Ghana Strengthens Emergency Health Plans After COVID Lessons

Ghana is turning hard lessons from recent health emergencies into a roadmap that could protect millions of people when the next crisis hits.

The Ghana Health Service opened a three-day workshop this week to develop a new National Action Plan for Health Security. Officials from government agencies, development partners, and technical institutions came together to strengthen the country's ability to prevent, detect, and respond to health threats.

Dr. Samuel Akoriyea Kaba, Director-General of Ghana Health Service, called the workshop a significant milestone. He pointed out that Ghana has gone above and beyond global requirements by completing all four World Health Organization monitoring frameworks, even though only one is mandatory.

The commitment is already showing results. Ghana completed its second major health security evaluation in February 2024, building on progress since its first assessment in 2017.

Between 2019 and 2023, Ghana achieved remarkable improvements under its first national plan. The country reactivated its emergency coordination committee, strengthened rapid response teams, and expanded infection prevention systems nationwide. Officials also refurbished the National Public Health Emergency Operations Centre and established four regional emergency centers, with plans to reach all 16 regions.

Patrick Avevor, who leads Infectious Hazard Management at Ghana Health Service, shared encouraging numbers. About half of Ghana's technical areas now meet Level 3 capacity standards, up from 40 percent in the previous evaluation.

Still, challenges remain. Sustainable funding for emergencies, skilled staff in local areas, and preparedness for chemical and radiation incidents need attention. Dr. Franklin Asiedu-Bekoe, Director of Public Health, emphasized that the workshop shifts focus from identifying problems to creating concrete, funded solutions.

The Ripple Effect

Ghana's proactive approach offers a model for countries across Africa and beyond. Dr. Fiona Braka, WHO Country Representative, praised Ghana's multisector leadership as emerging diseases, climate hazards, and population movement put increasing pressure on health systems worldwide.

By investing in preparedness now, Ghana is building resilience that protects not just its own citizens but also neighboring countries through early detection and rapid response. The country's commitment to transparency and continuous improvement demonstrates that health security is an ongoing journey, not a destination.

Every emergency operations center established and every rapid response team trained means faster help when communities need it most.