The Minority in Parliament is demanding a full independent audit of Ghana’s digital health systems and a probe into why ten servers were switched off by technology firm Akamai, an action that cut off access to vital health information platforms over an outstanding bill of US$64,510.95.
The Minority is also calling for the affected systems to be brought back without delay, a clear timetable for their complete recovery, and for those in charge of managing the country’s digital health infrastructure to be held responsible.
In a statement issued on Friday, November 6, and signed by the Ranking Member of the Health Committee, Dr Nana Ayew Afriyie, the Minority questioned how a relatively small unpaid contractual amount could bring essential health services to a halt.
The statement comes after a November 2 notice from the Ghana Health Service (GHS), which revealed that key electronic health information systems, including the District Health Information Management System (DHIMS2), had been down since October 29, 2026.
The Minority wants a probe into what led to the suspension, who should take responsibility, and what corrective steps should be taken. It is also urging government to review its contract with Akamai and end it if the facts and contract terms justify such a move.
Beyond the immediate shutdown, the Minority is asking for a full breakdown of government spending on the Ghana Health Information Management System (GHIMS), including money allocated, money actually spent, how far implementation has gone, and how it links with existing health systems.
It is also calling for an independent audit to look at hosting arrangements, how systems work together, data security, and plans to keep services running during disruptions. It further wants lasting funding and infrastructure protections to stop a similar shutdown from happening again.
The statement raised worries about financial planning, contract handling, and supervision at the Ministry of Health and the Ghana Health Service.
The Minority’s concerns also cover government’s wider digital health transformation programme, especially the introduction of GHIMS. Health Minister, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, unveiled GHIMS in October 2025 as a government-owned platform meant to replace the Lightwave Health Information Management System (LHIMS).
Government had described the platform as a way to strengthen national control over health data and cut reliance on private providers.
Although GHIMS and DHIMS2 serve different purposes, the Minority said both are part of Ghana’s broader digital health system, which raises doubts about whether government’s digital health plan can be sustained.
It also pointed out that the Ministry of Health’s budget rose from about GH¢17.8 billion in 2025 to GH¢22.8 billion in 2026, an increase of 28 per cent.
While admitting that the allocation covers the whole Ministry, the Minority said the public deserves a clear account of how much was specifically committed to GHIMS and related digital infrastructure, and what concrete results have been achieved.
It insisted that Ghana’s digital health transformation should be judged by how reliable, accessible and sustainable the systems serving the public are, and not by the launch of new platforms and policy announcements.
The Minority said it will use parliamentary oversight to ensure accountability and prevent a repeat of the incident.
