The government has announced a major push to expand and upgrade Ghana’s health infrastructure, with construction of three new regional hospitals set to begin in 2026.

The facilities — earmarked for the Savannah, Oti, and Western North regions — are part of a broader commitment to close gaps in regional healthcare delivery and ensure equitable access to quality medical services nationwide.

The initiative was highlighted by the Minister for Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, during the Government Accountability Series at the Presidency. He revealed that GH¢600 million had been allocated in the 2026 national budget to kick-start the first phase of construction.

According to the minister, six of Ghana’s 16 regions had operated for years without regional hospitals, a situation the government is determined to correct as part of President John Dramani Mahama’s health sector transformation agenda.

“We are going to begin the construction of three new regional hospitals — Savannah, Oti and Western North — because no region should be left without a standard referral facility,” he said.

Government to Complete All Unfinished Health Projects

Beyond the new hospital projects, the minister reaffirmed government’s commitment to completing all uncompleted health facilities across the country. He stressed that abandoned projects — often left unattended due to political transitions or stalled funding — would not be ignored under the current administration.

“No uncompleted health facility will be abandoned,” he assured. “We will continue the La General Hospital, Komfo Anokye Maternity Block, Sewua Regional Hospital, Agenda 111 projects, and all CHPS compounds.”

The government has already initiated steps to revive and accelerate these projects, many of which are critical to improving emergency care, maternal health, and primary healthcare delivery.

Strengthening Primary Healthcare Nationwide

The minister noted that expanding infrastructure went hand-in-hand with plans to roll out free primary healthcare next year under the National Health Insurance Scheme.

This, he said, would make preventive, promotive, and early detection services more accessible, easing pressure on referral facilities once the new and refurbished hospitals came onstream.

A Boost for Health Equity

The dual commitment — building new hospitals and completing stalled ones — forms a central pillar of the 2026 health-centered budget, which the minister described as the most people-focused in recent years.

“These investments are not just buildings; they are an investment in our people,” he said. “A strong health sector is the foundation of a productive and prosperous nation.”

The new regional hospitals and revived projects are expected to significantly improve healthcare outcomes, reduce referral burdens, and bring essential medical services closer to underserved communities across Ghana.