Community-based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) compounds and polyclinics will now operate for 24 hours.

This was revealed by the Director-General of the Ghana Health Service (GHS), Dr. Samuel Kaba Akoriyea, on Monday, July 14.

Speaking at a press conference in Accra, he noted that the move is in alignment with the government’s 24-hour economic policy, while strengthening primary healthcare.

“The reason is to align with the 24-Hour Economy Model. The other reason is to take advantage of this opportunity to improve our services. Currently, many CHPS facilities do not run 24-hour operations, and at night, people often struggle to access care,” he said.

His remarks follow a recent update by the government announcing plans to construct approximately 600 new CHPS compounds across all districts.

The project is estimated to be completed by the end of 2025.

According to the Minister of State in Charge of Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, each district will receive two new CHPS.

He added that the government plans to build more than 2,000 CHPS before the end of President John Dramani Mahama's tenure.

“Each district is required to construct two new CHPS compounds this year. Altogether, that amounts to about 600 CHPS compounds in 2025 alone. If we sustain this momentum, we could exceed 2,000 CHPS compounds over the next four years,” he stated.

Earlier in June, a collaboration with the Ghanaian U.S. Embassy and technical support from a nonprofit organization for international health, Jhpiego, resulted in the commissioning of a 10,000-litre capacity oxygen plant at LEKMA Hospital in the Greater Accra Region.

The newly launched plant adds to the ten oxygen plants to be installed in strategic health facilities across the country.

Director of the Health Administration and Support Services Division, Dr. Ebo Hammond, at GHS, who was speaking at the commissioning event, lauded the government for its timely and impactful intervention.

The US Embassy’s Chargé d'affaires, Rolf Olson, also commended the United States Government’s long-standing commitment to enhancing health systems in Ghana, particularly in maternal and neonatal care.

He also revealed the US government's plans to supply the plant with liquid oxygen for a year to ensure its continued operation.

Also, the Country Director at Jhpiego, Dr. Pearl Nanka Bruce, noted that biomedical engineers and fire service personnel have undergone specialized training to ensure the plant's proper maintenance.

Recently, the LEKMA Hospital received medical equipment, consumables, and pharmaceuticals from the 14th Chinese Medical Team to Ghana.

The items were donated to support two critical initiatives: the minimally invasive surgery project (laparoscopic surgeries) and the Beautiful World Charity project.

Health Minister Mintah Akandoh urged the leadership of LEKMA Hospital, under the capable direction of Dr. Akua Gyimah Asante, to ensure that this equipment is used effectively, maintained diligently, and serves its intended purpose, providing better health outcomes for the people of Ghana.

This donation represents another tangible demonstration of support from the Chinese government to both the government of Ghana and the Ghanaian people.

The U.S. Embassy has expressed commitment to strengthening health services through collaboration, innovation, and sustained investment in primary healthcare.

As such, the embassy, under its Ghana Integrated Health Program (IHP) donated some 104 motorbikes to the Ghana Health Service (GHS) and the Christian Health Association of Ghana (CHAG).

The donation is meant to strengthen primary healthcare, improve disease surveillance, and enhance maternal and child health outreach by equipping frontline workers with reliable means of transport.

Of the total, 90 bikes were allocated to GHS and 14 to CHAG. Receiving the motorbikes on behalf of the Director-General of the Service, Director for Health Administration and Support Services at GHS, Dr. Ebo Hammond, expressed profound appreciation for the support and described the motorbikes as vital mobility tools that will boost frontline health workers’ ability to reach hard-to-access areas.

Dr. Hammond highlighted that motorbikes form 90% of GHS’s transport fleet, making them especially effective when visiting hard-to-reach areas, and assured the U.S. Embassy of the effective use and maintenance of the donated items.

He commended the US embassy for past interventions, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Delivering remarks on behalf of the U.S. Embassy, Ms. Kimberley Rosen emphasized the strong partnership between Ghana and the U.S. in healthcare delivery.

She noted that the handover reflects America’s continued investment in Ghana’s health system, praising healthcare workers for their dedication.