Turn Research into Action to Strengthen Primary Healthcare – Grace Ayensu-Danquah
The Deputy Minister of Health, Prof. Dr Grace Ayensu-Danquah, has said research findings must be translated into practical interventions if Ghana’s Free Primary Healthcare programme is to effectively respond to the health needs of communities.
She said stronger links between research, policy and frontline practice were essential to improving healthcare delivery, particularly at the primary and community levels.
Prof. Ayensu-Danquah made the remarks at the opening of the five-day 7th Annual Nursing and Midwifery Leaders and Managers Conference 2026, held on the theme: “Bridging Research, Policy and Practice in Nursing and Midwifery to Advance Free Primary Healthcare in Ghana.”
According to her, nurses and midwives were uniquely positioned to turn evidence from their daily work into practical solutions, given their close contact with patients and communities.
She noted that their role in identifying health conditions early, providing preventive care and ensuring timely referrals could help prevent complications and reduce the number of patients who eventually require specialised or tertiary care.
The Deputy Minister therefore urged nursing and midwifery leaders to use research evidence to influence policy and improve practices at the community level.
She stressed that effective primary healthcare delivery would not only bring essential services closer to people but also help ease the pressure on specialised and tertiary health facilities.
The conference also provides an opportunity to recognise professionals whose work has made a significant contribution to healthcare delivery in Ghana.
Grace Acheampong, ISD
