Akandoh Meets Stakeholders On Global Fund’s Grant Improvement

The Ministry of Health has convened a first-quarter review meeting to assess progress made under the Global Fund’s Grant (GC7) implementation and the Resilient and Sustainable Systems for Health (RSSH) initiative.

The meeting provided an opportunity for stakeholders to discuss ways to enhance accountability and efficiency in managing Global Fund resources within the healthcare system. Participants also addressed key challenges and explored strategies for improvement.

According to the Minister of Health, Hon. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, the GC7 grant has played a pivotal role in supporting Ghana’s response to HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria. He emphasized that the Global Fund remains a key partner in Ghana’s fight against these diseases while also contributing to the country’s broader health system resilience.

The Minister highlighted several challenges in implementing the GC7 grant, including delayed procurements and ineligible expenditures. He expressed concern over the slow absorption of funds, particularly under the RSSH initiative, and called for reprogramming measures to ensure the effective utilization of resources.

Hon. Akandoh reassured stakeholders of his commitment to optimizing resources and strengthening collaboration to sustain life-saving interventions.

Addressing stakeholders, the Chief Director of the Ministry, Alhaji Hafiz Adams, emphasized the need for greater accountability, efficiency, and alignment with national health priorities to maximize the impact of Global Fund resources. He acknowledged the challenges but reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to working collaboratively with partners to strengthen Ghana’s healthcare system.

Prof. Samuel Akoriyea Kaba, Director-General of the Ghana Health Service, also pledged to work closely with stakeholders to enhance the health system, ensure effective coordination, and maximize the impact of Global Fund support for the benefit of all Ghanaians.

Key stakeholders from various healthcare institutions including the Ghana Health Service, National Malaria Elimination Program, National AIDS Control Program, National TB Control Program, RSSH made presentations on Global Fund grants, highlighted achievements, and discussed ways to address persistent challenges.

The stakeholders called on the Ministry to develop more sustainable financing strategies to prevent future funding gaps and ensure the continued success of health initiatives.

Inauguration

In another development, the Ghana College of Nurses and Midwives (GCNM) has inaugurated its 3rd Rector and inducted a new group of specialist residents in a remarkable ceremony themed “Nursing and Midwifery Specialization: A Tool for Improved Quality Care.”

Speaking at the ceremony, the Minister for Health, Honorable Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, lauded the outgoing Rector for a decade of transformative leadership, which has strengthened professional development, research, and capacity building within the College.

Hon. Akandoh reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring healthcare excellence while pledging continued collaboration with the College to enhance training, research, and policy development.

He emphasized that the ongoing partnership would be a collective effort to ensure accessible, equitable, and high-quality healthcare for all Ghanaians.

The Minister assured the new Rector of his full support in advancing the institution’s vision of developing a highly skilled and resilient healthcare workforce. He also encouraged the newly inducted residents to uphold excellence in patient care and contribute meaningfully to Ghana’s healthcare system.

In a welcome address, Professor Mrs. Victoria Bam, Head of the Department of Public Health Nursing and Chairperson of the ceremony, noted that the event marked the beginning of a new chapter in the careers of the inductees, who have undergone rigorous training and preparation.

Mrs. Bam stated that the induction of the new members is expected to enhance the country’s healthcare delivery, as the inductees are now equipped with the knowledge, skills, and expertise necessary to contribute meaningfully to achieving global health goals and Ghana’s health sector objectives.

The newly inducted Rector of the College, Dr. Gloria Achempim-Ansong, expressed her profound gratitude and commitment to her new role. She outlined key pillars to achieve her vision, including ensuring excellence in training and education, strengthening partnerships with healthcare institutions, and promoting research and innovation, among others.

She also appealed to the Minister to support the College in acquiring a facility to enhance its operations.

Some key stakeholders who graced the occasion include Vice chancellor and Professor of Nursing at the University of Health and Allied Sciences Ho, Regional Representatives of the college, President and Vice President of Nursing, Directors of Academics, Faculty Chairs among others.