Accra, Ghana – The Ministry of Health today officially inaugurated the Governing Boards and Councils of six critical health institutions, signaling a significant move to bolster Ghana’s healthcare regulatory and operational frameworks. The ceremony, held at the Ministry of Health Auditorium, saw the formal appointment of new leadership for the National Blood Service, National Ambulance Service, Mental Health Authority, Ghana College of Pharmacists, Allied Health Professions Council, and the Traditional Medicine Practice Council.
Minister for Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, presided over the event, expressing confidence that the newly appointed chairpersons and members, selected for their extensive experience, would advance the mandates of their respective agencies. The appointed chairpersons include Dr. Emmanuel Maurice Ankrah for the National Blood Service Board, Dr. Dan Bazanndut for the Mental Health Authority Board, Prof. Francis Ackah Armah for the Ghana College of Pharmacists Council, Prof. Eric Kotei Addison for the Allied Health Professions Council, and Prof. Ato Duncan for the Traditional Medicine Practice Council.
In his keynote address, Minister Akandoh emphasized the urgent need for stronger oversight, enhanced professionalism, and improved inter-agency coordination within the health sector. He outlined key priorities for the new boards, including addressing Ghana’s annual blood supply deficit of 120,000 units, closing the treatment gap for over 2.3 million Ghanaians living with mental health conditions, regulating the traditional medicine sector which serves more than 60% of the population, and tackling the shortage of pharmacists and allied health professionals.
The Minister urged the newly inaugurated boards to spearhead transformative reforms, promote specialization, and elevate standards across the health sector. Chief Director of the Ministry, Mr. Desmond Boateng, welcomed the new members, calling for bold and visionary leadership to drive innovation and improve service delivery. He reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to providing necessary policy direction, coordination, and resources, encouraging the boards to prioritize data-driven decision-making and inter-agency synergy to uphold the health and dignity of every Ghanaian.
Ruth Abla ADJORLOLO
