Health News from Ghana

The latest health news from Ghana, curated from the country's leading newsrooms and updated through the day. Newest stories first.

Health Facilities Regulatory Agency warns public to verify facility licenses
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Health Facilities Regulatory Agency warns public to verify facility licenses

The Health Facilities Regulatory Agency (HeFRA) has issued a public advisory urging Ghanaians to verify the licensing status of health facilities before seeking medical services. This directive is part of a broader effort to ensure patient safety and to mitigate risks associated with seeking care from unauthorized or substandard providers. According to the agency, patients should prioritize verifying the legality of a clinic or hospital to avoid the dangers of expired licenses or unapproved medical practices. To assist the public in this verification process, HeFRA emphasized that all authorized facilities must display their regulatory stickers and licenses in prominent locations. Prof. Vida Nyagre Yakong, the Deputy Registrar of HeFRA, explained that licensed facilities are legally mandated to show their credentials clearly to any visitor or patient. These stickers serve as a visible mark of quality and compliance with national health standards, providing an immediate layer of assurance for those entering a medical establishment. Prof. Yakong further highlighted that patients have the inherent right to inquire about the regulatory standing of any facility. This includes confirming whether a hospital is specifically authorized to provide particular medical services, such as surgery, maternity care, or specialized diagnostics. By encouraging this level of scrutiny, the agency aims to empower citizens to take an active role in their healthcare security and to hold service providers accountable to the law. The warning comes amid ongoing efforts by HeFRA to crack down on unlicensed health facilities across the country. The agency reiterated that operating without a valid license is a violation of health regulations and puts lives at risk. Moving forward, HeFRA intends to continue its monitoring and enforcement activities to ensure that all private and public health centers maintain the necessary standards to operate within the Ghanaian health sector.

A portrait of Dr. Da-Costa Aboagye, the Chief Executive of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), speaking at an event with his hands clasped. Several water bottles and a tablet are on the table before him, and the NHIS logo is watermarked in the bottom right corner.
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NHIA urges Parliament to amend Act 852 for anti-fraud directorate

The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) has called on Parliament to amend the National Health Insurance Act, 2012 (Act 852) to establish a new Anti-Fraud and Illegal Payments Directorate. During a meeting with Parliament’s Health Committee, Dr. Kwesi Djokoto, the NHIA’s Deputy Chief Executive Officer in charge of Operations, explained that the legislative update is necessary to curb unauthorized out-of-pocket charges imposed by some healthcare providers. While the authority has integrated digital tools to improve efficiency, officials argue that a stronger legal framework is required to ensure financial transparency and the sustainability of the health insurance scheme. The proposed Anti-Fraud and Illegal Payments Directorate would focus on detecting irregularities in billing and claims submissions from participating facilities. By formalizing this body under the amended Act, the NHIA aims to implement more rigorous sanctions that act as a deterrent against fraudulent activities. Dr. Djokoto noted that technological improvements in claims processing provide the necessary data infrastructure, but clear legal mandates are essential to hold providers accountable and protect subscribers from being forced to pay for services already covered by the scheme. Beyond fraud prevention, the requested amendments seek to align the NHIA’s operational framework with the government’s Free Primary Healthcare initiative. Launched by President John Mahama on April 15, 2026, the program provides essential medical services at no cost at points of use, including community pharmacies and mobile kiosks. The authority stated that the legislative reforms would allow for the proper management of population-based payment systems and the electronic processing needed to scale these services across the country. The NHIA maintains that these legal adjustments are critical for maintaining public trust and ensuring that health resources reach those in need. By combining modernized laws with its digital transformation, the authority intends to reduce waste and streamline service delivery for all National Health Insurance Scheme beneficiaries. The engagement with the legislative committee represents a significant step toward securing the necessary oversight tools to protect the integrity of Ghana’s healthcare financing system.

