By: Jennifer Nerkie Kenney
The Minister for Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has embarked on a working tour of key health facilities and traditional authorities in the Savannah Region, reaffirming the government’s commitment to expanding infrastructure, improving healthcare delivery, and addressing long-standing operational challenges in the sector.
During his tour, the Minister visited Damongo, the Regional Capital, where he inspected the Regional Hospital project site. He assured stakeholders that construction works will resume in early January, following the allocation of 50 acres of land by local traditional authorities for the project’s development.
“The government is fully committed to ensuring that construction resumes promptly to improve healthcare access for all residents,” a statement on the Ministry of Health page said.
He also paid a courtesy call on the Yagbonwura, who, in recognition of the Minister’s dedication to improving healthcare, conferred on him the honorary title of “Chief of Health.” He further visited the Damongo Nursing and Midwifery College, assuring newly admitted students that their training allowances will be paid by the end of the month.
“The training of our next generation of health professionals is a priority, and we commend the teaching and non-teaching staff for their steadfast commitment,” the post added.
At the Savannah Regional Coordinating Council, the Minister met with the Regional Minister, District Chief Executives, and departmental heads to discuss strategies for retaining medical officers posted to the region and strengthening healthcare delivery.
In Bole, Akandoh paid a courtesy call on the Bolewura, who reaffirmed the title bestowed on him by the Yagbonwura. At the palace, the Minister announced plans for the construction of a new District Hospital in Bole, scheduled to begin next year, with 20 acres of land pledged by the Chief.
“The new Bole District Hospital is a critical step towards improving healthcare delivery, and we are grateful for the support of the local authorities,” the Ministry statement said.
The Minister also visited the Bole Nursing and Midwifery College, assuring staff and students that officers from the Ghana Commercial Bank (GCB) will assist in opening bank accounts to facilitate smooth payment of student allowances. He toured the Bole Hospital and pledged support to address existing challenges while preparations for the new hospital continue.
Akandoh’s final stop was Salaga, where he inspected the stalled Salaga Hospital project, abandoned since 2017. He assured the people of Salaga that construction will be revived as part of the government’s commitment to completing all uncompleted health projects.
“We are determined to see that all stalled health projects in the region are completed to ensure residents have access to quality healthcare,” the Ministry post said.
While in Salaga, the Minister also joined the family of Calistus Mahama, Secretary to the President, at the funeral of his late mother, Madam Salomey Ama Mahama.
