Cooperative agreement with MOH
Since 2006, the Ministry of Health (MoH) has entered into an administrative arrangement, specifying mutual responsibilities between GOG and CHAG. From an administrative and managerial point of view, the relations between GOG and CHAG are governed by a “Memorandum of Understanding” (MoU), agreed upon between both parties. This MoU makes provisions for CHAG MIs to be compensated for salary costs and part of the operational expenses. In practise, eligible staff from MIs and the Executive Secretariat, do receive their salaries now directly from government. The MOH’s financial contribution to administrative and service costs is channelled through the district treasury. In principle CHAG facilities qualify for funding from the MOH’s investment budget (line item 4), but this is not common practice yet.
CHAG has also adopted the financial management procedures of central government. Applicable legislation include: the Financial Administration Act, 2003 (Act 654), the Internal Audit Agency Act, 2003 (Act 658) and the Public Procurement Act, 2003 (Act 663).
In addition to the MOH and the Ghana Health Service (GHS), the ES maintains frequent administrative and technical contacts with other sector Ministries, local government agencies and (local and international) development partners. There is room for intensifying coordination with the latter organisations, particularly now the MOH intends giving more attention to public and regenerative health issues.
To discuss ongoing policy and administrative issues pertaining to the MoU between the MOH and CHAG, a Partnership Steering Committee (PSC) has been established. This Committee includes senior representatives of the MoH, GHS, MOFEP, the Head of Civil Servants and CHAG. Being one of CHAG’s main DP’s, the Royal Embassy of Denmark is a co-opted member to this Committee. It is anticipated that the PSC will meet more often in the immediate future.
Read more: Position paper 2002: Improving CHAG, MoH, GHS relations
