The Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, has called on faith-based health institutions to safeguard their Christian identity and moral values as the health sector evolves amid rapid technological change.

Delivering the message on behalf of the Chief of Staff at the opening of the 2025 CHAG Annual Conference in Koforidua, the Presidential Envoy for Interfaith and Ecumenical Relations, Elvis Afriyie-Ankrah, urged the Christian Health Association of Ghana (CHAG) to remain the moral compass of the nation’s healthcare system.

“In a world driven by technology, globalisation, and shifting social values, sustaining Christian identity in healthcare demands intentional action. Your Christian identity is not a label - it is your light. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven,” Mr Debrah said.

He noted that while government continues to invest in health infrastructure and digital systems, such advances must not come at the expense of compassion, integrity and the human touch that have defined Christian healthcare for decades.

 “Christian ethics remind us that every patient is made in the image of God. Therefore, respect for life, honesty in service, compassion for the poor, and integrity in leadership must remain non-negotiable. These are not just Christian virtues - they are national values essential for sustainable development,” he added.

The Chief of Staff commended CHAG for its pivotal role in Ghana’s health sector, accounting for nearly one-third of healthcare delivery nationwide, particularly in remote and underserved communities. He described the partnership between the church and the state as “one of Ghana’s quiet success stories” that demonstrates how faith-based values and public policy can work hand in hand to uplift lives.

He further urged CHAG to continue shaping future health professionals who combine clinical excellence with Christian compassion and to ensure ethical leadership and accountability across all its institutions.

“Every decision - from procurement to patient care - must reflect transparency and stewardship,” he said. “Respect for life, honesty in service, compassion for the poor, and integrity in leadership must remain non-negotiable.”

“CHAG’s ethos aligns with the very spirit of the Free Primary Health Care Programme - service without discrimination, care without compromise. Technology will continue to change how we diagnose and treat,” he said. “But Christian compassion must remain the heart of healing,” he added.

As Ghana moves toward achieving Universal Health Coverage by 2030 through initiatives such as the Free Primary Health Care Programme, the Chief of Staff reaffirmed government’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with CHAG to expand equitable access to healthcare.