The United States government, in collaboration with the Ghana Health Service and implementing partner Jhpiego, has officially commissioned 10 modern liquid oxygen plants across seven regions in Ghana, marking a historic milestone as the largest investment in medical oxygen infrastructure in the nation's history.

This bold initiative directly addresses Ghana's urgent need for improved respiratory care, especially for newborns, mothers, and patients facing severe respiratory conditions. The commissioning ceremony, held at LEKMA Hospital in Teshie near Accra, symbolized a renewed commitment to healthcare equity and resilience. These high-efficiency plants-engineered to operate reliably even during power outages-are expected to produce over eight million liters of medical-grade oxygen annually and ensure timely treatment access for more than 155,000 Ghanaians each year.

Strategically positioned in critical healthcare facilities nationwide, these plants drastically reduce the logistical burden on medical staff who previously had to travel up to 1,750 kilometers for oxygen refills. That distance has now been cut by over half, improving oxygen delivery and patient outcomes in both emergency and routine care. Beyond infrastructure, the initiative includes training for over 200 clinicians and biomedical engineers, creating long-term sustainability and building local healthcare capacity.

U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Rolf Olson emphasized the broader goal of advancing healthcare self-reliance in Ghana, reflecting on strengthened cooperation since the COVID-19 pandemic.

As noted by Dr. Ebo Hammond of the Ghana Health Service, this investment not only improves clinical operations but reinforces Ghana’s ability to respond to future health crises. By integrating innovative technology, professional training, and cross-border cooperation, the initiative strengthens global health security, expands U.S.–Ghana economic and health ties, and sets a model for scalable solutions across West Africa.