Richard Agyare makes a plea for reforming Ghana’s cash-and-carry healthcare system
Richard Agyare, also known as Akwasi Poku—a UK-based Ghanaian peace advocate and philanthropist from Agyeimpra in the Offinso Municipality—has made a passionate appeal for the reform of Ghana’s cash-and-carry healthcare system, citing its devastating impact on vulnerable patients.
His call came during a significant gesture of philanthropy, where he donated funds to settle the outstanding medical bills of thirteen patients at Offinso St. Patrick’s Hospital.
“It is deeply worrying that hospitals often deny patients crucial medical care simply because they cannot immediately pay for available medications,” Agyare stated. “This unfortunate situation leads to avoidable deaths in our hospitals. Many individuals—potential family heads and valuable contributors to Ghana’s development—are being lost due to these conditions.”
Speaking with urgency, Agyare called on the government and relevant stakeholders to prioritize comprehensive healthcare reform. “Forcing sick people to pay before receiving emergency care is unacceptable. The cash-and-carry system has claimed too many lives, and it’s time we prioritized the lives of all Ghanaians.”
He also urged the government to address the shortcomings of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), calling for alternative solutions to alleviate the financial burden on patients.
“The priority for hospitals should be the well-being of the patient,” he emphasized. “Hospitals must understand patients’ situations, prioritize saving lives, and provide care before demanding payment.”
Agyare, a native of Offinso Agyeimpra now residing in the United Kingdom, personally funded the clearing of debts for patients who had been discharged but were unable to pay their medical bills. “Today, I came to St. Patrick’s Hospital to settle the bills of individuals unable to pay. Thirteen patients have benefitted, and I hope to return and do more.”
He concluded with a heartfelt call to action: “I also urge well-to-do individuals to emulate this gesture. Many patients are suffering. A simple visit to a hospital can open your eyes to the harsh realities and inspire empathy and compassion.”
Following Agyare’s donation, Pearl Bemmah Poku, the Nurse Manager at St. Patrick’s Hospital, expressed deep appreciation for his support.
“On behalf of the board and management of St. Patrick’s Hospital, I extend our heartfelt gratitude to Mr. Agyare for his generous donation. We frequently encounter patients in dire need of financial assistance for their medical care and basic needs. This donation will significantly aid us in fulfilling our mission, and we are immensely grateful.”
She further encouraged other philanthropists to support the hospital’s efforts to serve the underprivileged.
The beneficiary patients—many of whom had lost hope due to their inability to settle their medical bills—expressed sincere gratitude to Agyare. Several shared their stories of hardship, noting that even basic necessities such as food had become difficult to afford.
