Medical Trust Fund Seeks Otumfuo’s Support to Broaden Specialised Healthcare Access

Ghana’s Medical Trust Fund is stepping up efforts to expand access to specialised healthcare by enlisting the support of traditional leadership, as the government moves to strengthen financing for patients battling chronic non-communicable diseases.

Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, accompanied by senior officials from the Ministry of Health and the Ghana Medical Trust Fund, paid a courtesy call on Otumfuo Osei Tutu II at the Manhyia Palace to present the Fund’s progress and outline its long-term vision for transforming access to specialist medical care.

The delegation said the Fund has made significant strides since becoming operational and is working to ease the financial burden faced by Ghanaians seeking costly specialised treatment. Officials reiterated the initiative’s core objective of ensuring that no citizen is denied life-saving healthcare because of an inability to pay.

Beyond the Trust Fund, discussions also focused on broader reforms aimed at strengthening healthcare delivery, improving health outcomes and building a more resilient health system capable of meeting growing demand for specialised services.

Government officials described traditional authorities as critical partners in driving public awareness and strengthening confidence in the initiative, noting that Otumfuo’s influence across communities could help accelerate uptake among eligible beneficiaries.

The delegation included Ashanti Regional Minister Dr Frank Amoakohene, Trust Fund Administrator Adjoa Obuobia Darko-Opoku, Ghana Health Service Chief Executive Prof. Samuel Kaba Akoryea, Christian Health Association of Ghana Executive Director Dr Peter Kwame Yeboah, Trust Fund Board Member Dr Ernest Ofori Sarpong Gyamfi, and other senior management officials.

The outreach forms part of a broader engagement strategy aimed at forging partnerships with traditional leaders, faith-based health providers, public institutions and the private sector as the government seeks to build a more inclusive healthcare financing system. For policymakers, expanding stakeholder support is expected to be crucial in ensuring the Trust Fund achieves nationwide reach while reducing the financial barriers that continue to limit access to specialised medical care.