Dr. Ekua Amoakoh Criticizes Ghana Ministry of Health’s Abrupt LHIMS to GHIMS Transition: Risks to Patient Data and E-Health

Discover the controversy surrounding Ghana’s shift from LHIMS to GHIMS, as voiced by Dr. Ekua Amoakoh. This analysis covers key concerns, benefits of health information systems, and implications for national e-health progress.

Introduction

In a bold critique on JoyNews’ AM Show, Dr. Ekua Amoakoh, deputy spokesperson for Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s campaign team, has slammed the Ghana Ministry of Health over its abrupt decision to replace the Lightwave Health Information Management System (LHIMS) with the new Ghana Health Information Management System (GHIMS). This LHIMS to GHIMS transition has sparked debates on the future of Ghana’s e-health infrastructure, highlighting potential disruptions to patient data management and nationwide health service delivery.

The controversy centers on the sudden contract termination of LHIMS, a system that has digitized patient records across over 70% of health facilities in just five years. Dr. Amoakoh questions the rationale behind this move, emphasizing risks to seamless data access and e-health advancements. As Ghana pushes for digital health transformation, understanding this shift is crucial for stakeholders in health information management systems (HIMS).

Analysis

This section breaks down Dr. Ekua Amoakoh’s key arguments against the LHIMS to GHIMS switch, the Ministry of Health’s position, and broader implications for Ghana’s digital health ecosystem.

Dr. Ekua Amoakoh’s Core Concerns

Dr. Amoakoh raised alarms about the potential loss or inaccessibility of digitized medical records during the transition. LHIMS, implemented over five years, enabled interconnected patient data across hospitals, reducing duplication of tests and improving care efficiency. She noted that approximately 70% of health facilities now operate under this e-health framework, a milestone achieved through LHIMS’s robust digitization efforts.

Her primary question: “What happened to the medical data?” The abrupt nature of the change, she argued, could reverse these gains, disrupting patient record integration essential for coordinated care. Additionally, she alleged that preparations for GHIMS training were underway in hospitals even before the official announcement, suggesting premeditated actions that bypassed proper consultation.

Alleged Influences and Operational Challenges

Dr. Amoakoh hinted at “personal interests” possibly driving the Health Minister’s decision to cancel the LHIMS contract. She pointed out operational hiccups in LHIMS were largely due to the Ministry’s failure to meet contractual obligations, such as timely payments or support, leading to temporary service withdrawals by LHIMS providers. This pedagogical view underscores the importance of partnership fulfillment in public-private e-health projects.

Ministry of Health’s Defense

The Ministry justifies the LHIMS to GHIMS transition as a strategic consolidation under a unified national platform. GHIMS aims to standardize health data management across Ghana, potentially enhancing interoperability and policy planning. However, critics like Dr. Amoakoh demand a transparent migration strategy to safeguard existing patient data.

Summary

Dr. Ekua Amoakoh’s public criticism spotlights the risks of the Ghana Ministry of Health’s rapid LHIMS to GHIMS shift. After five years of progress in digitizing over 70% of health facilities via LHIMS, the sudden contract termination raises fears of data loss, service disruptions, and compromised patient safety. While the Ministry promotes GHIMS for national unification, stakeholders urge a phased, transparent approach to preserve e-health gains.

Key Points

Practical Advice

For health administrators, policymakers, and e-health practitioners navigating similar HIMS transitions like LHIMS to GHIMS, consider these actionable steps grounded in best practices for digital health migrations.

Step-by-Step Migration Planning

1. Audit Existing Data: Conduct a full inventory of LHIMS records to ensure 100% compatibility with GHIMS formats.
2. Phased Rollout: Pilot GHIMS in select facilities while maintaining LHIMS as backup, minimizing disruptions.
3. Stakeholder Engagement: Involve providers, clinicians, and users early for training and feedback.
4. Backup and Testing: Implement redundant data backups and rigorous interoperability tests.
5. Monitoring Metrics: Track uptime, data accuracy, and user satisfaction post-transition.

Adopting frameworks like HL7 FHIR standards can enhance interoperability in Ghana’s e-health systems, ensuring smooth patient data flows.

Points of Caution

The LHIMS to GHIMS controversy underscores critical risks in health information system changes:

• Data Loss or Corruption: Without proper migration, years of patient histories could become inaccessible, delaying treatments.
• Service Disruptions: Sudden switches may halt record access, increasing errors in diagnosis and prescriptions.
• Patient Safety: Incomplete records heighten risks of adverse drug events or redundant procedures.
• National Planning Gaps: Fragmented data hampers disease surveillance and resource allocation.
• Trust Erosion: Perceived opacity fuels public skepticism toward government e-health initiatives.

These cautions highlight why pedagogical approaches—educating on HIMS benefits like reduced costs (up to 30% in paperless systems) and faster care—are vital.

Comparison

Comparing LHIMS and GHIMS reveals strengths and gaps in Ghana’s HIMS evolution. Note: Specific GHIMS details are emerging, based on Ministry statements.

LHIMS excels in proven coverage, while GHIMS promises scalability but requires robust transition safeguards.

Legal Implications

The LHIMS contract termination carries potential legal weight under Ghanaian law. The Public Procurement Act, 2003 (Act 663), mandates fair tender processes and justifications for contract cancellations, which Dr. Amoakoh’s claims of abruptness may challenge.

Patient data is protected by the Data Protection Act, 2012 (Act 843), requiring secure handling during migrations. Breaches could lead to fines or lawsuits for non-compliance with confidentiality and integrity standards. Additionally, any evidence of “personal interests” might invoke anti-corruption provisions under the Office of the Special Prosecutor Act, 2017 (Act 959). Stakeholders should ensure audits verify adherence to these laws in the LHIMS to GHIMS process.

Conclusion

Dr. Ekua Amoakoh’s outspoken critique of the Ministry of Health’s LHIMS to GHIMS transition serves as a wake-up call for Ghana’s e-health sector. While GHIMS holds promise for a unified health information management system, the risks to patient data and service continuity demand immediate action: transparency, meticulous planning, and legal compliance. Prioritizing these will safeguard five years of digitization progress, ensuring Ghana’s digital health journey advances without setbacks. Policymakers must balance innovation with reliability to build public trust in HIMS.

As e-health adoption grows globally—projected to save Ghana millions in administrative costs—learning from this debate positions the nation for sustainable health data management.

FAQ

Sources

• Life Pulse Daily: “Dr. Ekua Amoakoh slams fitness ministry over abrupt transfer from LHIMS to GHIMS” (Published November 7, 2025).
• JoyNews AM Show transcript and coverage on the LHIMS to GHIMS debate.
• Ghana Ministry of Health official statements on GHIMS rollout.
• Data Protection Act, 2012 (Act 843); Public Procurement Act, 2003 (Act 663).
• World Health Organization reports on e-health in low-resource settings (general context).