Policy analyst and IMANI Africa president Franklin Cudjoe has called for calm and constructive dialogue between the Ministry of Health and Lightwave Health Information Management System (LHIMS) over their ongoing contract dispute.
In a post shared on his Facebook page, Cudjoe said he has been following “the tango between the Health Minister, Hon Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, and Lightwave,” referring to the company that managed Ghana’s $100 million health digitisation project introduced before 2016.
“I think it is important that we do not jeopardise the health records of our citizens, especially in a country that is supposed to be promoting digitalisation,” Cudjoe wrote. “If there are issues between vendors and the government, they must be resolved amicably. These are very sensitive matters that concern people’s health.”
He cautioned that intermittent system shutdowns could have dire consequences for healthcare delivery, noting that “healthcare workers would struggle to access critical data, which could have serious consequences.”
According to Cudjoe, Lightwave claims it is owed about $25 million out of the $100 million contract sum for work done under the previous government. Both the company and the Ministry reportedly agree that about half of Ghana’s 900 health facilities have been connected, with significant infrastructure rollout completed.
“On the surface it does appear that a lot more work is yet to be done in order to fully satisfy the terms of the contract,” he added. “Almost all the major health facilities such as our largest regional teaching hospitals have been networked, and that may have taken significant time including training staff and maintaining a support team.”
Cudjoe urged both parties to find a middle ground on the remaining 450 facilities yet to be connected. “Is Lightwave able to complete the project with the remaining funds owed it? Would Ghana have to bear any cost overruns?” he asked.
He also cautioned against “accusations of blackmail and extreme actions of system shutdowns,” stressing that such behaviour undermines trust and efficiency.
“If, as reported, the Ministry plans to spend separate and fresh funds to procure a new system, value-for-money concerns must guide the approach,” Cudjoe noted. “Some have asked, why not pay the $25 million owed Lightwave, which already has extensive infrastructure, and complete the rollout without the government paying any extra costs?”
He concluded by urging dialogue rather than confrontation. “I urge the Minister and Lightwave to return to the negotiation table and resolve this matter amicably.”
