The Ministry of Health has officially inaugurated Ghana’s National Pandemic Steering Committee, marking a critical step in the nation’s effort to strengthen its resilience against future public health emergencies.

The committee has been established under the Pandemic Fund, a global initiative aimed at enhancing pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response in low- and middle-income countries.

The inauguration ceremony, held in Accra, was themed: “Strengthening Systems for Pandemic Preparedness and Response in Ghana.”

Delivering the keynote address, Minister for Health, Mr. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, emphasised the need to prioritise investments in Ghana’s laboratory systems, disease surveillance, and health infrastructure.

He cautioned against over-reliance on workshops and conferences, calling for more tangible improvements that directly impact the country’s emergency response capabilities.

“We cannot continue to spend valuable resources on endless workshops while our health infrastructure remains underdeveloped,” the Minister stated.

“It is time to reset our priorities.”

He charged the newly inaugurated committee to drive transformative change and position Ghana as a model of preparedness in the sub-region.

The committee is expected to provide strategic guidance, mobilise resources, and coordinate national efforts to detect, prevent, and respond to potential health threats.