The COVID-19 pandemic exposed deep vulnerabilities in health systems around the world—laying bare the urgent need for stronger investments in pandemic preparedness and response. For Ghana, it served as both a wake-up call and a powerful opportunity: a call to reimagine and rebuild a more resilient, inclusive, and responsive health system that can detect and address emerging health threats before they escalate into crises.

In a significant step forward, Ghana has officially launched its Pandemic Fund Project, a transformative initiative that aims to strengthen national health security and protect lives through robust systems for early warning, response, and recovery. The launch event, held at the Ministry of Health in Accra, brought together a diverse group of stakeholders including government leaders, development partners, civil society representatives, health experts, academics, and members of the newly inaugurated Steering Committee.

Ghana is only one of six countries in Africa to be awarded Pandemic Fund Grant under the second call for proposals. The country's successful application—developed by a multidisciplinary technical team under the leadership of the Ministry of Health and Ghana Health Service—was supported by technical assistance from the World Health Organization (WHO). The total award of $16.3 million will be implemented over three years and represents a strategic investment in Ghana’s health future.

At the heart of the project lies a commitment to strengthening three critical components of health system resilience: disease surveillance, laboratory capacity, and the health workforce. These foundational areas are essential to detecting, responding to, and recovering from public health emergencies. The project also adopts a One Health and cross-sectoral approach, ensuring collaboration across human, animal, and environmental health sectors and close partnership with communities to leave no one behind.

In his remarks, Dr. Sofonias Asrat, speaking on behalf of Dr Fiona Braka, WHO Representative to Ghana, commended the Government of Ghana for its leadership and reaffirmed WHO’s commitment as an implementing partner.

“This fund comes at a critical time. The Pandemic Fund Project represents more than a financial investment, it is a strategic commitment to protect the health of every Ghanaian by strengthening systems before the next emergency. WHO is proud to support Ghana in this vital endeavour”, he said. 

Speaking at the event, the Minister of Health, Hon. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, emphasized the importance of learning from the COVID-19 experience and using those lessons to rebuild smarter and stronger. 

“More than just a pool of resources, this fund is an instrument for change—an opportunity to invest in early warning systems, health infrastructure, workforce readiness, and community engagement”, he said.

A key feature of the launch was the inauguration of the National Steering Committee (NSC)—a nine-member body tasked with providing oversight and ensuring strategic direction and accountability in the implementation of the project. The committee is co-chaired by the Minister of Health and WHO, and includes representatives from key ministries such as Finance, Food and Agriculture, Gender, and Environment, as well as partners like FAO, the World Bank, and Civil Society.

Development partners present—including WHO, FAO, and the World Bank—reiterated their support for Ghana’s pandemic preparedness efforts, commending the country’s proactive stance and pledging continued technical assistance to ensure the success of the project.

The launch concluded with a shared vision: a Ghana that is prepared, proactive, and protected. With coordinated leadership, bold investments, and strengthened partnerships, Ghana is poised to build a health system that not only responds to crises—but one that anticipates and prevents them, safeguarding the well-being of every Ghanaian now and for generations to come.

For Additional Information or to Request Interviews, Please contact:
Abdul-Lahie Abdul-Rahim Naa
Communications Officer
WHO Ghana Country Office
Email: abdullahiea [at] who.int (abdullahiea[at]who[dot]int)
Tel: +233 20 196 2393