President John Dramani Mahama has promised to eradicate the long-standing “no bed syndrome” in Ghana’s hospitals, insisting that no patient should be turned away and that lifesaving treatment must be provided even under makeshift conditions.

The commitment was made during his 2026 State of the Nation Address (SONA) in Parliament on Friday, February 27.

“You don’t need to have a comfortable bed to save a patient,” President Mahama said.
“No patient must be turned away from any health facility they report to. Patients facing medical emergencies must be received and given help, even under makeshift conditions.”

The President said that the Ministry of Health is expected to issue formal guidelines to enforce the immediate reception and treatment of patients in all health facilities, effectively eliminating the unacceptable “no bed syndrome.”

“The Ministry of Health is expected to issue guidelines to eliminate the unacceptable ‘no bed syndrome,’” he emphasised.

While regulatory measures are being finalised, President Mahama announced several projects to expand healthcare infrastructure across the country.

Central to these efforts is the Ridge Hospital Phase Two Project, which will increase bed capacity at the Greater Accra Regional Hospital.

“In the meantime, government will expand capacity by implementing the Ridge Hospital Phase Two Project,” he added.

He further highlighted other ongoing and upcoming hospital projects:

• Completion of the Police Hospital.
• Completion of the La General Hospital.
• Completion of the Serwaa Regional Hospital in the Ashanti Region.
• Completion of the Afari Military Hospital.
• Completion of the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital Maternity and Children’s Block.

These interventions are expected to benefit millions of Ghanaians, particularly in Greater Accra and the Ashanti Region, by improving access to emergency care, strengthening maternal and child health services, and increasing overall hospital capacity.