By Michael Kofi Kenetey
The Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has emphasized that healthcare is not merely an administrative or technical endeavor but rather a sacred duty rooted in the dignity of the human person and the moral obligation to serve the most vulnerable.
Mr. Akandoh reiterated that for decades, the Christian Health Association of Ghana, CHAG has embodied this responsibility with remarkable devotion. The Health Minister was speaking during the opening ceremony of the two-day Christian Health Association of Ghana Annual Conference 2025 in Koforidua, the Eastern regional capital.
The two-day CHAG Conference 2025 on the theme, “Sustaining Christian Identity, Values, and Ethics in Health Systems Strengthening,” brought together policymakers, governing board members, directors, managers, and health workers of CHAG, strategic development partners, and church leaders, among other stakeholders.
The conference convenes at a pivotal moment in Ghana’s health sector, where recent challenges in industrial relations and growing concerns about the erosion of empathy, ethics, and Christian identity in service delivery have underscored the urgent need for reflection and renewal.
As Ghana intensifies efforts toward achieving Universal Health Coverage, UHC, the role of faith-based health institutions in delivering equitable, people-centered care becomes even more critical. Speaking at the Opening Ceremony of the conference, the Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, said in many of Ghana’s most remote communities, where hope might otherwise be distant, CHAG facilities have stood as beacons of compassion and healing for the underserved.
He revealed that the Ministry has prioritized clearing backlogs in postings and addressing salary delays for critical health personnel, ensuring that those called to serve are supported to do so with dignity and confidence. Mr. Akandoh expressed that treating patients with respect, dignity, and care is his vision as a minister, adding that health care must be delivered without discrimination, whether the patient is rich or poor.
The Chairman of the Church of Pentecost, Apostle Eric Kwabena Nyamekye, giving the Keynote Address noted that for decades, CHAG facilities have become the sanctuaries of healing and testimonies of faith-based leadership can accomplish national development. He reiterated that service delivery by CHAG is unique and exceptional, adding that the source of the mandate of CHAG is Jesus Christ, which demands integrity, compassion, and diligence even in challenging situations. He outlined some recommendations.
The Executive Director of CHAG, Dr. Peter Yeboah, mentioned that CHAG has over 385 health facilities under 32 Christian denominations operating across all 16 regions and 188 districts and providing one-third of healthcare delivery in the country. He added that the 22 health training institutions train over five thousand nurses, midwives, physiotherapists, doctors, and technicians every year.
