Stories and facts

The Ghana Health Service (GHS) is the government agency responsible for delivering public healthcare and implementing national health policies across the country.

Established in 1996 under Act 525 as part of Ghana’s Health Sector Reform, GHS operates under the Ministry of Health with a focus on providing equitable, accessible, and quality healthcare for all.

Although publicly funded, the GHS functions as an autonomous executive body, granting its managers flexibility to efficiently handle resources, promote accountability, and ensure better service delivery across regional, district, and sub-district levels. Notably, it excludes teaching hospitals and private or mission hospitals from its direct operations.

The Service’s mandate centers on primary healthcare delivery, disease prevention, and health promotion. It oversees programs on disease surveillance, health education, and emergency response while developing strategies to achieve Ghana’s national health goals.

Over the years, GHS has been led by distinguished health professionals, with Prof. Samuel Kaba Akoriyea serving as the current Director-General since 2025, succeeding Dr. Patrick Kuma-Aboagye.

Its regional directorates span all sixteen regions, ensuring that healthcare reaches even the most remote communities, from Accra to the Upper West Region.

The Ghana Health Service’s dedication to innovation and public health excellence has earned it national and continental recognition, including three awards at the Africa Public Sector Conference and Awards (APSCA) for Outstanding Contribution to Public Service, Public Sector Agency of the Year, and Most Innovative Public Sector Project for its Drone Project.

Through continuous reform, community-centered care, and technological advancement, the Ghana Health Service remains at the heart of Ghana’s mission to build a healthier nation.

Explore the different government organizations that operate across Ghana below.