The Minister for Health, Hon. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, on Friday, 21st November 2025, paid a courtesy call on the King and Overlord of the Gonja Kingdom, Yagbonwura Bii-Kunuto Jewu Soale I, as part of his working tour of the Savannah Region. The visit highlighted government’s commitment to delivering modern healthcare infrastructure to newly created regions.
Addressing the King at his palace, the Health Minister expressed profound gratitude, noting that blessings from traditional leaders were essential for national progress. He reflected on his political journey, acknowledging President John Dramani Mahama for appointing him as Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources in 2015, and again, after the 2024 elections, inviting him to serve in the new cabinet as Minister for Health.
“If you walk out and somebody does good to you, you don’t only thank the person, but you also reflect on the one who gave birth to that person,” he stated. “And therefore, I thank you and your son sincerely for making me part of his cabinet.”
Hon. Akandoh revealed that President Mahama had promised during his campaign to construct six new regional hospitals, especially in the newly created regions. He announced that the 2026 national budget had made provision for the commencement of three of these hospitals, with the Savannah Region selected as one of the beneficiaries.
The minister appealed to the King for support in securing land for the project, stressing the need for proper documentation to avoid future land disputes that often obstruct national development.
He added that a closed-door meeting would be held with the Regional Minister and MMDCEs to discuss strategies for attracting and retaining health professionals in the region. He encouraged the King to inspire his subjects to support health workers posted to the area, noting that effective healthcare delivery required strong collaboration between government and citizens.
Responding through Mankpanwura Jakpa Achor-Ade Borenyi I, the Yagbonwura expressed gratitude for the visit and pledged his total support toward the successful execution of the Savannah Regional Hospital project.
Following the palace engagement, the Health Minister, accompanied by the Savannah Regional Minister, was led by Damongowura Seidu Kelly Boresa I to inspect the proposed 100-acre site for the Savannah Regional Hospital near Soalepe, in the regional capital, Damongo.
The visit marks a significant step toward fulfilling the government’s promise to expand healthcare access and infrastructure across the region.
Source: Padfm.com.gh/Kumatey Gorden/0243531604
