Minority demands probe into Akamai shutdown of Ghana’s health information systems

The Minority in Parliament has demanded an investigation into the shutdown of critical health information systems following the suspension of 10 servers by Akamai over an outstanding payment of US$64,510.95.

The Minority Health Committee says the disruption raises serious concerns about the government’s financial planning, contract management and oversight of Ghana’s digital health infrastructure.

In a statement signed by the Ranking Member of the Committee on Health, Dr Nana Ayew Afriye, the Minority described the development as troubling, particularly given government’s assurances that the introduction of the Ghana Health Information Management System (GHIMS) would strengthen the country’s digital health infrastructure.

The Ghana Health Service (GHS), in a communication dated November 2, 2026, disclosed that critical electronic health information systems, including the District Health Information Management System (DHIMS2), had been inaccessible since October 29, following the suspension of 10 servers by Akamai over an outstanding payment.

The Minority noted that although GHIMS and DHIMS2 perform different functions, both form part of Ghana’s wider digital health ecosystem.

It said the disruption raises questions about the sustainability of government’s digital health strategy and its ability to safeguard essential national health information systems.

Minority questions digital health investment

The Minority recalled that in October 2025, Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh announced the introduction of GHIMS to replace the Lightwave Health Information Management System (LHIMS).

The government had presented GHIMS as a state-owned platform intended to strengthen national control over health data and reduce dependence on private service providers.

However, the Minority said the latest development raises concerns about whether the country’s digital health investments are delivering the expected results.

It noted that the Ministry of Health’s budget increased from approximately GH₵17.8 billion in 2025 to GH₵22.8 billion in 2026, representing a 28 per cent nominal increase.

The caucus stressed that although the allocations cover the entire Ministry, the public deserves a detailed account of the resources committed specifically to GHIMS and related digital infrastructure.

It also called for information on actual expenditure, implementation progress and measurable outcomes.

“Digital health transformation must be measured not by the introduction of new platforms, but by the reliability, accessibility and sustainability of the systems serving Ghanaians,” the statement said.

Minority questions Ministry’s oversight

The Minority expressed disappointment in the Ministry of Health and the Ghana Health Service for allowing outstanding contractual obligations to escalate into a disruption of critical health information systems.

It questioned how institutions responsible for managing the country’s health information infrastructure could allow 10 servers to be suspended over an outstanding obligation of approximately US$64,511.

The caucus said the incident raises serious concerns about financial planning, contract management and institutional oversight.

It also questioned Akamai’s decision to suspend essential health information services, given the potential public health consequences.

While acknowledging the need to honour contractual obligations, the Minority urged the Ministry to review the agreement and consider terminating it where justified by the established facts and contractual provisions.

The Minority Health Committee has called on the government to immediately restore the affected systems and provide a clear timeline for their full operational recovery.

It also wants the Ministry of Health to account for GHIMS expenditure, including budgetary allocations, actual spending, implementation progress and integration with existing health information systems.

The committee further demanded an investigation into the Akamai suspension to establish institutional responsibility and determine appropriate corrective measures.

It called for an independent audit of Ghana’s digital health infrastructure, covering hosting arrangements, interoperability, data security and business continuity.

The Minority also wants sustainable financing and infrastructure safeguards to be established to prevent similar disruptions in the future.

The caucus maintained that Ghana’s digital health transformation must deliver reliable services rather than merely introduce new platforms and policy announcements.

“It is unacceptable for critical national health information systems to remain vulnerable to disruption over unresolved administrative and financial obligations,” the statement said.

The Minority said it would pursue the necessary parliamentary oversight to ensure accountability and prevent a recurrence.