Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh Deploys 40 Health Workers to Weija Children’s Hospital as New Adolescent Mother Support Centre Opens in Sandema

The Ghanaian government and development partners have made significant strides in strengthening maternal and child healthcare infrastructure across the country through new facility openings and workforce enhancements. Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh has officially announced the operationalization of the Weija Children’s Specialist Hospital, a 120-bed facility designed to provide specialized care for young patients. Following a recent inspection, the Minister expressed satisfaction with the installation of essential equipment and confirmed that the hospital is currently offering outpatient and emergency services, marking a critical step in the Ministry's strategy to provide dedicated pediatric care.

To support the hospital's transition into a full-scale specialist referral center, Minister Akandoh ordered the immediate deployment of 40 additional health professionals. This workforce boost includes 10 medical doctors and 30 nurses and midwives, who are tasked with maintaining high standards of compassionate patient care. While the facility is already functional for initial services, the Ministry is actively resolving outstanding issues with contractors to facilitate the full introduction of inpatient care. The Minister emphasized that the government is monitoring operations closely to ensure the facility serves the public effectively and upholds the dignity of every patient.

In a parallel effort to support maternal and child welfare in the Upper East Region, the Anglican Diocesan Development and Relief Organisation (ADDRO) has partnered with the Builsa North Municipal Assembly to inaugurate an Early Childhood Safe Space Centre in Sandema. Funded by Episcopal Relief & Development (USA), this facility serves as a haven for adolescent mothers and their children up to 36 months old. ADDRO’s Executive Director, Emmanuel Tia Nabila, noted that the initiative aims to restore hope and dignity to young mothers by providing a supportive ecosystem that includes childcare, psychosocial support, nutrition assistance, and practical skills development opportunities.

These dual developments in Weija and Sandema reflect a comprehensive approach to health and social welfare, addressing both clinical needs and community-based support systems. While the Weija Children’s Specialist Hospital provides the technical medical infrastructure required for complex pediatric cases, the Sandema Safe Space Centre addresses the socio-economic vulnerabilities of young parents through targeted interventions and home visits. Together, these initiatives represent a significant commitment to improving child survival rates and maternal well-being, ensuring that specialized medical care and community-led developmental support are increasingly accessible to Ghanaians.