SONA 2026: Ghana’s health sector gets boost as Mahama addresses key challenges

The government of Ghana has announced a series of measures aimed at strengthening the country’s health sector, highlighting major investments, infrastructure expansion, and improved healthcare delivery during President John Dramani Mahama’s 2026 State of the Nation Address.

The President’s remarks focused on ensuring access to quality healthcare for all Ghanaians while addressing long-standing challenges such as the “no-bed syndrome,” uneven distribution of health workers, and delayed salary payments.

President Mahama revealed that direct government funding for health has risen significantly, stating, “In 2026, direct government funding for health will account for about 72% of our total health spending, up from 56.8% in 2023.”

emphasized that this increase reflects the government’s commitment to sustainable and locally driven health financing.

On healthcare access, the President pledged to fully roll out free primary healthcare this year, removing cost barriers at the basic level and strengthening prevention, screening, and health promotion.

“This year, the government will fully roll out a free primary healthcare programme, removing all cost barriers at the primary level where it is mostly needed, while strengthening prevention, screening, and health promotion, especially for non‑communicable diseases,” he said.

Addressing the long-standing “no-bed syndrome,” Mahama stressed that patients should never be turned away due to inadequate infrastructure.

“You don’t need to have a comfortable bed to save a patient. No patient must be turned away from any health facility to which they report. Patients facing medical emergencies must be received and given help, even under makeshift conditions,” he warned.

The President also announced plans to expand hospital capacity, including the Ridge Hospital Phase Two Project, the Police Hospital, La General Hospital, Serwaa Regional Hospital, Afari Military Hospital, and new maternity and children’s blocks at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital. These initiatives aim to address capacity challenges and improve emergency and specialized care across the country.

Recognizing the importance of equitable healthcare delivery, Mahama appealed to health workers to accept postings to underserved areas. He reinforced the government’s commitment to supporting health worker welfare, noting that salary and allowance arrears, especially for nurses and midwives, will be addressed.

“Government remains committed to the welfare and motivation of all health workers across the country,” he assured.

With these measures, the President said, the administration seeks to strengthen the rule of law and institutional capacity in health, ensuring that every Ghanaian has access to timely and quality care. By addressing infrastructure, funding, workforce distribution, and emergency care practices, the government aims to build a more resilient and inclusive health sector.

By Bawa Musah

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