Health Minister Akandoh Boosts Weija Children’s Hospital Staffing Amid Progress in NHIS Claims Payments and UHC Goals

Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh has announced a significant workforce expansion at the Weija Children’s Specialist Hospital, marking a pivotal step in the government's efforts to strengthen specialized pediatric care. This development comes as private healthcare providers commend the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) for clearing substantial arrears, and experts at the 6th Biennial Scientific Conference urge deeper cross-sector collaboration to achieve Universal Health Coverage (UHC). Together, these milestones reflect a multifaceted approach by the Mahama administration to improve healthcare delivery and financial sustainability within Ghana's medical landscape.

During a recent inspection of the 120-bed Weija facility, Minister Akandoh confirmed the deployment of 40 additional health professionals, including 10 doctors and 30 nurses and midwives. The hospital, which currently operates as a referral center providing outpatient and emergency services, is in the final stages of upgrading its capacity to offer full inpatient care. Akandoh expressed satisfaction with the installation of essential medical equipment and assured that outstanding administrative issues between the government and contractors are being resolved to ensure the facility reaches its full operational potential for the benefit of Ghanaian families.

Parallel to infrastructure improvements, the Private Health Facilities Association of Ghana (PHFAoG) has lauded the NHIA and the Ministry of Finance for marked improvements in the reimbursement of insurance claims. Under the leadership of NHIA CEO Dr. Victor Asare Bampoe and Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, the authority has distributed GH¢1.64 billion in claims payments throughout 2026. While the PHFAoG acknowledged that these payments have significantly eased the financial strain on private providers, they continue to advocate for more predictable funding cycles and the establishment of a formal claims adjudication committee to resolve disputes efficiently.

The broader vision for the sector was further articulated at the 6th Biennial Scientific Conference in Accra, where stakeholders emphasized that UHC cannot be achieved by the government alone. Dr. Koku Awoonor-Williams and other keynote speakers called for a "collective action" model involving universities, health institutions, and the private sector. Discussions centered on the need for sustainable funding, primary healthcare innovation, and social policies that protect underserved communities. Illustrating the role of corporate partnership, Samir Sadaoui of Promasidor Ghana shared details of initiatives aimed at supporting vulnerable patients requiring specialized heart surgeries.

These concurrent developments—ranging from frontline staffing at specialized hospitals to systemic improvements in health financing—underscore the complex requirements of a robust national health system. As the government continues to address the dual challenges of infrastructure maintenance and financial liquidity, the call for integrated research and public-private partnerships remains central. The focus now shifts toward ensuring that these financial and personnel investments translate into tangible health outcomes and equitable access for all citizens across the country.