The Wa Municipal Health Directorate says government funding alone cannot address the challenges facing health facilities in the municipality and is calling for stronger local partnerships built on transparency and accountability.

Speaking on behalf of the Municipal Director of Health Services, Dr Alex Bapulah, the Municipal Disease Control Officer, Emmanuel Ormuorh, said the increasing demand for quality healthcare continues to outpace available resources.

He was speaking at the 2026 Half-Year Performance Review Conference in Wa, held under the theme: "Mobilisation of Local Resources Through Stakeholder Engagements."

Mr Ormuorh told stakeholders that achieving Universal Health Coverage would require more than the efforts of the Ghana Health Service.

"Health service is a shared responsibility. The Ghana Health Service cannot achieve Universal Health Coverage alone. Sustainable improvements in healthcare require strong partnerships with Municipal Assemblies, traditional authorities, development partners, corporate organisations, faith-based organisations, educational institutions, community leaders, and the general public," he said.

He noted that in the first half of 2026, the directorate worked closely with stakeholders on public health interventions, disease surveillance, maternal and child health services, immunisation, health promotion, and emergency preparedness.

Despite the collaborations, Mr Ormuorh acknowledged that many health facilities still face major challenges.

"However, we acknowledge that many health facilities still face challenges, including inadequate infrastructure, limited logistics, transportation constraints, staff accommodation issues, and increasing operational costs. These challenges cannot be addressed through IGF funding alone," he said.

With the conference focused on mobilising local resources, Mr Ormuorh urged health managers to demonstrate openness and accountability to attract support from partners.

"As health managers, we must strengthen our relationships with local authorities, businesses, philanthropists, civil society organisations, and our communities.

"We must continuously demonstrate transparency, accountability, and measurable impact to build confidence among our partners," he stated.

He encouraged every health facility and programme manager to develop innovative stakeholder engagement plans to identify potential partners.

"Today's presentations and discussions should be open, honest, evidence-based, and solution-oriented. Let us critically examine our indicators, learn from our successes, and address the gaps that remain," he added.

Mr Ormuorh also commended health workers for their dedication, professionalism, and resilience despite numerous challenges.

He thanked the Regional Health Directorate, the Municipal Assembly, traditional leaders, NGOs, and other partners for their continued support.

The occasion was also used to recognise and honour one staff member for demonstrating outstanding patient care, two staff members who had been transferred, and two retirees who had served the Ghana Health Service and the Wa Municipal Health Directorate for more than 30 years.