Okyenhene calls for increased investment in rural healthcare

The Okyenhene and Paramount Chief of the Akyem Abuakwa Traditional Area, Osagyefuo Amotia Ofori Panin, has called on the government to increase investment in rural healthcare delivery to address longstanding health challenges in underserved communities.

He said expanding and modernising health facilities in rural areas would help reduce preventable deaths and improve access to quality healthcare for residents. Osagyefuo Amotia Ofori Panin made the appeal at the 6th Dinner and Awards Night of the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association, held on Saturday, December 13, 2025.

He stressed the need for intensified government efforts to strengthen the health sector, particularly in remote parts of the country.

“It doesn’t make sense for a child to die of malaria in a remote area. It doesn’t make sense for a woman who is going to have a baby to have to travel about 16 miles to the nearest hospital,” he said.

The Okyenhene also commended nurses and midwives for their dedication and service and urged leaders and policymakers to expand healthcare infrastructure to ensure fair and equitable access to medical services nationwide.

“My plea tonight is to applaud you for what you have been able to accomplish, and to plead with those of us in leadership and governments that have the power to build infrastructure to spread and widen the circle of opportunity so that everybody will benefit based on merit,” he added.