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Ministry of Health hosts forum to drive Universal Coverage
The Ministry of Health (MoH) is taking significant steps towards achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) through a three-day forum focused on strengthening community health systems.
This initiative aims to improve health outcomes by enhancing the Community-based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) program, which has been the foundation of Ghana’s primary care system for over two decades.
Held under the theme; “Achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) through Strengthened Community Health Systems for Better Health Outcomes,” the forum commenced with an opening ceremony that brought together key stakeholders from across the health sector.
The discussions at the opening session centred on reflecting on the current state of Ghana’s community health system, identifying existing gaps, sharing best practices, and agreeing on practical next steps to ensure the system reaches its full potential.
In his address at the opening, the Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, emphasised the importance of collaboration, innovation, and dialogue in the collective effort towards Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
He noted that throughout the forum’s duration, participants would engage in insightful discussions, foster partnerships, and explore new approaches to strengthening community health systems as a cornerstone of Universal Health Coverage.
The Minister also acknowledged the persistent challenges that continue to hinder healthcare accessibility, including limited financial access, gaps in service readiness, and inadequate infrastructure.
He underscored the urgent need to address these barriers through strategic investments, targeted policy reforms, and strengthened stakeholder collaboration, the very objective of the forum. “That is the only way to build a resilient, inclusive, and sustainable health system for all,” he added.
Also speaking at the event, the Director General and Head of the Division of Community Health Systems and Health Promotion at Africa CDC highlighted the vital role of community health in advancing UHC across the continent.
He remarked, “Community health is not merely a sector it is the heartbeat of our health systems. It connects our citizens to essential services, empowers individuals and families to take charge of their health, and drives progress towards universal health coverage.”
This forum signals a renewed commitment by the MOH and its partners to prioritize community-level healthcare as the foundation for achieving accessible, affordable, and equitable services for all Ghanaians.
As the deliberations continue over the three days, it is expected that the forum will shape actionable strategies and reinforce the country’s determination to deliver health for all, ensuring that no one is left behind.
A 30-year-old man has been sentenced to 25 years imprisonment with hard labour by the Bekwai Circuit Court for his role in a 2022 robbery at a mining site at Manso Akwasiso in the Ashanti South Region.
The convict, Dominic Ofori, also known as Fanta, was arrested on 16th February 2026 after years on the run. He pleaded guilty before the Bekwai Circuit Court to robbery contrary to Section 149 of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 Act 29, and was accordingly sentenced to 25 years imprisonment with hard labour.
On March 20, 2022, the Manso Adubia District Police received intelligence that a group of armed men from Manso Abodom were planning to attack a mining site at Manso Akwasiso to rob the owner of gold concentrate. Acting on the information, police mounted a coordinated operation and laid an ambush at the site.
At about 5:30 pm the same day, four-armed men arrived at the site, fired indiscriminately, and robbed the miners of their gold concentrate. The police team on surveillance intervened, resulting in an exchange of gunfire.
Three of the suspects, Abu Abubakar, Musah Latif, and Gideon Takyi, sustained gunshot wounds and were pronounced dead on arrival at St Martins Catholic Hospital at Agroyesum. Dominic Ofori escaped at the time but was later arrested and put before the court.
The Ashanti South Regional Police Command has assured the public of its continued commitment to combating violent crimes and bringing offenders to justice.
The Ashanti Regional Police Command has arrested 45-year-old Isaac Boafo, also known as “Duabo King,” for allegedly publishing false news intended to cause fear and panic.
Police said the arrest follows a viral TikTok video in which Boafo claimed that four officers at the Central Police Station in Kumasi engaged in inappropriate conduct with commercial sex workers during night patrols in Asafo.
Officers from the Police Intelligence Directorate (Ashanti Region) apprehended Boafo after receiving intelligence about the video.
During questioning, he admitted to creating the video to attract views and engagement online, and acknowledged that he could not prove the allegations.
Boafo also admitted making comments about the President of the Republic for content purposes and could not defend those statements.
He has been formally charged and is in detention as investigations continue.
The Ashanti Regional Police have warned the public against publishing or sharing false information on social media, noting that such acts can cause fear, panic, and damage reputations.
They said anyone found engaging in similar conduct will face legal action.
By: Jacob Aggrey
