyclinics, health centres and CHPS compounds without paying out-of-pocket.
He explained that the programme will focus not only on treatment but also on prevention through community outreach, health education and regular screening.
President Mahama encouraged Ghanaians to make routine health checks a priority, warning that conditions such as hypertension and diabetes often remain undetected until they lead to severe complications.
He also highlighted the role of the Ghana Medical Trust Fund, popularly known as Mahama Cares, in supporting patients with serious non-communicable diseases including cancers, kidney diseases and cardiovascular conditions.
The President further announced that government is reactivating a Korean-supported facility to upgrade infrastructure at Ho Teaching Hospital, Trafalgar, while plans are also advancing to establish additional cardiac centres in Ho and Takoradi.
He said the combination of the Free Primary Healthcare Programme, the National Health Insurance Scheme and Mahama Cares will help Ghana make significant progress towards achieving Universal Health Coverage.
