Boost rural healthcare funding to prevent avoidable deaths – Ofori Panin urges government

The Okyenhene, Osagyefuo Amotia Ofori Panin, has appealed to the government to prioritise greater investment in rural healthcare as a way of tackling long-standing health challenges in deprived communities.

He noted that building more modern health facilities in rural areas would go a long way in cutting down preventable deaths and improving access to quality medical care for residents.

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

He emphasised the need for sustained government action to strengthen the health sector, with particular attention to rural and hard-to-reach areas.

“It makes no sense for a child to die from malaria simply because they live in a remote community. Neither does it make sense for a pregnant woman to travel about 16 miles just to access a hospital,” he said.

The traditional ruler praised nurses and midwives for their commitment and sacrifices, while calling on policymakers and leaders to expand healthcare infrastructure to ensure fair and equal access to health services nationwide.

“Tonight, my appeal is to commend you for your achievements and to urge those in leadership and government with the authority to provide infrastructure to broaden opportunities so that everyone can benefit on the basis of merit,” he added.