President Nana Akufo Addo in his 4th address to the nation on COVID-19 announced the establishment of the COVID-19 National Trust Fund to be chaired by former Chief Justice Sophia Abena Boafoa Akuffo.
At the board’s inauguration ceremony, the President said the Trust Fund is to focus on catering for the needy and vulnerable. As announced by the President in his 5th Address to the Nation, the Trust Fund has accrued over 8 million Ghana Cedis.
In commending the President and the State for their efforts in the COVID-19 fight, it is also important to critically examine the aim and sole purpose of the COVID-19 Trust Fund and what happens to the fund after COVID-19.
Over the years Ghana has passed excellent laws to undertake social welfare issues but usually fail in implementation.
It was indeed a cause for worry when head porters popularly known as ‘Kayayei’ were sent back to Accra from Ejisu as they tried to beat the lockdown imposed in Greater Accra and Kumasi. The stranded state of the ‘Kayeyei’ was not only sad but this single act has revealed our extremely weak social welfare system. The President’s call on citizens to cater to the needy in these difficult times is laudable. However, it is also important that the Government take a critical look at our weak social welfare system and make the necessary changes that will benefit all Ghanaians.
The principles that guard the COVID-19 prevention protocols are not only for COVID -19 but are general medicinal principles for preventing diseases spread like Cholera and typhoid. COVID-19 deserve attention and preparation. As a nation, we must appreciate that COVID-19 presents us with the perfect opportunity to increase our general preparedness and improve our health infrastructure.
This must also end that cycle of non-continuity of projects. We must not only be quick to open abandoned health facilities but equip and upgrade all health facilities across the country.
Our health system needs critical attention and extra investment.
We cannot afford to see a breakdown of our health system after COVID-19. The question is, how do we channel COVID-19 fund after controlling coronavirus into the implementation of quality and adequate health care delivery in Ghana? Or if nothing is left in COVID-19 fund, how do we set up a health care fund as a drastic measure to improve the weak health system?
Issues such as lack of oxygen and medicines in hospitals should be a thing of the past in Ghana moving forward, including understaffed hospitals where there are a few doctors and nurses.
It is time all such issues are taken seriously and addressed without any excuse.
The Coronavirus pandemic is one sure way to narrow the inequality gap in Africa. Europe and Asia are usual healthcare centres for most African leaders and the elites. The travel bans have compelled our leaders to understand the importance of building theirs without depending on others for basic quality health care.
South African health minister Aaron Motsoaledi is reported to have said a few years ago, that “We are the only continent that has its leaders seeking medical services outside the continent, outside our territory. We must be ashamed.”
Ghana cannot afford to wait for another health crisis before acting. Perhaps COVID-19 gives us an opportunity to appreciate the Akan proverb literally translated as ‘Doing what is important, before doing what is nice. We must use this opportunity to reexamine our priorities, especially in our health sector.
Mr. President, at this time everyone wants your attention and it will gladden the hearts of many if you will make sure our health system is improved and modernize for every Ghanaian to have access to quality healthcare.
This is the time for us to listen to the Proverbs as we are admonished to “Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its way and be wise”.
Michael Sa-Ambo – African Post Online
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Michael Sa-Ambo is a consummate writer who is passionate about development on the African continent. His area of interest is in current affairs, personal development and communication.
