The Health Facilities Regulatory Agency (HeFRA) has closed down 17 health facilities across Ghana for operating without valid licences or under unsafe conditions that pose risks to public health.

The action, according to the agency, is part of a nationwide inspection aimed at identifying and sanctioning facilities operating without proper authorisation or documentation.

Speaking at a media briefing, the Chief Executive Officer of HeFRA, Dr. Winfred Baah, said the decision was taken to safeguard patients and ensure that only qualified facilities provide medical care.

“Some of these facilities have been particularly defiant. They’ve ignored administrative fines and failed to renew their licences. Once a facility becomes unlicensed, we cannot vouch for the competence of its staff or the safety of the equipment being used,” Dr. Baah stated.

He emphasised that operating outside the regulatory framework endangers lives, leaving the agency with no option but to close down non-compliant institutions.

“When that happens, we must step in to protect the public. HeFRA is currently restructuring to strengthen our ability to regulate health facilities effectively,” he added.

Dr. Baah reiterated the agency’s commitment to upholding quality healthcare standards and urged all health facility operators to adhere strictly to licensing and operational requirements to avoid closure or legal sanctions.