The Ministry of Health has reaffirmed its strong partnership and support for the Christian Health Association of Ghana (CHAG) in delivering healthcare to citizens across the nation.

According to Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, the collaboration with faith-based health facilities is mission-driven and central to Ghana’s healthcare agenda.

He made these comments when he addressed stakeholders in the health sector at the 2025 CHAG Annual Conference in Koforidua.

"It is in this spirit that the Ministry of Health reaffirms its unwavering partnership with CHAG. Our collaboration is not transactional – it is mission-driven. Together, we will deepen support for health workers, promote ethical and servant leadership across facilities, strengthen mentorship and continuous professional development, and ensure CHAG's values are reflected within the upcoming Health Sector Medium-Term Development Plan (2026–2029). We will also continue supporting CHAG training institutions to inculcate strong ethical foundations and professional standards in the next generation of health workers," he explained.

The minister noted that Ghana’s health workforce continues to face significant pressures, including rising workloads, resource constraints, and the emotional weight of service.

"These realities have tested resilience and morale across the health sector. In this regard, the Ministry has prioritised clearing backlogs in postings and addressing salary delays for critical health personnel, ensuring that those called to serve are supported to do so with dignity and confidence,” he said.

While operational challenges persist, Mr. Akandoh stressed the importance of maintaining the human side of healthcare.

“We hear often from patients that they feel treated, but not always cared for. Clinical procedures may be followed meticulously, but the warm human connection – that essential element of healing – can sometimes be lost. This gathering, therefore, calls us not only to improve systems but to renew the soul of healthcare. Every patient encounter must become a moment of compassion, dignity, and hope – not simply a transaction, but a touch of grace."

The Health Minister acknowledged the critical role of CHAG in implementing government health initiatives.

He also highlighted the government's ambitious goal of delivering free primary healthcare to all citizens through the MahamaCare initiative.

"Our shared mission takes on even greater significance as the government rolls out transformative health initiatives. The Free Primary Healthcare Policy represents a historic commitment to ensuring that no Ghanaian is denied essential care because of cost or geography. Similarly, MahamaCare – the Ghana Health Trust Fund – will provide sustainable financing to strengthen services and protect the vulnerable. CHAG’s leadership, especially in hard-to-reach communities, will be indispensable to their effective implementation."

Reflecting on his personal experiences, Mr. Akandoh praised CHAG facilities for their exemplary standards:

“As Ranking Member of Parliament’s Health Committee, I witnessed your exemplary stewardship – facilities that radiated serenity and order, modern equipment maintained with discipline, and students and educators who carried themselves with a deep sense of calling. Those visits affirmed that where resources are limited, values, faith, and commitment multiply impact.”

Looking ahead, the minister underscored the need to balance technological advancement with human compassion:

"Technology and innovation are reshaping global healthcare. Digital systems, telemedicine, and artificial intelligence offer immense promise – but they also demand ethical clarity and moral grounding. In that future, CHAG has a defining role. The nation looks to you not only to provide medical care but to preserve the soul of care – to ensure that in a world of advancing technology, the human touch, the compassion of Christ, and the dignity of every patient remain central."