Healing Ghana’s Healthcare System: Abena Osei Asare’s Plea

Healing Ghana’s Healthcare System: Abena Osei Asare’s Plea

Former Deputy Minister of Finance, Abena Osei Asare, is calling on the government to establish a dedicated fund for health infrastructure in Ghana, separate from the annual budget allocation to the Ministry of Health. She made this appeal after handing over a newly constructed apartment to doctors at the Akyem Enyiresi Government Hospital, emphasizing that the current budget allocation isn’t enough to address the country’s health infrastructure gap.

According to Abena Osei Asare, about 85% of the health budget goes to compensation, leaving limited room for infrastructure development. She’s proposing a model similar to the Big Push initiative for road infrastructure, which allowed for substantial investment outside the routine budget of the Roads Ministry.

President John Dramani Mahama has already announced plans to invest GH¢2 billion in healthcare infrastructure between 2025 and 2028, with an initial GH¢200 million allocation in the 2025 budget. This investment aims to accelerate the construction, expansion, and modernization of hospitals, clinics, and health centers nationwide.

The national health budget has seen a significant increase, rising from GH¢15.6 billion to GH¢17.8 billion in 2025, a 13.4% increase. President Mahama emphasizes that healthcare is a top priority for his government, and these investments are crucial for strengthening Ghana’s healthcare system.

Abena Osei Asare’s call for a dedicated health infrastructure fund has sparked debate, with some supporting her proposal as a necessary step to improve Ghana’s healthcare system. With the government already taking steps to address the issue, it’s clear that Ghana’s healthcare system is a priority, and stakeholders are working together to find solutions.