The Accra Metropolis, located in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana has a population of 305,302 and covering an area of about 23.44sqkm. It is located along the coastline of the Greater Accra Region and houses the Capital. It is a vibrant urban area with a robust healthcare system managed by the Metropolitan Health Directorate. This system ensures the delivery of quality healthcare services through collaboration with various stakeholders.

Organisational and mandate overview

The Accra Metropolitan Health Directorate (AMHD) oversees all health-related activities in the municipality, ensuring standards in service delivery. The directorate’s vision is to achieve a healthy population with universal access to quality health services. It provides direction in health service management and advises the Metropolitan Assembly on health matters. Its responsibilities include leadership in executing health programs, monitoring clinical and public health interventions, planning resources, and providing expert advice on health emergencies and disease outbreaks.

Governance structure

The Accra Metropolitan Health Directorate (MHD) is administratively situated under Metropolitan Assembly which is under the leadership of the Metro Chief Executive Officer (Mayor) and reports functionally to the Regional Health Directorate (RHD) through the Regional Director of Health Services. The AMA currently is made up of 3 Sub-Metropolitan District Councils which are Ablekuma South, Okaikoi South, and Ashiedu Keteke . The Assembly also has 3 Members of Parliament. The Metro Director of Health Services leads the AMHD, supported by the Metro Health Committee and the Municipal Health Management Team.

primary Healthcare Facilities

Accra is equipped with numerous primary healthcare facilities, including a teaching hospital, hospitals, polyclinics, clinics, a maternity homes, private facilities, and quasi-governmental and CHAG facilities. These facilities provide essential services such as general consultations, preventive care, maternal and child health services, immunizations, family planning, and health education, acting as the first point of contact for healthcare needs. The Metropolis as well has 61 CHPS Zones through which it offers services in the community.The total OPD attendance for 2023 was 545,067 with Upper respiratory tract infections being the top cause of OPD attendance.

Hospitals and Specialised care

The metropolis boasts of several hospitals, both public and private, offering specialized medical services in fields such as obstetrics, pediatrics, internal medicine, surgery, orthopedics, and ophthalmology. These hospitals are staffed with skilled healthcare professionals and equipped with modern diagnostic tools. Healthcare services offered in health facilities range from routine check-ups, diagnosis, and treatment of common illnesses, chronic disease management, basic laboratory tests, preventive care, and mental health services to advanced medical procedures such as surgeries, interventional procedures, advanced imaging, assisted reproductive technologies, cancer treatments, organ and tissue transplantation, cardiac procedures, and neurological procedures.

Disease prevention and control

Accra Metropolis actively implements disease prevention and control programs targeting prevalent diseases like malaria, HIV/AIDS, and tuberculosis. These efforts include health education, screenings, and awareness campaigns to reduce disease burden.The Metropolis wasa adjudged the best District for TB case detection and management.

collaborations and partners

The healthcare system benefits from partnerships with local and international organizations, NGOs, academic institutions, and other stakeholders. These collaborations enhance capacity-building, resource mobilization, and the execution of specialized healthcare programs.

health insurance

The National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) in Ghana provides financial protection and access to a wide range of healthcare services for residents. This scheme covers various primary and specialized care services, medications, and treatments.

health delivery improvement

Improvements in health facilities include maintenance of infrastructure, new maternity wards, surgical theaters, and oxygen plants. Wellness clinics offer screenings and health check-ups, often free of charge, with referrals for further assessment and management.

Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response (IDSR)

The IDSR strategy monitors and controls infectious diseases through early detection and timely response, involving health workers at all levels. It enhances disease detection, reporting, and outbreak response, contributing to global health security.

Health Promotion and Community Engagement

Health promotion efforts include comprehensive health education, disease prevention, maternal and child health services, community engagement, health screenings, and outreach programs. Collaboration with various stakeholders ensures a holistic and sustainable impact on community health.

Future plans and priorities

The Metro Health Directorate aims to ensure equitable, accessible, effective, efficient, and affordable health services for all residents of the metropolis by working with its stakeholders to ensure that its facilities and Community-based Health Planning and Services are well-resourced to deliver sterling health services.