ghananlpcommunity/ghana-gov-speeches-sentences huggingface dataset:
- To improve accessibility, we launched a new admissions portal for health training institutions that allows applicants to apply from the comfort of their homes.
Ladies and Gentlemen, this is another good news!
I am pleased to announce that, just 24 hours ago, the nursing training allowance for both the first and second quarters, amounting to 462.58 million Ghana cedis, was credited to the accounts of our student nurses.
This demonstrates that when we say we support our future health workers, we follow through.
Moving forward, we will maintain this momentum to ensure allowances are paid on schedule, because supporting our trainees today means building a stronger, healthier Ghana tomorrow.
Health Infrastructure and Equipment: Foundations of Quality Care.
Ladies and gentlemen, constructing health facilities and equipping them is critical for delivering quality care.
We inherited several critical infrastructure projects, including the Treatment and Holding Centres at Koforidua, Goaso, and Asawinso; the Infectious Disease Training Centres at Pantang and Nkenkasu; and turnkey rehabilitation projects, such as Effia Nkwanta Hospital, La General Hospital, KATH Maternity, and the reconstruction of the Central Medical Stores.
8 In line with the government’s promise to continue ongoing health projects, four major COVID-19 response initiatives – including treatment centres and staff accommodations, funded by the government and the World Bank - have been completed across the country over the past six months.
For the Agenda 111 initiative, we will prioritise the completion of projects that are more than 80% complete.
Our government’s resolve is clear: to leave no community behind in the journey to excellent health infrastructure.
We have also continued to upgrade key facilities, including the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital Maternity and Children’s Block.
Hospitals such as Korle Bu, Cape Coast Teaching Hospitals, and LEKMA Hospital have received essential equipment, including ventilators and oxygen plants.
These are the tools we need to save lives every day.
We remain committed to closing infrastructure and equipment gaps through domestic investment and partnerships with the private sector.
However, there are still gaps.
Many facilities need renovations, new equipment, and dependable maintenance systems.
We commit to bridging these gaps through domestic investment and international partnerships, primarily via Public-Private Partnerships (PPPS).
9 Ladies and gentlemen, not withstanding these challenges, we remain resolute.
As part of our firm commitment to fulfilling campaign promises and transforming healthcare infrastructure, particularly in underserved areas, the government has released funding to every district assembly to support the construction of at least two new CHPS compounds each year.
This investment brings quality health services closer to communities and shows our government’s dedication to building a stronger, healthier Ghana from the ground.
Improved Service Delivery Across the country, within the public sector, we have six teaching hospitals, ten regional hospitals, and over 9,025 PHC facilities, including District Hospitals, Polyclinics, Health Centres, and CHPS compounds.
There are also several thousands of private health facilities.
Together, these form the network of facilities through which we provide healthcare to the people of Ghana.
• Ghana Medical Trust Fund We promised to prioritise the response to non-communicable diseases (NCDs), which cause over 40% of our deaths, and we are on track with that.
The Ghana Medical Trust Fund (MahamaCares) is a bold and innovative response to the growing challenge of chronic diseases in Ghana.
This includes our citizens with diabetes, hypertension, 10 stroke, kidney failure and cancers.. With an annual budget of approximately GHS 3 billion, it will provide essential specialist care, such as chemotherapy services, that go beyond what the NHIS currently covers.
Funding will be provided by the National Health Insurance Fund, government budget allocations, investments, and generous grants and donations.
MahamaCares demonstrates how Ghana is leading the way in health innovation, ensuring that no Ghanaian fighting a chronic illness is left behind.
Ladies and gentlemen, I would like to take this opportunity to express our gratitude to all individuals and organisations that have donated generously.
I also encourage Ghanaians to continue donating to support our compatriots living with chronic diseases.
• Free Primary Health Care The Free Primary Healthcare Initiative is making steady progress.
We are engaging with relevant stakeholders to design, finalise, implement, and monitor the programme.
Looking ahead, this initiative has the potential to transform primary healthcare access in Ghana, ensuring that quality services are delivered equitably and sustainably across all communities.
