A few moments ago at the #WorldHealthSummit in Berlin, I addressed global health leaders at a #UNFPA event highlighting Ghana’s progress in maternal healthcare and our commitment to saving more mothers’ lives. Nearly nine out of ten women in Ghana deliver in health facilities. Under President John Mahama, NHIS active membership has also risen to 70% as of August 2026, while GH¢1.5 billion has been allocated to #FreePrimaryHealthcare this year to improve access to essential services. Through the Presidential Initiative on Maternal Health Emergency Response (PRIMER), we are targeting a 20% annual reduction in maternal deaths. Despite this progress, maternal deaths remain a serious concern. We are strengthening emergency referrals, improving access to blood and essential medicines, and prioritising facilities with the greatest burden of maternal deaths.

Today, I engaged the media and key stakeholders on the progress and priorities of Ghana’s health sector, sharing where we are, what has been achieved and the work ahead. NHIS active membership has risen from 56.3% in 2024 to 70% as of August 2026, with GH¢2.1 billion in claims paid from January and September 2026. Free Primary Healthcare is now being delivered across 135 districts, while 24,534 pieces of equipment have been procured to retool health facilities. Alongside these, we are advancing three regional hospital projects, six post-basic specialist nursing programmes with more than 600 students, and the electronic bed management system, all part of our collective effort towards achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) for all.