President John Dramani Mahama has reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening Ghana’s public health systems to prepare the nation for future health challenges, including potential pandemics exacerbated by the ongoing climate crisis.

Speaking at his inauguration ceremony on December 7, President Mahama outlined his vision for a robust healthcare system capable of safeguarding the well-being of Ghanaians against emerging global threats.

In his inaugural address at the Black Star Square, President Mahama emphasised the interplay between climate change and public health.

He painted a sobering picture of the risks posed by the worsening climate crisis, which he described as a catalyst for the resurgence of viruses previously thought to be eradicated.

Mahama also drew the crowd’s attention to the toll past epidemics have taken on families and communities, particularly in neighboring countries, underscoring the urgent need for preparedness.

“With the increase of the climate crisis, there is a likelihood of viruses that have been thought to be extinct for decades to begin to spread and create another pandemic.

“This is a serious challenge and so let us not forget the toll that the past epidemics of viruses had on families and communities in our neighbouring countries and to that end, my government will be working diligently to strengthen our public health systems while monitoring the global health situation so that when the next pandemic or epidemic occurs, the loss will be minimal.”