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Health Minister introduces GHIMS to replace LHIMS and protect national health data
The Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has announced the introduction of a new digital health platform, the Ghana Health Information Management System (GHIMS), to replace the suspended Lightwave Health Information Management System (LHIMS).
He explained that the move marks the end of manual medical record-keeping in Ghana’s health facilities.
GHIMS, he said, is a fully state-owned and managed system designed to improve the security and accessibility of health information across the country.
Speaking at a media engagement at the Jubilee house, the Minister revealed that the decision followed forensic and technical audits that uncovered serious problems with the previous LHIMS project.
According to him, the $100 million LHIMS contract, awarded in 2019 to connect 950 health facilities, was expected to be completed by 2022. However, after two extensions, the contractor still failed to meet key targets.
“By the time the contract expired in December 2024, only 450 facilities had been connected less than half of the original target even though over $77 million had already been paid, representing more than 70 percent of the total cost,” he revealed.
“The audit also found shortages and poor-quality equipment, with an estimated $29 million worth of supplies either missing or below standard,” he added.
The Minister described the contractor’s refusal to hand over administrative access and Ghana’s health data as “pure blackmail,” saying it caused repeated service disruptions and data losses.
To fix these challenges, he noted that the Ministry has now developed GHIMS, a new national digital health system built entirely by the government.
The system he noted includes a National Health Information Exchange, a secure platform that allows different health service providers to connect under government regulation, preventing any single company from controlling national health data.
GHIMS he underscored also links directly with the National Health Insurance Authority database, making it possible for patients to access their medical records anywhere in the country.
“This means that a patient registered in Tamale can receive treatment in Accra without having to re-register,” he indicated.
Mr. Akandoh announced that GHIMS will be rolled out in phases over four weeks, starting with teaching and regional hospitals, followed by district hospitals, polyclinics, health centers, and CHPS compounds.
He added that the audit findings have been forwarded to the Attorney-General and other state security agencies for further investigation and appropriate action.
By: Jacob Aggrey
The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS), Hohoe Municipality Command, has conducted fire safety inspections and public education at selected fuel filling stations within the municipality.
The exercise, held from July 3, 2026 to July 5, 2025 was led by the Municipal Commander, DO III Bismark Hosu-Porbley.
During the inspection, the team assessed the fire safety preparedness of the facilities. Staff were also educated on fire prevention, emergency response procedures, and the proper use of firefighting equipment.
Management of the affected fuel stations expressed appreciation for the exercise and pledged to comply with the recommended safety measures.
The GNFS said the exercise reaffirms its commitment to continuous fire safety awareness and risk reduction to safeguard lives and property.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
Massive celebrations were recorded countrywide as the Black Stars opened their 2026 World Cup campaign with a 1-0 victory over Panama in Toronto on Wednesday.
Midfielder Caleb Yirenkyi scored the only goal of the match late in the game as he shot in a decent cross from substitute Brandon Asante.
The win gave Ghana a positive start in the competition, placing them in second position behind England, also with three points but with a superior goal aggregate.
After the final whistle, the streets and other viewing centres were turned into partying grounds as fans, mostly clad in the team’s paraphernalia, danced to several World Cup-themed music.
Others blew the vuvuzelas in joyous mood with others putting up a spirited ‘jama’ session.
