The 250-bed facility, currently 25% complete, was suspended due to Ghana’s debt restructuring program. President Mahama described the project as a “national responsibility” inherited from the previous administration and pledged to see it through, along with other abandoned developments across the country.

The President made the announcement during a one-day working visit to the Western Region, which began in the Ahanta West Municipality. He noted that the hospital forms part of a broader plan to distribute healthcare facilities more equitably across the nation, reducing pressure on major hospitals.

According to him, engagements with the Official Creditor Committee have paved the way for the Finance Ministry to begin processing contractor certificates—an essential step toward resuming work on the project.

President Mahama later inspected the ongoing Effia Nkwanta Regional Hospital expansion in Takoradi, which is 45% complete and expected to be upgraded into a teaching hospital.

He reaffirmed his commitment to ending the cycle of project abandonment whenever power changes hands, stressing that continuity in governance is vital for national progress.

Western Regional Minister Joseph Nelson expressed optimism that completing these projects will significantly enhance healthcare delivery in the region.

The Health Facilities Regulatory Agency (HeFRA) has begun a major enforcement exercise across the Greater Accra Region, closing down several health facilities operating without valid licenses.

The operation, part of a broader nationwide inspection, has exposed worrying regulatory lapses in Ghana’s healthcare system. Some facilities were found to be functioning with licenses that expired as far back as 2015.

HeFRA officials, accompanied by police personnel, began the exercise with an unannounced visit to the Life Healthcare Centre inside the Accra Mall. Patients were receiving treatment when inspectors discovered that the facility’s license had expired ten years ago.

Although management claimed the renewal process was underway, officials were unconvinced and ordered the immediate closure of the centre. Another branch of the same company at Junction Mall, operating under a slightly altered name, was also locked down.

Under the Health Institutions and Facilities Act, “No person shall operate a facility unless the facility is licensed under this Act.” HeFRA officials emphasized that the law allows no exceptions.

The team proceeded to Med-line Medical Laboratories at Ashaley Botwe, where the license had expired in July 2024. More than a year later, the facility was still operating illegally. Police officers escorted staff out of the premises as management failed to respond to calls from inspectors.

At Covenant Clinic Limited in Madina, inspectors described the conditions as unsafe, citing peeling paint, leaking roofs, and an open washroom inside the ward. The clinic also had no valid license and was promptly shut down.

The Doku Addy Memorial Clinic was the next to fall under the hammer after officials confirmed it was operating without a permit.

HeFRA has vowed to sustain the clampdown, warning that all unlicensed health facilities nationwide will face similar sanctions.

The operation has reignited public concern about patient safety and regulatory oversight in Ghana’s healthcare sector, sparking questions about how many more such unregulated facilities continue to operate across the country.

source: myjoyonline

With a capacity to employ 120 workers, the hospital currently operates with just 45 nurses. This stark difference reveals how far the hospital is from achieving its full potential.

Dr. Zachariah Musah, the Medical Superintendent, recently informed Western Regional Minister Joseph Nelson about the difficulties they are encountering. He pointed out that two main issues are holding back the hospital’s progress: many nurses are hesitant to take jobs there, and there is a significant lack of housing for staff.

Dr. Musah emphasized that this situation is undermining the reason the hospital was built in the first place. “Due to the lack of skilled staff, some of our services remain closed,” he added.

In response, Minister Joseph Nelson urged the hospital’s management to shift their focus back to patient care. He proposed creating a special office dedicated to looking after the patients’ interests.

“While the government works on solving the staffing problems, we must prioritize making this valuable investment in healthcare truly beneficial for the community. The people of Elubo are relying on us,” he stated.

Swiss Bio Shield, a Switzerland-based specialist in hospital equipment and healthcare solutions, is in talks with the Ho Teaching Hospital (HTH) to form a strategic partnership aimed at transforming healthcare delivery in the West African sub-region.

According to Mr. Issaka Sidi, Chairman of Swiss Bio Shield, the collaboration would introduce multiple innovations at HTH, including:

• A modern production unit for zero-alcohol disinfectants

• A world-class showroom for hospital theatre devices

• Training opportunities for healthcare professionals

• State-of-the-art medical machinery to attract international clients

• Wellness tourism support with advanced hospital equipment

• New cancer and skin centres staffed by Swiss specialists

Why Ho Teaching Hospital?

Mr. Sidi explained that HTH was chosen because of its strategic location and growing reputation in medical tourism.

HTH Welcomes the Move

Dr. Hintermann K.K. Mbroh, CEO of Ho Teaching Hospital, described the potential partnership as a boost not only to the hospital’s capacity but also to the region’s economic growth.

“We are grateful to Swiss Bio Shield for choosing HTH. This aligns with our vision to become a centre of excellence in healthcare, education, and research,” he said.

Summary:
If finalised, the Ho Teaching Hospital partnership with Swiss Bio Shield could position the facility as a regional leader in advanced medical services, innovation, and health tourism.

source: myjoyonline

During a press briefing held on Thursday, June 26, 2025, the GRNMA revealed that the meeting originally slated for June 26 has been unilaterally postponed to July 10, 2025. According to correspondence from the Parliamentary Service, the delay was due to the unavailability of certain key stakeholders who are currently outside the country.

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Background of the Strike

The GRNMA initiated a series of protests starting June 2, 2025, culminating in a full withdrawal of nursing and midwifery services on June 9, 2025. The industrial action was later suspended on June 13, 2025, following the intervention of the Parliamentary Select Committee on Health and appeals from the general public and patients in critical care.

“Strike Was Suspended in Good Faith”

The Association emphasized that its decision to suspend the strike was made in good faith, with the expectation that Parliament would uphold its end of the bargain. However, the sudden rescheduling has cast doubt on the government’s commitment.

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“We expect nothing less than a reciprocity of good faith,” the Association said in a statement.

Describing the move as “in bad faith,” GRNMA expressed fears that the delay may derail the timely implementation of key items agreed upon during prior negotiations.

Key Implementation Deadlines

The GRNMA has outlined strict timelines for the full execution of their demands:

• Four key items must be fully implemented by July 2025 — a deadline the Association describes as non-negotiable.

• Remaining issues must be addressed by January 2026, with timelines clearly documented and signed during the rescheduled July 10 meeting to avoid any future ambiguity.

“These timelines are final. Any attempt to shift them again will be considered a breach of trust,” the statement noted.

Appreciation and Call to Action

The National Council of GRNMA expressed its gratitude to nurses and midwives across the country for their patience, unity, and professionalism throughout the crisis. They also extended appreciation to the Ghanaian media for keeping the public informed and holding stakeholders accountable.

“We urge our members to stay united and alert for further instructions from the National Council,” the statement concluded.