The Ghana Health Service (GHS) is raising concerns over a growing number of legal cases against health facilities, with 89 cases currently pending and potential financial exposure estimated at about GH¢400 million.
The cases, recorded between 2023 and 2025, have heightened concerns about the financial burden litigation could place on the already stretched public health system if judgments go against the Service.
The development has prompted the GHS to strengthen the capacity of its legal officers through structured training aimed at improving legal compliance, documentation and the handling of matters that could result in litigation.
Deputy Director-General of the GHS, Dr Caroline Reindorf Amissah, says the increasing number of cases makes it necessary to strengthen systems within health facilities to prevent avoidable legal costs.
The Service is also grappling with other legal and humanitarian challenges, including the growing problem of unclaimed bodies at health facilities.
Member of the GHS Council, Dr Gina Teddy, says unclaimed bodies, particularly those involving persons whose identities cannot easily be established, present complex legal and humanitarian concerns that require clear procedures and stronger systems.
The GHS is hopeful that improved legal compliance, proper documentation and stronger institutional systems will help protect patients’ rights while reducing the financial cost of litigation to the public health system.
