Access to medical-grade oxygen for critical and emergency care at the LEKMA Hospital in the Greater Accra Region will now see a massive improvement following the commissioning of a 10,000-litre capacity oxygen plant.

The plant was commissioned on Wednesday, June 18, by the Ghana Health Service (GHS) following a collaboration with the Ghanaian U.S. Embassy and technical support from a nonprofit organization for international health, Jhpiego.

The newly launched plant adds to the ten oxygen plants to be installed in strategic health facilities across the country.

Director of the Health Administration and Support Services Division, Dr. Ebo Hammond, at GHS, who was speaking at the commissioning event, lauded the government for its timely and impactful intervention.

The US Embassy’s Chargé d'affaires, Rolf Olson, also commended the United States Government’s long-standing commitment to enhancing health systems in Ghana, particularly in maternal and neonatal care.

He also revealed the US government's plans to supply the plant with liquid oxygen for a year to ensure its continued operation.

Also, the Country Director at Jhpiego, Dr. Pearl Nanka Bruce, noted that biomedical engineers and fire service personnel have undergone specialized training to ensure the plant's proper maintenance.

Recently, The LEKMA Hospital received medical equipment, consumables and pharmaceuticals from the 14th Chinese Medical Team to Ghana.

The items were donated to support two critical initiatives: the minimally invasive surgery project (laparoscopic surgeries) and the Beautiful World Charity project.

Health Minister Mintah Akandoh urged the leadership of LEKMA Hospital, under the capable direction of Dr. Akua Gyimah Asante, to ensure that this equipment is used effectively, maintained diligently, and serves its intended purpose, providing better health outcomes for the people of Ghana.

This donation represents another tangible demonstration of support from the Chinese government to both the government of Ghana and the Ghanaian people.

The U.S. Embassy has expressed commitment to strengthening health services through collaboration, innovation, and sustained investment in primary healthcare.

As such, the Embassy under its Ghana Integrated Health Program (IHP) donated some 104 motorbikes to the Ghana Health Service (GHS) and the Christian Health Association of Ghana (CHAG).

The donation is meant to strengthen primary healthcare, improve disease surveillance, and enhance maternal and child health outreach by equipping frontline workers with reliable means of transport.

Of the total, 90 bikes were allocated to GHS and 14 to CHAG. Receiving the motorbikes on behalf of the Director-General of the Service, Director for Health Administration and Support Services at GHS, Dr. Ebo Hammond, expressed profound appreciation for the support and described the motorbikes as vital mobility tools that will boost frontline health workers’ ability to reach hard-to-access areas.

Dr. Hammond highlighted that motorbikes form 90% of GHS’s transport fleet, making them especially effective when visiting hard-to-reach areas, and assured the U.S. Embassy of the effective use and maintenance of the donated items.

He commended the US embassy for past interventions, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Delivering remarks on behalf of the U.S. Embassy, Ms. Kimberley Rosen emphasized the strong partnership between Ghana and the U.S. in healthcare delivery.

She noted that the handover reflects America’s continued investment in Ghana’s health system, praising healthcare workers for their dedication.