The Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the World Bank Group, has launched a landmark Regional Health, Nutrition and Population Strategy aimed at strengthening healthcare systems across West and Central Africa.
Unveiled under the theme “Fit to Prosper,” the initiative seeks to address pressing challenges such as infectious diseases, malnutrition, and the growing burden of non-communicable diseases, while positioning health as a driver of economic growth.
Speaking at the launch, President of the Republic of Ghana, His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, underscored the central role of health in Ghana’s economic transformation agenda. In remarks delivered on his behalf by Chief of Staff Hon. Julius Debrah, the President emphasized that investments in healthcare are not merely social spending but a foundation for productivity, innovation, and national prosperity.
Hon. Debrah highlighted reforms including the Free Primary Health Care Initiative and ongoing efforts to strengthen the National Health Insurance Scheme. He noted that these measures are designed to expand access, improve quality of care, and ensure sustainable healthcare financing.
Minister for Health Hon. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh called for urgent, coordinated regional action, stressing that health challenges are interconnected and demand collective solutions. “No country can achieve meaningful development without a strong and reliable health system,” he said, pointing to Ghana’s ongoing efforts to expand primary healthcare, reduce financial barriers, and strengthen infrastructure, workforce capacity, and disease prevention systems.
World Bank Division Director Robert R. Taliercio commended Ghana’s leadership, noting that the country’s progress in improving health outcomes demonstrates the impact of sustained investment and strong policy direction.
The one-day event brought together Ministers of Health from across West and Central Africa, senior government officials, representatives of the World Bank Group, development partners, health experts, academics, civil society organisations, and private sector stakeholders. Discussions focused on strategies to strengthen regional health systems and improve population wellbeing.
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