By Hebrews Pouyeli Kumako
President John Dramani Mahama has outlined critical health sector challenges facing the Volta Region, while announcing targeted interventions aimed at strengthening healthcare delivery, expanding infrastructure, and improving access to quality medical services.
Speaking during the State of the Nation Address (SONA) on February 27, 2026, monitored by News Volta, the President acknowledged persistent health inequalities in parts of the Volta Region, particularly in rural and hard-to-reach coastal, island, and border communities.
Health Infrastructure Gaps
President Mahama noted that several districts in the Volta Region continue to experience limited access to quality healthcare infrastructure, with many facilities operating in old, congested, or under-resourced structures. He stressed that these gaps contribute to delayed treatment, increased maternal and infant mortality risks, and long travel distances for patients seeking specialized care.
He announced that ongoing rehabilitation and expansion of health facilities across the region will be intensified, especially in coastal communities, island settlements, and underserved border towns.
Staffing Challenges and Rural Postings
The President pointed out that the uneven distribution of health workers remains a major problem in the Volta Region, with many trained professionals reluctant to accept postings in rural and remote areas.
To address this, government will introduce targeted incentive packages, including improved accommodation, transportation support, and career development opportunities, to encourage doctors, nurses, and allied health professionals to serve in deprived districts within the region.
Primary Healthcare and Community-Based Services
President Mahama emphasized the expansion of primary healthcare services in the Volta Region through the nationwide free primary healthcare programme, which will significantly benefit low-income households and rural dwellers.
He added that CHPS compounds across the Volta Region will receive upgraded logistics, medical equipment, and essential medicines, while community health officers will be equipped with motorbikes and digital tools to improve outreach and emergency response.
Maternal, Child Health, and Immunization
Highlighting maternal and child health concerns in parts of the Volta Region, the President said the government will strengthen immunization programmes, expand access to antenatal and postnatal services, and improve emergency referral systems, especially in riverine and island communities.
Special attention will be given to adolescent reproductive health education and the introduction of the HPV vaccine, which is expected to reduce the burden of cervical cancer among young girls in the region.
Disease Control and Public Health Surveillance
President Mahama disclosed that disease surveillance systems in border communities of the Volta Region will be strengthened to detect and respond swiftly to outbreaks, given the region’s proximity to Togo and high cross-border human movement.
He also announced enhanced investment in laboratory services, early disease detection, and community sensitization, particularly in cholera-prone coastal zones.
New Hospitals and Referral Systems
Though new regional hospitals have been earmarked for Oti, Savannah, and Western North regions, President Mahama assured that Volta Region referral systems will be strengthened, with improved emergency transport, diagnostic services, and specialist support at Ho Teaching Hospital and key district hospitals.
“The people of the Volta Region deserve quality healthcare just like every Ghanaian. My government is committed to addressing long-standing disparities, improving facilities, and ensuring that no community is left behind,” President Mahama stated.
Residents and health sector stakeholders across the Volta Region have welcomed the President’s commitment, expressing hope that the announced reforms will translate into tangible improvements in healthcare delivery and health outcomes.
Source News Volta I Monitoring Desk
