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Dr Okoe Boye defends Lightwave, calls for fair resolution of e-health dispute
Former Minister of Health, Dr Bernard Okoe Boye, has dismissed recent claims made against Lightwave e-Healthcare Solutions, the company that implemented Ghana’s National e-Health Project, describing the ongoing controversy as an attempt to “give a dog a bad name to hang it.”
In a statement titled “The LHIMS Controversy: A Case of Giving the Dog a Bad Name to Hang It,” Dr Okoe Boye outlined the background of the project and challenged what he described as misinformation surrounding its implementation and management.
He explained that the National e-Health Project began in 2016 to digitize and network all government health facilities. The initiative, which started with 25 facilities in the Central Region, was expanded after a successful pilot.
“Following approvals from the Public Procurement Authority and the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Health signed a US$100 million contract in March 2019 with Lightwave e-Healthcare Solutions for a nationwide rollout” he revealed.
According to Dr Okoe Boye, Lightwave has so far digitized more than 450 health facilities, including four teaching hospitals, six regional hospitals, and over 240 district hospitals. More than 150,000 health workers have been trained under the project.
He noted that implementation delays were caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, supply-chain challenges, and difficulties in compliance by some facilities. Payments so far total US$76.99 million, with about US$23 million outstanding.
The former minister disputed several claims made by the current Minister of Health, including suggestions that Lightwave is a foreign company and that Ghana’s health data is stored outside the country.
“Lightwave is a wholly Ghanaian-owned company, and all patient data is stored locally in servers managed by the Ministry of Health,” he stated.
Dr Okoe Boye questioned the government’s decision to engage a new company, the Ghana Health Information Management System (GHIMS), to replace Lightwave.
He argued that GHIMS is not a state-owned entity and has digitized fewer than five facilities, compared to the extensive work already completed by Lightwave.
He warned that replacing Lightwave could lead to data loss, financial waste, and disruption of health services for millions of Ghanaians.
“The logical approach would be to allow any new vendor to continue from where Lightwave left off, not to redo completed work,” he advised.
Dr Okoe Boye called on the Chief of Staff to intervene and mediate between the Ministry of Health and Lightwave e-Healthcare Solutions to ensure a fair and transparent resolution that safeguards Ghana’s investment and protects national health data.
By: Jacob Aggrey
TODAY is Valentine’s Day, and red is the colour of the day. Red is considered a powerful colour, symbolising strength, courage, and passion.
Celebrities continue to slay in their red outfits, setting trends whenever they step out. From bold gowns to chic casual wear, red remains the ultimate statement for Valentine’s Day.
Some standout designs include:
- Berla Mundi – Stunning in a floor-length red dress paired with matching heels, radiating elegance and confidence.
- Celebrity street style – Casual yet eye-catching red ensembles, perfect for Valentine’s Day outings or social events.
- Accessory highlights – Red bags, shoes, and hats add a pop of power to otherwise simple outfits.
Whether for a romantic date or a fun celebration with friends, red ensures you are seen and remembered. On this Valentine’s Day, embrace the colour of love, courage, and energy—it’s your time to shine.
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TO promote Ghana’s cultural heritage, the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts has announced that government is encouraging Ghanaians to dedicate every Wednesday to the wearing of Fugu, also known as Batakari or smock, as part of efforts to promote the country’s cultural heritage.
In a correspondence dated February 10, 2026, the ministry explained that the initiative forms part of government’s broader commitment to preserve, promote and celebrate Ghana’s rich cultural identity.
It called on all Ghanaians, as well as friends of Ghana both at home and abroad, to take part by wearing fugu in its various designs and styles, together with its traditional accessories.
According to the ministry, the move is aimed at deepening national cultural awareness and strengthening the country’s sense of identity, while projecting Ghana’s heritage to the international community with pride.
The ministry further noted that the initiative is expected to bring social and economic benefits to the country.
It explained that increased use of fugu would support local weavers, designers, artisans and traders involved in the production and sale of the attire, while also creating more business and employment opportunities across the value chain.
Government believes that the nationwide embrace of fugu will help strengthen national unity, boost the creative economy and serve as a strong symbol of Ghana’s cultural confidence and self expression.
The correspondence was signed by the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Abla Dzifa Gomashie, who reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to policies that promote Ghanaian culture and creative industries.
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