The Ghana Medical Association (GMA) is urging government and stakeholders to deepen public–private partnerships (PPPs) as a crucial pathway to achieving sustainable, efficient, and resilient healthcare delivery in the country.
The call was made at the 67th Annual General Conference of the GMA, held in Cape Coast from November 10–16, 2025, on the theme “Strengthening Public–Private Partnerships for Sustainable Healthcare Delivery.”
The week-long conference brought together health professionals, policymakers, and sector partners to deliberate on how PPPs can transform Ghana’s health system.
The conference featured scientific sessions that explored key areas such as capital investment, healthcare tourism, training, and quality of care within the PPP framework.
Chairman of the Organizing Committee, Dr. Emmanuel Owusu Ofori, expressed gratitude to members for selecting Cape Coast as the 2025 host city.
He noted that the city remains an important historic and cultural hub, adding that participants had enjoyed their stay and may consider the area for future GMA events.
Delivering an address at the conference, the Minister for Health, Mr. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, underscored the government’s commitment to expanding PPPs to enhance healthcare delivery.
He also announced plans to open selected uncompleted health facilities to private sector participation to improve access and efficiency.
The GMA raised concerns over recent challenges with the Lightwave Health Information Management System (LHIMS), noting disruptions in continuity of care and potential risks to data security.
It called for an expedited rollout of the updated Ghana Health Information Management System (GHIMS) to ensure improved technological integration across health facilities.
Delegates also condemned illegal small-scale mining (galamsey), describing it as a severe threat to public health and the environment. The association urged authorities to intensify efforts to curb the practice.
On labour-related matters, the GMA reiterated its call for the government to resolve all outstanding issues regarding the conditions of service for medical doctors and dentists.
Outgoing GMA President, Dr. Frank Serebour, reflected on the association’s achievements and ongoing challenges, highlighting concerns such as road traffic accidents and environmental degradation.
He emphasized the need for sustained collective action to address these national health threats.
Rector of the Ghana College of Physicians and Surgeons, Prof. Dr. Richard Adanu, encouraged members to remain focused, accountable, and committed to the demands of the medical profession.
The conference also marked the election of new leaders for the National Executive Committee, with Prof. Dr. (Med) Ernest Yorke elected as President and Dr. (Dent) Richard Selormey as General Secretary.
In a final communiqué, the GMA called for stronger governance and accountability structures for PPPs, swift implementation of GHIMS, and prompt resolution of doctors’ and dentists’ conditions of service.
The association also honoured distinguished members for their outstanding contributions to the medical profession and national healthcare.
Source:www.kumasimail.com
