The Health Minister, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has called for an end to what he terms the “who-you-know” culture in the delivery of healthcare in hospitals across Ghana.

According to him, the practice undermines fairness, compromises patient safety, and erodes public confidence in the health system, especially for vulnerable citizens who lack influence or connections.

Mr. Akandoh stressed that access to healthcare must be based on need and not personal ties, adding that health institutions must work together to strengthen ethical standards, accountability and professionalism in hospitals and clinics nationwide.

The sector minister made these comments at the 2025 annual conference of the Christian Health Association of Ghana (CHAG) in Koforidua.

He explained that to address discrimination in healthcare facilities, he conducts unannounced visits - a practice that has now become his signature approach - to gain firsthand insight into what occurs in various settings.

Mr. Akandoh emphasised that the work done behind the scenes often matters more than what is publicly visible. He added that, as Christians, we are reminded that God created us in His own image.

"The treatment of patients with care, dignity, and respect has virtually become my signature message since I became the minister responsible for health. It is one of the reasons why I do what I do. Visiting health facilities allows us to have first-hand information about what goes on in various settings. It is often what we do behind the scenes, unseen, that matters more than what everyone observes. And as Christians, we know that God created us in His own image."

"We must strive to eliminate discrimination. I have come to realise that, in government, people often feel the need to know who you are before treating you well. At times, I have had to disguise myself, using my height and demeanor to appear sincere. After such encounters, people come back and say, 'Oh, we are sorry.' But I do not appreciate apologies alone. Therefore, let us commit to eliminating discrimination and to treating patients with respect and care. This theme aligns profoundly with our national health ambition," he said.

Mr. Akandoh also highlighted the vital role of CHAG in Ghana's healthcare system. He said, “For decades, CHAG has embodied this responsibility with remarkable devotion. In many of Ghana’s most remote communities, where hope might otherwise be distant, CHAG facilities have stood as beacons of compassion and healing. Beyond delivering over 30% of health services nationwide lies a greater truth - you are more than providers of care; you are custodians of faith, dignity, and humanity in our health system. Your work affirms that medicine is not only a science, but also a ministry.”

The health minister acknowledged the ongoing pressures faced by the health workforce, including rising workloads, resource constraints and the emotional weight of service. He noted the ministry's commitment to clearing backlogs in postings and addressing salary delays to ensure that health personnel can serve with dignity and confidence. He called on all healthcare providers to renew the human side of medicine.

“Clinical procedures may be followed meticulously, but the warm human connection - that essential element of healing - can sometimes be lost. Every patient encounter must become a moment of compassion, dignity, and hope, not simply a transaction, but a touch of grace,” he said.

The minister reaffirmed the Ministry’s partnership with CHAG, emphasising a mission-driven collaboration focused on deepening support for health workers, promoting ethical leadership, strengthening mentorship, and ensuring that CHAG’s values are integrated into the upcoming Health Sector Medium-Term Development Plan (2026–2029).