The Seventh Day Adventist (SDA) Church has offered to partner the government to complete selected Agenda 111 health projects across Ghana, as pressure mounts to get stalled facilities operational.
The proposal was presented by the leadership of the Ghana Adventist Health Services during a meeting with Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh.
The delegation, led by Dr James Antwi, outlined areas where the SDA Church could support healthcare delivery, particularly in underserved communities.
SDA identifies four areas
The church's proposal focuses on trauma care, holistic wellness, oncology and cancer treatment, as well as rehabilitation and other health services.
The initiative is intended to position SDA health institutions as strategic partners in completing and strengthening facilities under Agenda 111.
Mr Akandoh welcomed the proposal and said government needed support from faith based organisations and private sector players to meet the country's growing healthcare demands.
“Government alone cannot meet the growing demands of the health sector,” the Minister said, urging institutions such as the Christian Health Association of Ghana (CHAG) and private investors to identify specific Agenda 111 projects they are prepared to support.
He said such partnerships would not require partners to make financial contributions directly to government. Instead, support would go towards completing and operationalising the selected projects.
Six regional hospitals planned
The Minister also disclosed plans to construct six regional hospitals in Ghana's newly created regions.
According to him, funding has been provided for three of the six hospitals to be constructed this year, with the remaining three expected to be built in 2027.
Mr Akandoh further stressed the need for doctors to accept postings to designated areas to improve access to healthcare beyond the major urban centres.
Government expands specialised care
The Health Minister said government is also constructing two cardiology centres, one in Tamale and another at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, to expand access to specialised cardiac services.
At the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, he said a cardiac catheterisation laboratory has already been installed and commissioned by President John Dramani Mahama.
The government has also introduced the Free Primary Healthcare initiative, uncapped the National Health Insurance Scheme and established the Ghana Medical Care Trust Fund.
The measures form part of efforts to accelerate Ghana's progress towards Universal Health Coverage by 2030.
For the SDA Church, the proposed Agenda 111 partnership marks a push to extend its long standing healthcare role into some of the country's most underserved areas.
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