Health Minister champions common entry to palliative care, requires united entrance – Life Pulse Daily

Introduction

The Ghanaian health sector is undergoing a transformative phase under the leadership of Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, who has prioritized universal access to palliative care. At the 2025 International Hospice and Palliative Care Day event in Accra, co-hosted by the Ghana Palliative Care Association (GPCA) and the Ministry of Health, the minister emphasized the moral and public health imperatives driving this initiative. This article delves into the strategic importance of collaborative efforts to integrate palliative care into national health systems, evaluates Ghana’s policy advancements, and explores the global significance of the country’s upcoming role as host of the 2028 African Palliative Care Association (APCA) Conference. By aligning palliative care with existing frameworks like the Ghana Medical Trust Fund (“MahamaCares”), Akandoh’s vision seeks to dismantle barriers to compassionate end-of-life care while positioning Ghana as a regional leader in health equity.

Analysis

Palliative care, often misunderstood as solely end-of-life support, is a holistic approach to improving quality of life for patients with serious illnesses. In Ghana, where resources are strained and awareness remains limited, the minister’s call for a “united entrance” underscores the need for systemic collaboration. By integrating palliative care into the NCD and Mental Health policies—as well as embedding it within the MahamaCares fund—the government signals its commitment to scaling these services sustainably. This strategic move addresses gaps in Ghana’s 2020–2025 Health Policy, which identified palliative care as a critical yet under-resourced area.

Hosting the 2028 APCA Conference amplifies Ghana’s bid to become a hub for African palliative care innovation. Countries like Kenya and Uganda, which have pioneered community-based palliative programs, offer cautionary lessons. Ghana’s success may hinge on replicating Rwanda’s model—where volunteer networks and training programs reached 80% of districts—while avoiding over-reliance on donor funding. The Five-Year National Strategic Plan, endorsed by the GPCA, appears tailored to bridge these gaps through localized implementation, yet challenges such as a shortage of trained professionals and infrastructural deficits persist.

Globally, palliative care advocates like the World Health Organization (WHO) stress that 40 million people annually require such care, with 78% in low- and middle-income countries lacking access. Ghana’s efforts align with WHO’s 2030 target for universal access, though cultural stigma around dying remains a barrier. The minister’s emphasis on ethical responsibility echoes WHO’s stance that “palliative care is a human right,” urging stakeholders to prioritize it within national budgets.

Summary

Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh’s vision for Ghana’s palliative care system centers on collaboration, policy integration, and global leadership. By leveraging the MahamaCares fund and launching the country’s first strategic plan, Ghana aims to ensure no citizen faces terminal illness alone. The 2028 APCA Conference bid highlights regional prominence, but success depends on addressing workforce shortages and cultural hesitancy. This summary captures the key milestones, challenges, and opportunities outlined in the minister’s address, underscoring palliative care as both a public health priority and a moral imperative.

Key Points

• Policy Integration: Palliative care is now embedded in 9 national policies, including Ghana’s NCD and Mental Health frameworks.
• Funding Mechanism: The Ghana Medical Trust Fund (“MahamaCares”) now covers palliative care, enhancing affordability for vulnerable populations.
• Strategic Blueprint: The GPCA’s Five-Year National Plan provides a roadmap for nationwide implementation, with training and monitoring components.
• Global Leadership: Ghana’s 2028 APCA Conference bid positions it as a regional leader, contingent on demonstrating scalable solutions.

Practical Advice

For Health Professionals: Advocate for palliative care training in medical curricula and community outreach programs. Partner with NGOs to establish local support groups for patients and families.
For Policymakers: Expand MahamaCares to cover more conditions and increase budget allocation for palliative care personnel. Adopt Rwanda’s community volunteer model to address staffing shortages.
For Patients/Families: Seek care through GPCA-endorsed centers or NGOs like Marie Curie. Utilize the Ghana Homecare App to access home-based services.
For Community Leaders: Champion palliative care awareness campaigns to dispel myths about it being synonymous with death sentences.

Points of Caution

While Ghana’s strategic plan is commendable, several risks require attention. Over-reliance on the MahamaCares fund without ensuring consistent government disbursements could lead to service disruptions. Cultural resistance in rural areas, where traditional healing practices dominate, may hinder adoption. Additionally, the lack of hospice facilities outside Accra and Kumasi threatens equitable access. The government must also address legal ambiguity surrounding advance care planning, currently unregulated and prone to family disputes.

Compare this to Nigeria, where palliative care is fragmented due to inconsistent funding and policy silos. Ghana’s cross-sector collaboration offers a contrast, yet without legal mandates—such as mandatory advance care directives—implementation gaps persist. Similarly, Kenya’s 2014 Palliative Care and Hospice Act provides enforceable guidelines, which Ghana lacks. Closing this gap will require legislative action alongside advocacy.

Legal Implications

The integration of palliative care into Ghana’s NCD and Mental Health policies marks a legal milestone, mandating its inclusion in these frameworks. However, the absence of a dedicated palliative care law leaves implementation vulnerable to budget cuts or shifting priorities. In contrast, countries like Brazil and hospice laws in 2014 provide enforceable standards. Ghana’s MahamaCares scheme, while innovative, remains ethically contentious if beneficiaries face arbitrary exclusion criteria. Legal experts advise drafting a standalone Palliative Care Act to ensure accountability and transparency in fund usage and service delivery.

Comparison

Ghana’s approach contrasts sharply with wealthier nations like Germany, where palliative care is universally funded and regulated. However, it parallels Tanzania’s recent push to integrate palliative care into primary healthcare networks. Both nations leverage partnerships with international NGOs, though Ghana’s focus on community engagement offers a unique angle. Unlike the U.S. system—marked by privatization and variable insurance coverage—Ghana’s public-funded model emphasizes equity but struggles with scalability. The 2028 APCA Conference could catalyze knowledge exchange, but Ghana musthtml

Conclusion

Ghana’s pursuit of universal palliative care access under Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh represents a bold step toward health equity and regional leadership. By embedding palliative care into national policies, securing funding through MahamaCares, and hosting the 2028 APCA Conference, the government aims to transform end-of-life care in West Africa. However, success hinges on addressing infrastructure gaps, cultural resistance, and legal ambiguities. Lessons from Rwanda’s community-based model and Kenya’s legal framework underscore the need for actionable solutions. As Ghana strides toward fulfilling the WHO’s 2030 target, its journey will test the link between political will, community engagement, and systemic sustainability in low-resource settings.

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