Public Accounts Committee addresses healthcare funding in Ghana

The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has taken several actions regarding healthcare funding in Ghana. The committee donated GH¢33,000 to Pantang Hospital to cover medical bills for vulnerable patients, specifically those brought to the facility from the streets. Hospital officials noted that while they welcome the relief, the public should coordinate with social welfare or police when bringing individuals with mental health conditions to the hospital to avoid straining limited resources.

Separately, the PAC expressed dissatisfaction with the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) for allocating GH¢250 million to the National Identification Authority (NIA) for the procurement of identification cards. PAC Chairperson Abena Osei-Asare argued that these funds should instead be redirected toward maternal healthcare to address rising maternal mortality rates. Data from the Ghana Health Service indicates that institutional maternal deaths rose from 779 in 2016 to 955 in 2025, highlighting critical gaps in emergency care and essential medical supplies.