Accra, Ghana – The Deputy Minister for the Interior, Hon. Ebenezer Okletey Terlabi, has highlighted the critical link between health security and national security. He emphasized that a robust healthcare system, fostered through stronger public-private partnerships (PPPs), is essential for Ghana's overall stability and progress.
Speaking at the 67th Annual General Conference of the Ghana Medical Association (GMA), Hon. Terlabi stated that a healthy population directly translates to a productive workforce and a more secure nation. He argued that the strength of Ghana's borders, the maintenance of peace within communities, and the resilience of national institutions are all fundamentally dependent on the health and well-being of its citizens.
The conference, themed “Strengthening Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) for Sustainable Healthcare Delivery,” served as a platform for healthcare professionals, policymakers, and key stakeholders to explore innovative strategies for enhancing Ghana's healthcare infrastructure and service delivery. The focus was on how PPPs can be leveraged to address existing challenges and ensure sustainable improvements.
Hon. Terlabi underscored the importance of viewing PPPs as a strategic imperative rather than merely a collaborative arrangement. He urged the GMA to take a leading role in shaping PPP policies, particularly in prioritizing healthcare access for rural and peri-urban communities, which often face significant disparities in healthcare provision.
The Minister for Health, Hon. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, echoed these sentiments, reaffirming the government's commitment to deepening collaboration with the private sector to improve healthcare delivery across the country. He also announced forthcoming government initiatives to decentralize the recruitment of doctors and streamline processes within the healthcare system to eliminate bottlenecks and improve efficiency.
These announcements signal a renewed focus on strengthening Ghana's healthcare system as a vital component of national security, with PPPs playing a crucial role in achieving sustainable and equitable healthcare delivery.