Mahama orders immediate treatment for emergency patients

Accra, Feb. 27, – President John Dramani Mahama has directed all health facilities across the country to provide urgent care to emergency patients without delay, regardless of existing constraints.

Speaking during the 2026 State of the Nation Address (SONA) in Parliament, the President stressed that no individual in a critical condition should be denied treatment upon arrival at any hospital.

He underscored that lifesaving interventions must take precedence over infrastructure limitations, noting that even temporary or improvised arrangements should be used where necessary to stabilise patients.

To address persistent challenges within the healthcare system, President Mahama announced that the Ministry of Health would introduce clear operational guidelines aimed at eliminating the widely criticised “no bed syndrome,” which has led to patients being turned away from facilities.

As part of broader efforts to strengthen service delivery, he indicated that government would expand capacity at key hospitals. This includes the Phase Two expansion of the Greater Accra Regional Hospital (Ridge Hospital), which is expected to significantly increase available bed space.

He added that work would continue on major health infrastructure projects, including the Police Hospital and the La General Hospital, both of which are at various stages of development.

In the Ashanti Region, the government plans to complete several ongoing projects, namely the Sewuah Regional Hospital, the Afari Military Hospital, and the maternity and children’s block at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital.

President Mahama reiterated that these interventions form part of a broader agenda to build a more responsive and resilient healthcare system capable of meeting the needs of the population.

He further disclosed that the 2026 budget makes provision for the construction of new regional hospitals in the Oti, Savannah and Western North regions, aimed at improving access to quality healthcare across underserved areas.

GHBUSS

27 Feb. 2026