The Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has disclosed that the Ministry has been allocated GH¢22.8 billion in the 2026 Budget to enhance healthcare delivery and strengthen the country’s health system.

According to him, the funding will be channelled into upgrading health infrastructure, expanding the Free Primary Healthcare programme, boosting allocations to the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), and recruiting more health professionals to meet growing demand.

Mr Akandoh said the budget also places strong emphasis on the welfare of healthcare workers, including improved salaries, allowances and broader support systems, as part of efforts to motivate staff and reduce the increasing loss of professionals to other countries.

He reaffirmed government’s commitment to sustained engagement with nurses and midwives, stressing that continuous dialogue is essential to improving working conditions, boosting morale and ensuring quality healthcare delivery nationwide.

The Minister made these remarks in a speech delivered on his behalf at the 6th Annual National Dinner and Awards Night of the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA), held in Accra on Saturday, December 13, 2025.

He praised nurses and midwives for their critical role in sustaining Ghana’s healthcare system, describing them as the backbone of service delivery.

Mr Akandoh revealed that 13,500 nurses and midwives have been recruited to reinforce the frontline workforce and assured that outstanding salary arrears for newly recruited staff would be cleared before the end of the year.

He explained that the recruitment drive aligns with broader government initiatives, including the Free Primary Healthcare policy and the Mahama Cares programme, aimed at improving access to quality health services across the country.

At the event, the Okyenhene, Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori Panin, also commended nurses and midwives for their dedication and compassion, urging them to continue serving as pillars of national development.

He called on government to invest in modern health facilities to position Ghana as a hub for healthcare services, noting that strong infrastructure must go hand in hand with committed professionals.