GH¢22.8bn Health Budget to Boost Infrastructure, Workforce – Minister Mintah Akandoh
GH¢22.8 billion budget allocated to enhance healthcare infrastructure, expand services, and strengthen the workforce
- GH¢22.8bn health budget announced for 2026 to improve infrastructure, expand services, and strengthen the workforce
- 13,500 nurses and midwives recruited, with delayed salaries to be paid by year-end
- Focus on workforce welfare and training, including better compensation, emergency care programs, and engagement to reduce brain drain
The Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has announced a GH¢22.8 billion budget allocation for the 2026 fiscal year aimed at strengthening Ghana’s healthcare system.
Speaking at the 6th Annual National Dinner and Awards Night of the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA) in Accra on Saturday, December 13, 2025, Minister Akandoh said the funds would be used to:
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Improve healthcare infrastructure nationwide
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Expand services under the Free Primary Healthcare package
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Increase funding for the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS)
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Recruit additional health professionals and enhance workforce welfare
The Minister highlighted that part of the budget would focus on better compensation, allowances, and welfare support for healthcare workers. He emphasised ongoing engagement with nurses and midwives to improve working conditions, boost morale, and curb brain drain in the sector.
Minister Akandoh disclosed that 13,500 nurses and midwives had been recruited to strengthen frontline healthcare, and all personnel who experienced delays in salary payments would be settled by year-end. These efforts align with initiatives such as Free Primary Healthcare and Mahama Cares.
He praised nurses and midwives as the backbone of Ghana’s health system and congratulated award recipients for their dedication, compassion, and impact on health outcomes across the country.
Speaking at the event, the Okyenhene, Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori Panin, lauded healthcare professionals for their commitment, urging government investment in state-of-the-art facilities to make Ghana a healthcare hub.
The Director-General of Ghana Health Service, Dr Samuel Kaba Akoriyea, announced plans for nationwide training in emergency care and basic life support and encouraged improvements in customer care to strengthen public confidence.
The GRNMA President, Dr Perpetual Ofori-Ampofo, highlighted the importance of recognising healthcare workers, particularly those serving rural and underserved communities.
At the ceremony, Beatrice Sewor, Senior Nursing Officer at St Joseph Catholic Hospital, was named National Best Nurse/Midwife 2025, while Nana Gladys Kusi-Yeboah received the President’s Award for advancing maternal health policy. Several other nurses and midwives were honoured for their outstanding contributions to the health sector.
