A vaccine cold room constructed for the Western North Regional Health Directorate has become non-operational due to the lack of electricity supply.
The facility, built through a collaboration between the Ministry of Health, Ghana Health Service, CANGIVE Canada, and UNICEF, was intended to ensure the safe storage of vaccines within the region. However, it has remained unused since its completion because no power arrangement was made to support its operations.
Speaking at the Annual Performance Review held on March 26, 2026, at Sefwi Bodi, the Western North Regional Director of Health Services, Dr. Clara Paulina Appiah, described the situation as a major challenge for the directorate.
She revealed that the Electricity Company of Ghana had inspected the facility and recommended the installation of a new transformer to supply power to the cold room. According to her, the directorate has officially written to both the Ministry of Health and the Ghana Health Service and is awaiting support to resolve the issue.
The Deputy Director-General of the Ghana Health Service, Dr. Caroline Reindorf Amissah, commended the Western North Regional Health Directorate for its efforts despite the challenges.
She stated that the government’s vision is to ensure equitable healthcare for all Ghanaians, highlighting ongoing efforts to implement free primary healthcare across the country. She added that although the initiative has not yet reached all parts of the country, steps are being taken to expand its coverage nationwide.
Dr. Amissah further emphasized that President John Dramani Mahama remains committed to improving healthcare delivery for every Ghanaian.
Also speaking at the event, the Board Chairman of the Western North Regional Health Directorate, Nana Ellou Payin III, praised health workers in the region for their dedication.
He called on the Ghana Health Service to construct more health facilities in the region to improve access to healthcare. He also urged the Ministry of Health to provide incentives for health workers serving in remote areas to boost morale and enhance service delivery.
