The government has earmarked GH¢40.3 billion for the health sector in 2027 to expand hospital infrastructure, strengthen the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) and improve access to essential healthcare services across Ghana.
Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson announced the allocation while presenting the 2027 Budget Statement and Economic Policy to Parliament in Accra on Thursday.
Of the total allocation, GH¢10.2 billion will support the NHIS, while GH¢2.6 billion has been set aside for the Ghana Medical Trust Fund, popularly known as MahamaCares, to strengthen healthcare financing.
Major Hospital Projects Receive Funding
As part of efforts to address gaps in healthcare infrastructure, the government has allocated GH¢6.8 billion to begin construction of two specialist hospitals, six regional hospitals, a mother and child centre at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital and two district hospitals.
An additional GH¢1 billion will support the completion of the Eastern and Western Regional Hospitals, while another GH¢1 billion has been earmarked for 35 district hospitals under the Agenda 111 initiative.
The La General Hospital project will also receive GH¢60 million towards its completion in 2027.
These investments are intended to expand healthcare facilities, improve access to specialised medical services and reduce pressure on existing hospitals.
Maternal Healthcare and Emergency Services
The government has also prioritised maternal and child healthcare, allocating GH¢275 million to the Obstetrics Emergencies and Maternal and Child Health Project.
A further GH¢100 million has been earmarked for life-saving maternal and childhood vaccines to strengthen preventive healthcare services.
Emergency medical services will receive GH¢200 million for ambulances to improve emergency response and patient transportation.
Mental Health and Digital Healthcare
Mental healthcare has also received attention, with GH¢70 million allocated to psychiatric hospitals and GH¢20 million to operationalise the Mental Health Fund.
The government has additionally provided GH¢11 million for the e-Health Project to support the digitalisation of healthcare services.
Nursing Training and Allowances
To strengthen healthcare workforce development, GH¢40 million has been allocated for the construction of two nursing training colleges.
The government has also earmarked GH¢434 million for nursing trainee allowances in 2027.
The success of these interventions will depend on timely funding, project completion and effective implementation.