11 • Emergency Services Ladies and gentlemen, as we all know, emergencies cannot wait – we must respond to them as they happen.
It is for this reason that we continue to prioritise emergency services.
To strengthen emergency response at the community level, the National Ambulance Service (NAS) is partnering with St John Ambulance to establish a pool of community first responders.
I want to mention that we have initiated procedures to repair ambulances that have broken down.
In addition, we are also exploring opportunities to expand the fleet.
• Expanding access to vaccines The Government of Ghana has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to the health and well-being of our children.
This year, we increased the budget for vaccines by 46%.
As of today, we have fully paid the country’s US$24.5 million to GAVI.
This prompt payment will help ensure we avoid recurring shortages of critical vaccines, which can lead to outbreaks.
By August, we will receive hundreds of thousands of vaccine doses ready to reach every community across the nation.
As we say, investing in our children’s health today is securing Ghana’s tomorrow.
12 We are not resting on our achievements.
The government will continue to prioritise and invest in immunisation to protect every child and build a healthier nation for generations to come.
Vaccine Manufacturing Ladies and Gentlemen, the government has pledged and remains dedicated to making Ghana a centre for vaccine manufacturing.
In this regard, the National Vaccine Institute is collaborating with the regulatory authority and pharmaceutical industry stakeholders to bring this plan to reality.
I am happy to inform you that one of our private sector partners has obtained market authorisation from Ghana’s FDA to produce Snake Anti-Venom Serum on a commercial scale, marking the next step in our goal to shift Ghana from a consumer to a producer.
Challenges We’re Tackling We have challenges, no doubt: • Qualified health workers are waiting for jobs.
• Industrial actions that threaten services.
• Infrastructure gaps, especially in regional hospitals.
• Poor maintenance culture in our facilities and institutions Ladies and gentlemen, as you can see, we are tackling these head-on, planning and investing prudently.
Looking ahead, Ghana’s health sector is poised for a remarkable transformation.
We are fully committed to making free primary health care a reality for every Ghanaian, breaking down barriers to essential services.
The MahamaCares initiative is no longer just a promise—it is a lifeline growing stronger every day.
When fully operational, it will support our people who are battling with chronic diseases in every part of our country.
Our health workforce will be empowered through expanded specialist training and meaningful incentives, ensuring our skilled professionals remain motivated and ready to serve.
We are clearing the backlog of qualified health workers to fill critical gaps in our system and position ourselves in support of H.E.
John Mahama’s 24-hour Economy Agenda.
At the same time, we will scale up our efforts to equip our hospitals and clinics with modern technology, enabling us to provide care 14 that meets global standards.
This will catalyse our promise to promote medical tourism.
Furthermore, we will continue to build partnerships and mobilise resources to strengthen the research and development, as well as the regulatory capacities, needed for pharmaceutical and vaccine manufacturing.
Together, these actions are not just plans on paper; they are the foundation of a healthier, stronger Ghana today and for generations to come.
Ladies and Gentlemen, the progress we have made so far is a testament to the dedication of our health teams, partners, communities and ultimately, the government’s vision.
Together, we will continue to deliver quality healthcare to every Ghanaian.
Thank you and may God bless Ghana.
KEYNOTE ADDRESS DELIVERED BY BROTHER MORGAN AYAWINE, GENERAL SECRETARY OF THE INDUSTRIAL AND COMMERCIAL WORKERS’ UNION (ICU), GHANA AT THE OFFICIAL OPENING OF THE 7 TH QUADRENNIAL DELEGATES’ CONFERENCE (QDC) OF GHANA HAIRDRESSERS AND BEAUTICIANS ASSOCIATION (GHABA) ON TUESDAY, 28 TH MAY, 2024 AT THE GNAT HALL, TAMALE The Chairman, The Honourable Northern Regional Minister, The National Leadership, ICU-Ghana, The ICU Northern Regional Officer, The GHABA National Executives, The GHABA Northern Regional President, Distinguished Invited Guests, Esteemed Conference Delegates, Friends from the Media, Ladies and Gentlemen.
