Akandoh warns Boards against interfering in day-to-day management of health institutions

Minister of Health Kwabena Mintah Akandoh has cautioned Boards of health institutions against encroaching on the daily operations of the institutions they oversee. He emphasized the significance of maintaining distinct boundaries between governance and management to prevent conflicts, enhance accountability, and ensure efficiency.

According to a statement, Akandoh made these remarks during the Ministry of Health’s High-Level Mid-Year Review Retreat in Ho, which is focused on corporate governance and the roles of Boards in public health institutions. The training aims to strengthen governance structures within the health sector and ensure Boards and management teams understand their defined responsibilities.

Akandoh stressed that Boards should primarily focus on oversight functions and not assume administrative duties. He highlighted that clear separation between governance and management would help prevent unnecessary interference in daily operations and allow management teams to execute their duties effectively. The Minister underscored that well-defined roles would simplify accountability for leaders and decisions.

He urged retreat participants to gain practical insights into their respective responsibilities during the governance training. Akandoh also highlighted the importance of prudent management of public resources in governance, urging institutions to exercise caution in spending decisions, particularly on non-essential expenditures.

He emphasized that effective governance is crucial for ensuring that limited resources are allocated to areas that directly benefit the health sector, given Ghana's resource constraints. The Minister stressed that good governance extends beyond structures and policies to include responsible financial decision-making. Additionally, Akandoh reaffirmed his commitment to providing health agencies with the necessary Legislative Instruments (LIs) to guide their operations and strengthen governance.

He emphasized that stronger governance structures would help institutions avoid infractions and promote accountability. The corporate governance training aims to equip participants with the knowledge to identify governance challenges and avoid institutional infractions. The retreat serves as a platform for health sector officials and stakeholders to reflect on institutional performance and strengthen governance systems that support public health agencies' management.