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President Akufo-Addo champions “Wealth Through Health” strategy for Ghana’s development at Indonesia-Africa Forum
At the Indonesia-Africa Forum held on September 2, 2024, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo of Ghana delivered a message on the importance of health as a cornerstone of economic development.
Speaking under the theme “Wealth through Health: Ghana’s Progressive Journey to Development and Prosperity,” President Akufo-Addo outlined how Ghana’s focus on health reforms has been integral to the nation’s broader strategy for sustainable growth.
President Akufo-Addo began by emphasizing that the wealth of a nation is fundamentally tied to the health of its people.
“A healthy population is not just a moral imperative; it is an economic necessity,” he asserted.
The President elaborated on how investing in health drives productivity, innovation, and economic stability, laying a strong foundation for sustainable development.
Highlighting Ghana’s health journey since independence in 1957, President Akufo-Addo shared the country’s achievements in expanding healthcare access and improving public health outcomes.
He said a key milestone in this journey was the establishment of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) in 2003, which currently covers over 56% of Ghana’s population.
This he said, makes it one of Africa’s most successful health insurance programmes, ensuring that all citizens, regardless of socio-economic status, have access to quality healthcare.
President Akufo-Addo also spoke about the significant reductions in maternal and child mortality rates, achieved through targeted health policies and the decentralization of healthcare services.
“We have reduced maternal mortality from 580 per 100,000 live births in 1990 to 310 per 100,000 live births in 2023. Likewise, under-five mortality has dropped from 127 per 1,000 live births in 1990 to 41 per 1,000 live births in 2023,” he noted.
These improvements reflect Ghana’s commitment to enhancing health outcomes, particularly in underserved rural areas, according to President Akufo-Addo.
Central to the President’s address was the “Agenda 111” initiative, launched during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021.
” This ambitious project aims to construct 111 hospitals across Ghana, ensuring that every district is equipped with modern healthcare facilities. “Agenda 111 is about more than just infrastructure; it is about making healthcare more accessible and equitable for all Ghanaians,” President Akufo-Addo explained.
He added that this initiative underscores the government’s dedication to strengthening the nation’s healthcare system as a driver of development.
The President further highlighted Ghana’s efforts to attract private sector investments and international partnerships in healthcare.
With a stable political environment and robust legal framework, Ghana is positioning itself as a favorable destination for health-related investments. Additionally, the integration of renewable energy into healthcare infrastructure, such as the solar energy initiative for hospitals, aligns with Ghana’s commitment to sustainability and provides reliable electricity, particularly in rural areas.
However, President Akufo-Addo acknowledged the challenges that remain, such as the rising burden of non-communicable diseases, the effects of climate change on health, and the need to build resilience against future pandemics.
“We remain committed to overcoming these challenges through continuous innovation, investment, and collaboration with our partners,” he assured.
In his concluding remarks, President Akufo-Addo called on African nations to embrace the principle of “wealth through health” as a sustainable development strategy.
“Let us learn from each other, share our experiences, and build stronger partnerships to ensure a healthier, wealthier, and more prosperous future for our peoples,” he urged.
President Akufo-Addo’s address at the Indonesia-Africa Forum underscores Ghana’s commitment to health as a vital component of economic prosperity.
Through strategic investments in healthcare, infrastructure, and human resources, Ghana continues to demonstrate that a healthy population is key to achieving long-term sustainable development and shared prosperity across the continent.
The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) today commenced its second Zonal Public Hearing in Kumasi Ashanti Region to examine the 2024 Auditor-General’s Report on public schools and District Assemblies yesterday, April 20, 2026.
In her opening remarks, the Chairperson of the Committee, Abena Osei Asare noted that the Committee will consider four (4) Auditor – General’s reports, namely, District Assembly Common Fund (DACF) & Other Statutory Funds, The Accounts of District Assemblies for the Financial Year (IGF), Pre-University Education Institutions and lastly Colleges of Education in the year ending 31st December 2024.
She assured the various District Assemblies and other institutions invited to respond to infractions cited in the Auditor-General’s report that the Committee would be transparent in asking questions as well as granting opportunities to all to explain issues to the Committee.
Abena Osei Asare, allowed the Ranking Member of the Committee, Samuel Atta Mills to chair the sitting with the explanation that her government was in power then, therefore she could not chair over Auditor-General reports of 2024.
The Ghana Audit Service has issued a correction to its Auditor General’s report on the nationwide payroll audit, clarifying that a GH¢427,995,661.40 figure wrongly attributed to a public servant was due to a transpositional error.
In a press release dated April 21, 2026, the Service explained that the amount earlier linked to Frank Oliver Kpodo does not belong to him.
It stated that the figure rather relates to unaccounted staff under the Ministry of Education during the payroll audit covering the period from January 1, 2023 to June 30, 2025.
The Service expressed concern over media reports that cited Mr Kpodo as having received the amount as unearned salary, stressing that the attribution was an error.
It offered an unreserved apology to Mr Kpodo for the distress and public scrutiny the mistake may have caused.
The Service also apologised to the Government, the people of Ghana, and the Controller and Accountant General’s Department for the error.
According to the corrected report, the GH¢427.9 million is linked to 3,476 unaccounted staff under the Ministry of Education, making it the highest figure recorded in the audit.
The nationwide payroll audit covered 6,270 records across several public institutions, with a total salary value of GH¢801,808,427.04.
Other institutions captured in the report include the Judicial Service of Ghana, the Electoral Commission of Ghana, and the Ministry of Health, among others.
The Audit Service noted that the corrected summary has been provided to ensure accuracy and maintain public trust in its work.
It reaffirmed its commitment to accountability and transparency in the management of public funds.
By: Jacob Aggrey