On this auspicious occasion of Ghana Hairdressers and Beauticians Association (GHABA) Conference, I bring to you all, fraternal greetings from the National Executive Council (NEC), National Leadership, Management and Staff of ICU-Ghana.
I’m delighted for the unique opportunity offered me to deliver the Keynote Address for this momentous 7 th Quadrennial Delegates’ Conference (QDC) of GHABA.
Although I represented ICU-Ghana as Deputy General Secretary (Operations) at previous GHABA Quadrennial Delegates’ Conferences and delivered Opening and Closing Addresses, I’m here today, in my capacity as the General Secretary and Chief Executive of ICU-Ghana, to deliver the Keynote Address I feel so elated and greatly honoured because this is the first time in the history of ICU that GHABA is holding its National Conference in no other region than my homeland, Northern Region of Ghana.
The Ghana Hairdressers and Beauticians Association (GHABA), is one of the Informal Sector institutions in Ghana that has been officially recognized and positively impacted on the country’s socio-economic scheme of things.
The impartation of knowledge in the Hair and Beauty industry to the youth (especially females) to acquire employable skills, has saved many a female youth from the temptation of waywardness and also lessened the unemployment stigma plaguing the country.
GHABA must thus be highly appreciated and commended for this meritorious feat which continues to serve as one of the examples of what women can do best when they are offered space and opportunities.
Having gained solid ground and firmly established in the Hair and Beauty industry, it is no wonder GHABA is now poised to migrate to its global height of technological application to align with the global practices and applications in the Hair and Beauty industry.
Technology today, is the game changer for all forms of world of work, and so if you are not compliant or technologically oriented or inclined then you would lag behind and cannot be counted among the captains of businesses and industries who drive the world.
It is therefore gratifying to note from the theme for this Conference: “LEVERAGING MODERN TECHNOLOGIES TO DRIVE A POSITIVE CHANGE IN THE HAIR AND BEAUTY INDUSTRY ” that GHABA is more than ever ready and purposed to go digital in the delivery of its professional services so as to conform to the global standard and stay relevant in the Hair and Beauty industry.
This progressive move could not have come at a more appropriate time than now as GHABA gears up for the application of modern technics in its services to the public.
This also meets the visions of one of our Global Unions - UNI Global Union and the mother Union (ICU-Ghana).
GHABA has had a chequered history in its existence but with the resilience, perseverance and fortitude of its leadership, both past and present, aided by the unflinching support of ICU-Ghana since its inception in 1972, has stayed on course, remained sustainable and relevant in the socio-economic equation of Ghana.
GHABA continues to contribute immensely to the growth and development of the Informal Sector through training of its operatives and impacting them with practical skills in the Hair and Beauty industry to reduce unemployment in the country.
GHABA, as a premier Local of ICU-Ghana, has received a long-term and varied support and guidance from the Union that has aided it to progress this far.
ICU placed at the disposal of GHABA the expertise of foreign experts from Denmark and South Africa to train its Trainers in the art of Hair and Beauty industry who in turn train the members of the Association, thus the multiplying effect has been huge and impactful.
At this point, we would humbly like to appeal to the Government, through the Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies, to create a congenial work environment for GHABA operatives in the practice of their profession, and also be measured in the tax assessment for them, so as to help them stay in business.
As the Association gathers here today for its leadership to give account of its stewardship, review its activities, revise its constitution, elect new leadership and carve new pathways, the ICU Ghana stands stoically behind you, and present our good wishes and continued support to you in all spheres of your activities.
We are in election year, and as we draw closer to the 2024 presidential and parliamentary elections in December, let us all be mindful of our civic responsibility and exercise our franchise judiciously and elect able and capable legislators and President who can bring development and progress to our constituencies and country.
We must also be cautious in our utterances and actions before, during and after the elections, so as not to breach the peace that we all so much cherish and which is a pre-requisite for development of our country.
