Invest in rural healthcare to save lives – Ofori Panin tells gov’t

The king of the Akyem Abuakwa Traditional Area, Osagyefuo Amotia Ofori Panin, has appealed to the government to increase investment in rural healthcare delivery to help address persistent health challenges in underserved communities.

He said the construction of more modern health facilities in rural areas would significantly reduce preventable deaths and improve access to quality healthcare for residents.

Osagyefuo Amotia Ofori Panin made the call while speaking at the 6th Dinner and Awards Night of the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association on Saturday, December 13, 2025.

He stressed that the government must intensify efforts to strengthen the health sector, particularly in rural 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.

He commended nurses and midwives for their dedication and service, while urging leaders and policymakers to expand healthcare infrastructure to ensure equitable access to services across the country.

“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.