Parliament has directed Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh to appear before the House within a week to provide a detailed briefing on the outbreaks of cholera, cerebrospinal meningitis (CSM), and other public health emergencies across the country.
The directive, issued by First Deputy Speaker Bernard Ahiafor on Tuesday, February 11, follows concerns raised by Members of Parliament (MPs) over the rising number of disease cases and the increasing pressure on healthcare facilities.
Leading the call for action, Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin highlighted the severity of the cholera outbreak in Effutu Municipality, where 412 cases have been recorded, resulting in three deaths.
“Currently, affected persons are receiving treatment at the Winneba Municipal Hospital, the Winneba Health Center, and the UEW Clinic. These facilities are overstretched,” he stated.
He added that the Municipal Health Directorate urgently needs funds to support operations, including medical supplies, fuel for sanitation efforts, and logistics for public education campaigns.
To aid the response, Afenyo-Markin revealed that he had personally donated a pickup vehicle and financial assistance to the local health directorate but stressed that government intervention was critical.
“The Municipal Assembly has no funds to educate the public or provide relief to those suffering. The central government must act immediately to save lives. The people are suffering,” he urged.
In response, First Deputy Speaker Ahiafor issued a firm order:
“I direct the Health Minister to appear before the House within one week to brief Parliament on all the health issues raised. Speaker, I so direct.”