On this note, I wish you fruitful deliberations and a very successful Conference.
Union dee, Enua ne ICU!
Touch One, Touch All!!
LONG LIVE GHABA!
LONG LIVE ICU-GHANA!!
LONG LIVE MOTHER GHANA!!!
SOLIDARITY FOREVER
Mr Speaker, I extend a hearty akwaaba, our word of welcome, to their Excellencies, the distinguished leaders of sister states from our region and continent, as well as to eminent representatives from other friendly nations and international organisations, who are gathered here in the vibrant city of Accra, capital of Ghana, to join us on this auspicious occasion.
I thank each and every one of you for being present at this inauguration of my second mandate, COVID-19 notwithstanding.
Your attendance is an expression of solidarity and friendship that speaks volumes of your attachment to the goals and aspirations of the Ghanaian people and State, for which we are very grateful.
I must, at the outset, express my warm congratulations to my good friend and colleague of many years in this House, the Rt.
Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, on his assumption of office as the Speaker of the Eighth Parliament of the 4th Republic.
Nearly three decades of devoted service to Parliament by you has culminated in this moment, which has seen your elevation to the third great office of state of our nation.
Together, you and I will be chartering new territory in the governance and politics of the 4th Republic, for this is the first time in the life of this Republic that a President from one party will be obliged, by the exigencies of the moment and the will of the people, to work, in all sincerity and co-operation, with a Speaker of Parliament from another party.
I am confident that both of us will be guided in our relationship by the supreme interest of our people in ensuring good governance in the ordering of the affairs of state.
I want to assure you of my wholehearted determination to work with you to advance the peace, progress and prosperity of the Ghanaian people.
Once again, many congratulations to you and the re-elected and new Members of Parliament.
A few moments ago, I took, for the second time, the oath of office to serve as President of the Republic of Ghana.
I follow in the exalted footsteps of two of my predecessors, the 1st and 2nd Presidents of the 4th Republic, their Excellencies Jerry John Rawlings and John Agyekum Kufuor, who served two successive terms in office.
I, cannot, therefore, take this honour and privilege bestowed on my modest self lightly, and I thank Almighty God and the Ghanaian people, who, by an emphatic margin, renewed my mandate in office for four more years, in the elections of 7th December.
It is a demonstration of the confidence and trust you, the Ghanaian people, have reposed in me, not only in appreciation for the achievements chalked throughout my first four (4) years, but more significantly for the considerable amount of work that is to be done over the next four (4) years, in our drive to take our nation firmly onto the path of progress, prosperity and development, following the havoc wreaked by COVID-19.
This is a task I wholeheartedly accept, and I assure all Ghanaians that I will do my utmost to deliver on this mandate.
The accomplishment of this mandate is going to take place within the context of Ghana’s maturing democracy.
The Ghanaian people have manifested, time and again, in these twenty-eight (28) years of the 4th Republic, their determination to build a free, democratic, peaceful nation, which is respectful of individual liberties and human rights, the rule of law, and the principles of democratic accountability.
A governance structure built on the separation of powers provides the best vehicle for the protection of these values, with a well-resourced Judiciary and Parliament as the principal accountability organs of the State.
This has been the main thrust of public policy in these past four years, and will continue to be so in the next.
The unity and stability of our country are the welcome outcomes of such a development.
This is how we can ensure, in the words of one of the great figures of Ghanaian nationalism, the illustrious Joseph Boakye Danquah, that we have “a system of government under which those who are in control of government are under the control of those who are governed”.
The sheer can-do-spirit of the Ghanaian, which I have witnessed all my life, is the bedrock on which we can build the Ghana of our dreams.
Indeed, four years ago, at my first inauguration, I urged all Ghanaians to be, and I quote, “citizens and not spectators”.
I appealed to you to be active participants in the effort to help build the Ghana we want – the democratic, free, prosperous and united Ghana envisioned by our founding fathers as the Black Star of Africa.
In my first term as President, I was able to count on the contribution of all citizens in attempting to create this Ghana.
