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Kwabena Mintah Akandoh links primary healthcare success to skilled workers

Ghana’s Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has asserted that the successful implementation of the government’s Free Primary Healthcare initiative depends heavily on the availability of a highly skilled and qualified workforce. Speaking at the fourth Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Health Sector Occupational Pension Scheme, the Minister highlighted that while infrastructure and policy frameworks are important, the human resource element remains the primary driver for improving access and service delivery across the country's health facilities. Mr. Akandoh explained that the integration of skilled professionals is not only vital for free primary care but also for the continuous enhancement of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS). He noted that while the nation has made significant strides in the training of various cadres of health personnel, the sector faces a persistent challenge in bridging the gap between training and employment. The Minister emphasized that ensuring every health professional is well-trained and appropriately deployed is essential to meet the evolving health needs of the Ghanaian population. Beyond workforce development, the Minister addressed the financial well-being of healthcare professionals as a factor in sector stability. He underscored the importance of effective governance within the health sector's pension scheme, stating that robust management of these funds is necessary to provide healthcare workers with the financial security they deserve upon retirement. He urged health professionals to take a proactive interest in their pension arrangements, ensuring they are fully engaged with the mechanisms in place to safeguard their future livelihoods. The call for a more proficient workforce comes as the government seeks to deepen universal health coverage through expanded primary services. By aligning professional training with employment opportunities and securing the financial futures of staff, the Ministry of Health aims to create a more resilient and motivated health sector. The Minister concluded by reiterating that a motivated and expert workforce is the backbone of any sustainable healthcare reform in Ghana.