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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.
FOR patrons at a special thanksgiving concert held in honour of parishioners, benefactors and friends at the St. Monica Catholic Rectory at Fan Milk, Accra, Rev. Fr Bonaventure Kweku Quaidoo will continue to be seen as a man of many parts.
Usually seen dressed resplendently in his cassock, Rev. Fr. Bonaventure is known by the faithful as a preacher of the word despite his background in music.
But on this auspicious occasion, the Rector, Rev. Fr Bonaventure Kweku Quaidoo, assumed the role of a conductor of the Central Ceremonial Band of the Ghana Police Service.
In front of the band wielding the conductor’s baton, Rev. Fr Bonaventure conducted the band as they gave a rendition of some of the spiritual hymns of the faithful, thrilling the audience in the event under the theme “An Evening of the Performing Arts in Thanksgiving to Beloved Parishioners, Benefactors and Friends.”
It was attended by the clergy, parishioners and invited guests for an evening that blended sacred reflection with artistic performance.
The Chaplain-General of the Ghana Police Service, DCOP Very Rev. Fr George Arthur, opened the programme with prayer, while the closing benediction was given by Very Rev. Fr. Isaac Ebo Blay, National Director of the Pontifical Mission Society.
A highlight of the evening was a classical performance by Dr Kyoung Ok Kim of the University of Ghana’s School of Performing Arts, who reinterpreted Ghanaian melodies to the delight of the audience.
Ordained in 1990, Rev. Fr Quaidoo is a trained musician and former member of the National Symphony Orchestra. Over the past 35 years, he has served in the dioceses of Tamale, Damongo and Accra, integrating music into his pastoral ministry.
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THE 41st Farmers’ Day was held last Friday in the Volta Region, honouring outstanding farmers that contributed immensely in the sustenance of the country’s food basket.
This year’s celebration was themed “Feed Ghana, Eat Ghana, Secure the Future”, reflecting the government’s emphasis on strengthening food systems, promoting local consumption, and building long-term resilience in the agricultural sector.
It was attended by the President, John Dramani Mahama, Minister of Agriculture, Mr Ernest Opoku, Regional Ministers and Paramount Chief of Asogli State, Togbe Afede XIV.
The week-long observance began on December 1, at the Ho Sports Stadium with the official opening of the 2025 National Agricultural Fair.
An 82 year-old farmer, Mr Opanin Abraham Kwaku Adusei from Kwawu Odumase in the Afram Plains District of the Eastern Region, was adjudged the 2025 National Best Farmer.
President Mahama commended the farmers for their dedication and pivotal role in advancing the country’s agricultural sector.
The Minister of Agriculture, Mr Eric Opoku, also attributed the current food glut to innovation and resilience of farmers.
Established in 1985, Farmers’ Day has grown into one of Ghana’s most significant national events—celebrating the enduring contributions of farmers and fishers to the nation’s development and economic stability.
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