Minority demands answers over Ghana health data shutdown
Parliamentarians want the Health Minister to explain why digital health platforms were suspended over a $64,510.95 hosting bill.
Ghana's Minority Caucus in Parliament is demanding an explanation from the government and the Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, regarding the shutdown of critical Ghana Health Service digital platforms. Technology company Akamai suspended the platforms on October 29, 2026, due to an unpaid cloud hosting bill of US$64,510.95, forcing health facilities to revert to paper-based reporting.
The affected systems include the District Health Information Management System (DHIMS2), HIV and Tuberculosis trackers, and the National Malaria Data Repository. Dr Nana Ayew Afriyie, Ranking Member of Parliament’s Health Committee, stated that the disruption has impacted digital health reporting nationwide. The Minority Caucus has called for the immediate restoration of services, full disclosure of expenditure on the Ghana Health Information Management System (GHIMS), and an investigation into the suspension.
Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin is pushing for the Minister of Health to appear before Parliament to brief the House on the shutdown. Majority Leader James Agalga assured that steps would be taken to invite the minister to discuss the challenges and restoration measures. The Ghana Health Service has assured that no data has been lost, but the Minority insists that data preservation does not ensure uninterrupted access to essential health information.
Why it mattersThe shutdown of digital health platforms affects all health facilities in Ghana, forcing a return to paper records and disrupting health reporting.