The Minister for Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has paid tribute to Ghana’s health professionals and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening the national health system, as the country marks the close of the year.

In a press statement issued on Wednesday, December 24, the Minister extended warm greetings to citizens and singled out doctors, nurses, midwives and other frontline workers for their “selfless service” and dedication, often under challenging conditions.

“As we draw the curtains on the year, I extend warm greetings to all citizens, especially our dedicated health professionals across the length and breadth of our country,” Mr Akandoh said.

He described the past year as one marked by “commitment, resilience, and renewed focus” in efforts to improve healthcare delivery nationwide.

"The year under review has been one of commitment, resilience, and renewed focus on strengthening Ghana's health system. Together, we have taken deliberate steps to improve access to quality healthcare, enhance health care financing, and prioritise the welfare of our health workforce."

The Minister also expressed appreciation to traditional authorities, development partners, civil society organisations and other stakeholders for their continued support of the Ministry of Health.

According to him, collaborative efforts over the year have contributed to deliberate steps aimed at improving access to quality healthcare, enhancing healthcare financing and prioritising the welfare of the health workforce.

Despite acknowledging the challenges faced by the sector, Mr Akandoh noted that the collective resolve of stakeholders had remained strong.

He praised the contributions of doctors, nurses, midwives, allied health professionals, orderlies, administrators and other frontline staff, describing them as the backbone of Ghana’s healthcare delivery system.

“Your dedication, often under difficult circumstances, continues to save lives and bring hope to families,” he said.

Addressing concerns raised by health workers over the year, the Minister assured the workforce of government’s commitment to resolving outstanding issues, including conditions of service, logistics and other obligations.

He emphasised that the Ministry would continue to engage constructively with relevant institutions to ensure that these matters are addressed “in a fair and sustainable manner”.

Looking ahead to the new year, Mr Akandoh outlined key priorities for the Ministry of Health, including the expansion of health infrastructure, improved service delivery, strengthened preventive healthcare and the advancement of government’s agenda of equitable and affordable healthcare for all Ghanaians.

He also called on citizens to play their part by adopting healthy lifestyles and supporting national health programmes focused on disease prevention and health promotion.

On behalf of the Ministry, the Health Minister wished Ghanaians a peaceful end to the year and a prosperous new one, expressing hope that the coming year would bring “good health, unity, and progress” to the nation.

“God bless you all, and God bless our homeland Ghana,” the statement concluded.