News of a serious car accident involving Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu and Deputy Communication Minister Mohammed Adams Sukparu spread rapidly across social media, news portals, and traditional media on Thursday, February 12.
The incident, which occurred near Tumu, triggered fear and anxiety nationwide as people attempted to contact relatives, colleagues, and officials within the Education Ministry.
The uncertainty was eased only after the Ministry’s Press Secretary, Mohammed Hashmin, released a statement confirming that the two Ministers were safe—a message that brought relief to many, including the Presidency.
The accident, which happened in a rural enclave, once again exposed the glaring disparities and challenges in Ghana’s rural healthcare delivery system.
The Tumu Government Hospital, the closest facility to the accident site, received the injured Ministers and other victims.
Staff at the facility responded swiftly and professionally, earning commendations for their dedication under pressure.
Under the leadership of Medical Superintendent Dr Joshua Amikiya Ayarigah, a team of committed health professionals attended to the victims for nearly five hours before they were airlifted to Accra.
By 11:15 a.m., the hospital had mobilized with disciplined urgency. Staff worked in harmony, deploying oxygen, syringes, and other emergency supplies needed to stabilise the victims in the theatre.
Speaking to the Ghana News Agency about the coordinated emergency response, Mrs Bawule Nafisah noted, “These are our Ministers, but we treat all emergencies the same—it’s our duty.”
Despite the staff’s efforts, the incident highlighted severe resource constraints.
The 1960s-era hospital continues to struggle to provide adequate healthcare to more than 90,000 residents and thousands of travellers who pass through the municipality.
Dr Ayarigah told the GNA, “We lack a functional X-ray machine, so we couldn’t scan the victims. Patients requiring imaging must travel 40 kilometres to Gwollu, and such delays can be fatal.”
He stressed the urgent need for a modern, well-equipped emergency ward to enhance the hospital’s capacity and efficiency.
Mr Clifford Vengkunmwini, the Sissala East Health Director, painted an equally concerning picture.
He stated that only two doctors serve a population of 90,864—representing a doctor-to-patient ratio of 1:30,288 compared to the national target of 1:7,500. The municipality also lacks essential infrastructure such as recovery rooms, emergency wards, and functional diagnostic equipment.
During the emergency, local leaders and medical personnel rallied together to save lives. The Sissala East MP, Mr Issah Mohammed Bataglia, and the Municipal Chief Executive, Mr Bening Adamu Yakubu, provided leadership and support.
Visiting chiefs, professors, and local dignitaries later reiterated concerns over the facility’s ageing structure and inadequate equipment.
The Chairman of the Health Committee, Mr Osman Kanton, emphasized that a new, fully equipped hospital is not a luxury but a necessity.
A 25-acre piece of land has already been allocated for that purpose.
The healthcare challenges in Sissala East mirror a wider national problem, underscoring the urgent need for comprehensive improvements in Ghana’s healthcare infrastructure.
While government investments in urban hospitals—such as upgrades to the Greater Accra Regional Hospital and the establishment of the University of Ghana Medical Centre—are commendable, rural communities must not be left behind.
Illnesses and accidents do not discriminate; they strike anywhere, at any time.
A holistic approach is therefore needed to strengthen healthcare delivery across the country.
This includes policy reforms, staff motivation initiatives, and robust strategies to curb brain drain.
It is troubling that Ghana trains thousands of health professionals annually yet continues to struggle to meet its own healthcare needs. Healthcare workers, from doctors to nurses, can only give their best when adequately supported, equipped, and rewarded.
To ensure equity in healthcare access, Ghana must match its medical training capacity with sustained investments in infrastructure and staffing. Quality healthcare should be accessible to all, regardless of geographical location—because indeed, a stitch in time saves nine.
GNA
Edited by Lydia Kukua Asamoah
13 February 2026
Photo caption: Health Ministers Accident – Tumu
