Prez. Mahama Reaffirms Commitment to Strengthening Surgical Care System
President John Dramani Mahama has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to building an efficient, resilient and functional surgical system across Ghana, with a strong focus on equity and patient safety.
Speaking at the 66th Annual Conference of the West African Association of Surgeons on Monday, February 9, President Mahama said the government would prioritise strengthening blood supply systems, improving referral networks and expanding access to surgical services, particularly in underserved and remote communities.
He stressed that capacity building in the surgical sector must be approached holistically, going beyond the training of surgeons alone.
“Capacity building in surgery is both timely and compelling. It must be understood comprehensively. It is not only about producing more surgeons; it is equally about strengthening the teams and systems that support safe surgery, including anaesthesia, nursing, diagnostics and other critical services,” he said.
President Mahama further underscored the importance of strong governance in delivering quality surgical care, assuring stakeholders of the government’s readiness to act on expert advice.
“It also requires robust and critical governance. The government remains committed to strengthening these foundations. We will carefully study the recommendations from this conference and work with stakeholders to implement those that require immediate change,” he stated.
President Mahama pledged sustainable financing for surgical care as part of broader health sector reforms, reaffirming the administration’s long-term commitment to ensuring accessible, affordable and safe surgical services for all Ghanaians.
Surgical care remains a critical but under-resourced component of Ghana’s health system, with persistent gaps in infrastructure, skilled personnel and access, particularly in rural and peri-urban areas. Many district and regional hospitals lack fully equipped theatres, consistent blood supplies and adequate specialist teams, forcing patients to travel long distances or endure long waiting periods for essential procedures.
In 2023, the Tamale Teaching Hospital recorded a surge in emergency surgical referrals from district hospitals across the Northern, Savannah and North East regions. Many of these referrals involved routine but time-sensitive cases such as obstructed labour, abdominal emergencies and trauma-related injuries that could not be handled at the district level due to limited surgical capacity.
