By Vivian Amoah
The President of the Ghana Red Cross Society, Edward Donkor, has announced plans for the establishment of a 100-bed international humanitarian hospital as part of efforts to strengthen Ghana’s emergency healthcare and disaster response system.
Participants at the World Red Cross Day Celbration in Accra, Ghana.Speaking at the celebration of World Red Cross Day 2026 held on May 8, 2026, at the Ghana College of Physicians and Surgeons, Mr. Donkor said recent disasters and disease outbreaks have exposed major gaps in emergency healthcare delivery across the country.
According to him, the proposed hospital would function as a national emergency and epidemic preparedness canter capable of handling mass casualty situations, infectious disease outbreaks, and specialised humanitarian care.
He explained that the facility would operate on the principles of humanity, impartiality, and neutrality, ensuring that vulnerable persons are not denied medical care because of financial difficulties.
Mr. Donkor noted that experiences from disasters such as flooding, cholera outbreaks, and Mpox cases have demonstrated the need for long-term solutions beyond temporary relief interventions.
He also highlighted the Ghana Red Cross Society’s expanding humanitarian programmes, including climate adaptation projects, flood preparedness initiatives, water and sanitation interventions, and community-based healthcare programmes being implemented with support from international partners.
The Ghana Red Cross President further appealed for stronger government collaboration, increased domestic funding for humanitarian activities, and the passage of a new Ghana Red Cross Act to strengthen the organisation’s operations.
He praised the commitment of over 72,000 volunteers across the country, describing them as the backbone of the Society’s humanitarian work.
Mr. Donkor urged government institutions, development partners, the private sector, and citizens to support the vision of building a stronger and more resilient humanitarian system in Ghana under the theme “United in Humanity.”
