Ghana Strengthens Health Security with NAPHS Prioritisation Workshop

Ghana has reached a significant milestone in its efforts to protect public health by completing the National Action Plan for Health Security (NAPHS) Prioritisation Workshop. This strategic exercise ensures that the country can more effectively prevent, detect, and respond to emerging health threats, creating a more resilient health system for its citizens.

What is the National Action Plan for Health Security (NAPHS)?

The NAPHS serves as a comprehensive roadmap designed to bolster Ghana’s health security capacities. It covers a wide array of critical interventions, ranging from the strengthening of laboratory systems to the improvement of border health protocols. By establishing a clear framework, the plan allows the government to identify vulnerabilities and implement targeted solutions to mitigate health risks before they become crises.

The Impact of the Prioritisation Workshop

Whereas having a roadmap is essential, the ability to execute it depends on how resources are allocated. The recently completed prioritisation workshop, led by the Ministry of Health and the Ghana Health Service, was designed to solve this challenge.

During the workshop, multi-sectoral stakeholders used intuitive tools to weigh the potential impact of various interventions against their feasibility. This process ensures that national and partner investments are directed toward actions that offer the maximum protection for human lives.

Dr. Franklin Asiedu-Bekoe, Director of the Public Health Division of the Ghana Health Service, emphasized that this process is about more than just administration. He noted that prioritisation allows the country to identify key actions backed by data and consensus, ensuring every investment has the highest possible impact on public health.

A Journey of Continuous Improvement

Ghana’s current health security posture is the result of years of systematic evaluation and adaptation. The process began with the first Joint External Evaluation (JEE) in 2017, which led to the development of the original NAPHS in 2018.

The implementation of this plan between 2019 and 2023 coincided with the COVID-19 pandemic, a period that necessitated urgent investments in emergency response mechanisms and health infrastructure. To maintain this momentum, Ghana has consistently used simulation exercises, after-action reviews, and State Party Annual Self-Assessment Reporting (SPAR) to monitor progress.

Most recently, Ghana completed its second JEE from February 10 to 14, 2025. This evaluation followed an internal assessment conducted in December 2024 and was supported by the World Health Organization (WHO) and funded by the United Kingdom Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (UKFCDO).

Global Collaboration and Support

Strengthening health security is a collaborative effort. The prioritisation workshop was supported by the UK Government through the Tackling Deadly Diseases in Africa Programme Phase 2 (TDDAP 2). This programme is implemented by Palladium and its consortium partner IDI, with additional technical guidance from the WHO.

Dr. Fiona Braka, the WHO Representative to Ghana, highlighted that these exercises are vital for building the resilient health systems necessary to withstand future biological threats.

Key Takeaways: Ghana’s Health Security Strategy

• Strategic Roadmap: The NAPHS provides the blueprint for preventing and responding to health threats.
• Data-Driven Prioritisation: The April 2026 workshop ensured that resources are allocated based on impact and feasibility.
• Iterative Evaluation: Ghana uses Joint External Evaluations (JEE) to systematically assess and update its capacities.
• International Partnership: Support from the UK Government, WHO, and Palladium is critical to implementing these security measures.

Looking Ahead

By aligning national objectives with partner investments, Ghana is moving toward a proactive rather than reactive health security model. The completion of the prioritisation workshop ensures that the country isn’t just planning for health security, but is executing those plans in the most efficient way possible to save lives.