Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II has urged government appointees to justify the confidence reposed in them by President John Dramani Mahama, stressing that the President cannot personally oversee every sector of the country's development.

The Asantehene made the remarks when the Minister for Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, paid a courtesy call on him at the Manhyia Palace to brief him on key reforms and progress within Ghana's health sector.

"The President cannot directly oversee every sector of the Ghanaian economy. That is why he has appointed some of you into various positions. The onus lies on you to work hard towards the transformation of the country," Otumfuo said.

In a graphic.com.gh report on July 27, 2026, he is quoted to have said that ministerial appointments are an opportunity to serve the nation and improve the lives of Ghanaians.

According to the Asantehene, public officials who distinguish themselves through dedicated service will leave a lasting legacy.

"If you distinguish yourself, your name will be etched in the minds of Ghanaians," he added.

Otumfuo also cautioned government appointees to be wary of fair-weather friends who could undermine their work and urged them to remain vigilant throughout their tenure.

Calls for continuity in national projects

The Asantehene further appealed to successive governments to prioritise the completion of inherited development projects rather than abandoning them after a change in administration.

He said ensuring continuity in public infrastructure projects would accelerate national development and prevent the waste of public resources.

"If every new government commits to completing inherited projects, it will ensure that they are put to good use and help fast-track the progress of the nation," he stated.

Otumfuo observed that abandoning projects already financed with public funds often forces governments to borrow additional resources to complete them at a higher cost.

Health Minister outlines key reforms

During the meeting, Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh briefed the Asantehene on major initiatives being implemented by the government to improve healthcare delivery.

The minister's presentation focused on the Free Primary Healthcare Policy, the Ghana Medical Trust Fund (MahamaCares), and efforts to address the backlog of more than 100,000 unemployed health workers inherited by the current administration.

He was accompanied by the Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr Frank Amoakohene; the Administrator of the Ghana Medical Trust Fund, Obuobia Darko-Opoku; the Director-General of the Ghana Health Service, Dr Samuel Akoriyea, and other officials.

Akandoh said the government considers free primary healthcare a critical step towards achieving universal health coverage, noting that countries that have successfully achieved universal health coverage invested heavily in accessible primary healthcare services.

According to him, the Free Primary Healthcare Policy is intended to complement the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), with plans to procure additional medical equipment and supplies to strengthen health facilities nationwide.

Government targets completion of 35 Agenda 111 hospitals

Touching on the Agenda 111 hospital project, the Health Minister said although about GH¢4.8 billion had been spent on the programme by the previous administration, none of the facilities had been fully completed and made operational.

He disclosed that the government has identified 35 Agenda 111 hospital projects for completion, including the facilities at Trede and Oforikrom in the Ashanti Region.

Akandoh also provided an update on the Sewua Regional Hospital, saying work is ongoing to improve access to the facility through the construction of access roads and the extension of electricity and water services.

He expressed optimism that President John Dramani Mahama would commission the hospital during his next visit to the Ashanti Region.