By Brain Akutei – Azu Mateko
The Ministry of Health has officially sworn in new Governing Boards and Councils for six important health agencies in Ghana. This move is aimed at improving healthcare regulation and service delivery across the country.
The event took place at the Ministry of Health Auditorium and was attended by top officials, health experts, and the newly appointed members.
The six agencies that now have new boards and councils are:
- National Blood Service
- National Ambulance Service
- Mental Health Authority
- Ghana College of Pharmacists
- Allied Health Professions Council
- Traditional Medicine Practice Council
At the ceremony, the Ministry also introduced the new leaders (Chairpersons) for some of these agencies:
- Dr. Emmanuel Maurice Ankrah – National Blood Service
- Dr. Dan Bazanndut – Mental Health Authority
- Prof. Francis Ackah Armah – Ghana College of Pharmacists
- Prof. Eric Kotei Addison – Allied Health Professions Council
- Prof. Ato Duncan – Traditional Medicine Practice Council
Health Minister Mr Kwabena Mintah Akandoh praised the new leaders for their experience and encouraged them to help push the healthcare system forward. In his speech, he stressed the need for stronger leadership, teamwork among agencies, and professionalism.
He also pointed out several major issues the Boards must address, including:
- Ghana’s yearly shortfall of 120,000 units of blood
- A large number of people (over 2.3 million) with mental health conditions who don’t get treatment
- The need to properly regulate traditional medicine, which over 60% of the population uses
- The shortage of pharmacists and allied health workers in the country
The Minister urged the Boards to bring about real change, promote training in special areas, and raise healthcare standards.
Mr. Desmond Boateng, the Chief Director of the Ministry, also welcomed the new members. He encouraged them to be bold, think big, and work together to bring new ideas that improve health services.
He reminded them that good regulation helps save lives, builds trust, and leads to better results. He added that the Ministry will fully support them with the right policies and resources.
The Ministry hopes that the Boards will use data to guide their decisions and work closely with each other to ensure all Ghanaians have access to quality health services.
