Ghana Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh Calls for End to ‘Who-You-Know’ Culture in Healthcare: Promoting Fairness and Equity

Introduction

In a bold move to uphold health equity in Ghana, Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh has publicly called for an end to the pervasive “who-you-know” culture in healthcare. This practice, where personal connections influence treatment priority over medical need, compromises patient safety and public trust in hospitals and clinics nationwide. Speaking at the 2025 annual conference of the Christian Health Association of Ghana (CHAG) in Koforidua, the minister emphasized that access to healthcare must prioritize need, fairness, and dignity for all, especially vulnerable populations without influence.

This declaration highlights a critical issue in Ghana’s healthcare system: discrimination based on social ties rather than clinical urgency. By addressing the “who-you-know” custom in healthcare, Minister Akandoh aims to foster ethical standards, accountability, and professionalism. This article explores the minister’s remarks, their implications for health equity Ghana, and practical steps toward a fairer system.

Why This Matters for Ghanaian Healthcare

The “who-you-know” culture erodes the foundational principles of equitable healthcare delivery. In Ghana, where public health facilities serve millions, ensuring treatment based on medical need aligns with national health ambitions and international standards like the Universal Health Coverage goals.

Analysis

Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh’s speech at the CHAG conference provides a detailed critique of systemic issues in Ghana’s healthcare. He described the “who-you-know” custom as a barrier to fairness, directly undermining patient safety and public confidence in the health system. Vulnerable citizens, lacking connections, often face delays or substandard care, exacerbating health disparities.

Unannounced Visits as a Tool for Accountability

A key strategy highlighted by the minister is his practice of conducting unannounced visits to health facilities. These inspections allow firsthand observation of daily operations, revealing hidden discrimination. Akandoh shared anecdotes of disguising himself to experience treatment as an ordinary patient, noting apologies only after his identity is revealed. This approach underscores that behind-the-scenes efforts matter more than public displays.

Integration of Ethical and Faith-Based Values

Drawing on Christian principles, the minister reminded attendees that humans are created in God’s image, deserving care, dignity, and respect. His signature message since taking office focuses on compassionate treatment, transforming patient encounters from transactions into moments of grace. This pedagogical emphasis teaches healthcare providers to renew the human element in medicine.

Summary

At the CHAG 2025 conference in Koforidua, Ghana’s Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh urged an end to the “who-you-know” culture in healthcare. He criticized how personal ties compromise fairness and patient safety, advocated for need-based access, and praised CHAG’s role in delivering over 30% of national health services. Commitments include supporting health workers amid workloads and resource shortages, strengthening partnerships, and embedding ethical practices in the Health Sector Medium-Term Development Plan (2026–2029).

Key Points

Practical Advice

To combat the “who-you-know” culture in healthcare, stakeholders can adopt actionable strategies rooted in the minister’s vision. This pedagogical guide offers steps for patients, providers, and policymakers.

For Healthcare Providers

Implement triage systems strictly based on clinical urgency. Train staff on ethical protocols, using simulations to practice impartial care. Document all patient interactions to promote transparency and deter favoritism.

For Patients and Communities

Report discrimination incidents via official channels like the Ministry of Health hotline or NHIS platforms. Advocate for need-based queuing in facilities. Engage CHAG clinics in remote areas, known for compassionate service.

For Policymakers and Administrators

Conduct regular unannounced audits, as modeled by Minister Akandoh. Integrate anti-discrimination clauses into staff contracts. Allocate resources to overburdened facilities to reduce incentives for shortcuts.

These steps foster health equity Ghana by making fairness a daily practice, aligning with the minister’s call for professionalism.

Points of Caution

While pushing for change, recognize risks associated with the “who-you-know” culture in healthcare. This practice delays critical care for emergencies, increasing mortality risks for unconnected patients. It erodes public trust, leading to underutilization of services and strained systems.

Impacts on Vulnerable Groups

Pregnant women, children, and rural dwellers suffer most, facing longer waits and poorer outcomes. Emotional toll on health workers from ethical dilemmas can cause burnout, further degrading service quality.

Systemic Warnings

Unchecked favoritism invites corruption probes and legal challenges under Ghana’s anti-corruption laws. Facilities must prioritize training to avoid these pitfalls.

Comparison

Comparing Ghana’s challenges to global standards reveals gaps and opportunities. In countries like the UK with NHS triage protocols, treatment is strictly need-based, minimizing “who-you-know” influences through digital queuing and oversight.

CHAG vs. Public Sector

CHAG facilities, delivering 30% of services, excel in compassion due to faith-based ethos, contrasting public hospitals where resource shortages amplify discrimination. Minister Akandoh’s partnership aims to bridge this by infusing CHAG values into public systems.

Before and After Potential Reforms

Pre-reform, unannounced visits expose biases; post-reform, as envisioned in the 2026–2029 plan, ethical mentorship could standardize dignity-focused care nationwide.

Legal Implications

In Ghana, the “who-you-know” culture in healthcare raises concerns under Article 17 of the 1992 Constitution, guaranteeing equality and non-discrimination. The National Health Insurance Act (2003) mandates equitable access, with violations potentially leading to sanctions via the Health Facilities Regulatory Agency. Minister Akandoh’s push aligns with these laws, emphasizing accountability without introducing new penalties in his speech. Facilities discriminating risk license revocation or fines, ensuring compliance protects patient rights.

Conclusion

Ghana Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh’s call to end the “who-you-know” culture marks a pivotal step toward healthcare fairness. By championing need-based access, unannounced oversight, and partnerships like with CHAG, the ministry addresses core inequities. Renewing ethical standards restores trust, dignifies health workers, and upholds human worth. Implementing these principles will advance Ghana’s health ambitions, ensuring every patient receives compassionate, equitable care. Stakeholders must act decisively for a transformed system.

FAQ

Sources

• Life Pulse Daily: “Health minister calls for an end to ‘who-you-know’ custom in healthcare” (Published November 4, 2025).
• Christian Health Association of Ghana (CHAG) official reports on service delivery.
• Republic of Ghana Constitution, 1992 (Article 17 on equality).
• National Health Insurance Act, 2003 (Act 672).