Health Minister Inaugurates Psychology Advisory Board as Dr. Wiafe-Addai Calls for Tax Waivers on Medical Donations

The Ghanaian health sector has seen two significant developments aimed at improving service delivery and resource accessibility. In a move to strengthen the country's mental health infrastructure, the Minister for Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has officially inaugurated a new Advisory Board for the Ghana Psychology Council. This regulatory body is tasked with the critical oversight of psychological services, including the supervision of practitioners, accreditation of educational programs, and the enforcement of professional standards and ethical conduct. Minister Akandoh charged the board members to execute their duties with diligence to ensure that psychological practices in Ghana meet international best practices and protect public well-being.

While the government focuses on regulatory frameworks, health advocates are highlighting the fiscal barriers that impede the flow of essential resources to vulnerable populations. Dr. Beatrice Wiafe-Addai, founder of Peace and Love Hospitals and President of Breast Care International, has issued a public appeal for the government to waive taxes and duties on donated drugs and medical supplies. Speaking at a recent donation event, Dr. Wiafe-Addai emphasized that many healthcare facilities, particularly those serving underserved communities, depend heavily on international and local donations to bridge resource gaps. The current taxation on these charitable items often serves as a deterrent to potential donors and limits the volume of aid that reaches frontline providers.

Dr. Wiafe-Addai argued that the removal of these financial barriers is essential for enhancing healthcare delivery across the country. She noted that high import duties on donated medical goods ultimately penalize the poor, as these costs are often passed down or result in a total loss of donated materials. By implementing tax waivers, she believes the government would not only encourage more frequent donations from the global community but also ensure that life-saving medications and equipment reach the hospitals that need them most. These combined efforts—improving professional regulation through the Psychology Council and addressing the logistics of medical supply chains—represent a multifaceted approach to addressing the challenges within Ghana's healthcare system.