The Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has been summoned to appear before Parliament within a week to provide a comprehensive update on the recent outbreaks of cholera, cerebrospinal meningitis (CSM), and other public health emergencies across the country.
The directive was issued by First Deputy Speaker Bernard Ahiafor on Tuesday, February 11, 2025, following growing concerns from Members of Parliament (MPs) about the escalating health crisis and the immense pressure on healthcare facilities.
Raising an urgent issue on the floor of Parliament, Minority Leader and Effutu MP, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, highlighted the severe cholera outbreak in his constituency, which has led to 356 reported cases and two deaths.
“Currently, we have affected persons receiving treatment at the Winneba Municipal Hospital, the Winneba Health Centre, and the UEW Clinic, but these facilities are overstretched,” Afenyo-Markin told Parliament.
He further disclosed that the Municipal Health Directorate lacks the necessary funding to handle the crisis, with urgent needs for:
✔ Fuel for emergency response teams
✔ Sanitation and public health interventions
✔ Medical supplies and treatment kits
✔ Logistical support for public awareness campaigns
“The Municipal Assembly has no funds to educate the public or provide relief to patients struggling in our health facilities. The central government must immediately intervene to save lives. The people are suffering,” he urged.
Expressing support for the call, Deputy Speaker Ahiafor emphasised that the minister’s appearance before Parliament will provide much-needed clarity on the government’s response plan and reassure the public about measures being taken to contain the outbreaks.
With health facilities overwhelmed and the risk of further disease spread, MPs are calling for swift and decisive action from the government to prevent a full-blown public health crisis.
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