What I have seen these last four years is further evidence, if any were needed, that the Ghanaian will no longer accept poverty and deprivation as his or her portion, but is rather determined to work to chart a path of growth and development for himself or herself.
Today, our economy, even in the face of the global pandemic of COVID-19, continues to show resilience and a much faster rate of recovery than originally envisaged, and was, indeed, one of the fastest growing economies in the world in 2020.
Ghana remains one of the most attractive destinations on the continent for foreign direct investment, with the presence in the country of some of the world’s largest conglomerates attesting to this fact.
Establishing a strong economy, undergoing structural transformation to value-added activities, which will generate jobs for our young people and enhance their living standards, will be the main preoccupation of my second term.
Together, we are ensuring that the basic tenets of social justice are met.
Many said it was beyond us, but we have ensured that financial considerations no longer determine the fate of the Ghanaian child.
Because of the implementation of the Free Senior High School policy, once willing and able, senior high school education is the minimum education to be received by every Ghanaian child.
Access to quality healthcare is no more a luxury ordinary people cannot afford, following the revival of the National Health Insurance Scheme.
Our aim is to reach Universal Health Coverage as soon as possible.
Food production has increased significantly, and a conscious effort has been made to improve the living standards of our farmers.
The newly constructed warehouses dotted across the country are storing the surpluses for export to our neighbours, and the programme for Planting for Food and Jobs has become the veritable rock on which the successful future of our agriculture is being built.
Our roads are being constructed at a much faster pace than before, and, yes, I acknowledge there are still many more kilometres to construct.
We defined last year as ‘The Year of Roads’.
This year will be the second ‘Year of Roads’, as we continue with our focus on dealing with the deficit in our road infrastructure.
The development of our rail sector, on which considerable resources and energies are being devoted, will open up the country, and lead to the creation of a more connected society, and will, also, help realise the goal of regional and continental integration.
The arrival of COVID-19 drove home the lesson to all of us that we have to be self-reliant.
The pandemic has emphasised the fact that we cannot continue to be living on edge in a day-to-day economy.
This is dangerous for our survival, and it is important that we set up buffers of protection in all aspects of our lives.
So, when there was a shortage in the supply of personal protective equipment, at a time when they were being sold at extortionist prices on the world market, the enterprise of the Ghanaian shone through.
We produced, right here in Ghana, our own sanitisers, face masks, medical scrubs, gowns, liquid soap amongst others.
We can, indeed, build a Ghana Beyond Aid, if we make full use, as we must, of the enterprise and ingenuity of our people, especially our young people.
The prominent role being played by young people in the digitisation journey of our nation is strong proof of the feasibility of this objective, and Ghana is set to become one of the most digitised economies in Africa in the next few years.
In this same vein, I expect the locally produced Eku juice, one of the results of Government’s “One-District-One-Factory” flagship policy, to replace rapidly the imported fruit juices on the shelves of our supermarkets, not because anyone will so decree, but because the quality of the locally produced one is as good, if not superior.
I doubt that anyone would, ordinarily, mention akpeteshie, the local gin, as a possible item on the world market.
I cannot vouch for its taste or potency, since I gave up alcohol many years ago, but I can say that the Made in Ghana and beautifully packaged “Apio”, I have recently seen, can compete in the most sophisticated markets in the world.
My boundless confidence in the energy of the Ghanaian makes me believe that we can become the prosperous nation we aspire to, and soon.
We have good reason to be proud of what we have been able to achieve so far.
Mr Speaker, we know that the democracy we seek to build and entrench in Ghana will ultimately succeed if we build a prosperous nation, and our people are at peace with themselves and with the world.
I pledge before this august House and the good people of Ghana that all I do will be for the common good, and, with the firm foundation laid in my first term of office, we shall take a significant step towards reducing the infrastructure deficit that has plagued us all throughout our nationhood.
The remaining fifteen percent (15%) of our communities without electricity would be covered by the end of my second term.
We have already begun constructing hospitals in the remaining districts that do not have one – a process which will be completed within a year.