The Minister for Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has called for stronger collaboration among government, health professionals, and development partners to ensure that all Ghanaians have access to quality palliative care.

He made the call at the 2025 International Hospice and Palliative Care Day celebration in Accra, organised by the Ghana Palliative Care Association (GPCA) in partnership with the Ministry of Health under the theme, “Achieving the Promise: Universal Access to Palliative Care.”

Delivering an address on behalf of the Minister, a representative described palliative care as both a moral and public health priority, stressing that “no one should face the pain and fear of serious illness alone.”

Hon. Akandoh highlighted progress made in expanding access to palliative care, noting its integration into nine national health policies, including the Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD) and Mental Health policies, as well as its recognition under the Ghana Medical Trust Fund, also known as “MahamaCares.”

He commended the GPCA for completing Ghana’s first-ever Five-Year National Strategic Plan for Palliative Care, and pledged the Ministry’s full support to ensure its launch and implementation within the year.

The Minister further announced Ghana’s successful bid to host the 2028 African Palliative Care Association (APCA) Conference, describing it as a milestone that affirms Ghana’s growing leadership in chronic and palliative care across the continent.