KATH Mother and Baby Unit construction stalls over unpaid arrears
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KATH Mother and Baby Unit construction stalls over unpaid arrears

Construction of the 509-bed Mother and Baby Unit at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) in Kumasi has ground to a halt, with work suspended for the past 14 months. The $138.5 million project, which was intended to significantly improve maternal and neonatal care in the Ashanti Region, remains incomplete due to outstanding payments owed to the contractor. This latest delay follows a pattern of interruptions that have left the critical health infrastructure project only 56% finished, long after its original completion target. Initially launched in 2019, the facility was expected to be operational by 2022. However, financial constraints have plagued the development, leading to two separate suspensions of work since its inception. The Parliamentary Committee on Health has expressed deep concern over the situation, noting that the prolonged inactivity is resulting in the waste of taxpayer funds. Members of the committee observed that materials already procured for the construction are beginning to deteriorate due to exposure and lack of maintenance, potentially increasing the eventual cost of the project. The stall in construction has sparked disappointment among local officials and community members who rely on KATH for specialized medical services. As the primary referral center for the middle and northern belts of Ghana, the hospital’s current facilities are often severely overcrowded, making the new 509-bed unit a necessity for reducing maternal and infant mortality rates. The delay means that thousands of expectant mothers and newborns must continue to navigate congested wards while the modern facility sits half-finished. The Parliamentary Committee on Health has called for urgent action to address the arrears and resume work to prevent further financial loss and infrastructure decay. As the project sits at just over half completion, the focus remains on the government’s ability to secure the necessary funding to settle the debt with the contractor. The timely completion of the Mother and Baby Unit is viewed as vital for meeting national health targets and providing the Ashanti Region with the modern healthcare infrastructure promised several years ago.

Titus Beyuo urges training for KATH cardiac center personnel
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Titus Beyuo urges training for KATH cardiac center personnel

Prof. Titus Kofi Beyuo, the Board Chairman of Korle Bu Teaching Hospital and Member of Parliament for Lambussie, has called on the government and contractors to prioritize the completion and staffing of the Cardiac Catheterisation Laboratory (CATH Lab) at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH). During an oversight visit to the project site, Beyuo emphasized that the physical infrastructure must be matched by a robust human resource strategy to ensure the facility is ready to serve patients immediately upon commissioning. He commended President John Mahama for the initiative to expand specialized cardiac services beyond Accra, aiming to bridge the gap in life-saving healthcare accessibility. Beyuo specifically urged the Ministry of Health and the Ghana Medical Trust Fund to initiate specialized training programs for nurses, technicians, and engineers who will maintain and operate the sophisticated equipment. He recommended that personnel be sent for advanced training in countries with established excellence in cardiovascular care. This proactive approach, he argued, is essential to avoid the commissioning of facilities that remain idle due to a lack of technical expertise. The Member of Parliament noted that training engineers is just as critical as training medical staff, as they are responsible for the long-term maintenance of high-tech diagnostic and surgical tools. The urgency of the project was underscored by the recent passing of a doctor at KATH, an event that highlighted the critical need for advanced cardiac care in the Ashanti Region. Beyuo noted that currently, patients in the northern and middle belts of Ghana often have to travel to Accra for such services, which can lead to preventable deaths due to travel delays. By completing the KATH laboratory and similar projects planned for Tamale, the government aims to create a decentralised network of cardiac care that serves as a regional hub for the Ashanti Region and its surroundings. Looking forward, Prof. Beyuo stressed that the success of the nation’s cardiovascular health strategy depends on a coordinated effort between the government, hospital boards, and contractors. He called for the project to remain on schedule to meet the growing demand for heart-related treatments. The completion of these labs is expected to significantly reduce the burden on Korle Bu Teaching Hospital and ensure that high-quality, specialized care is available to all Ghanaians, regardless of their geographical location.

GEXIM Bank donates GH₵200,000 medical equipment to Korle-Bu
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GEXIM Bank donates GH₵200,000 medical equipment to Korle-Bu

The Ghana Export-Import Bank (GEXIM) has donated medical equipment valued at approximately GH₵200,000 to the Department of Child Health at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH). The presentation, held on October 13, 2025, was organized as part of the bank's 10th-anniversary celebrations and its ongoing corporate social responsibility initiatives. The donation aims to strengthen the hospital’s capacity to provide life-saving care to its youngest patients. The essential medical items presented to the department included patient monitors and defibrillators, which are critical for tracking vital signs and responding to cardiac emergencies. Dr. Abena Nyarkoa Asomaning, GEXIM’s Head of Sustainability and Strategic Impact, stated that the bank is deeply committed to national development and recognizes that supporting healthcare is fundamental to that goal. She noted that while GEXIM's primary focus is financing the export sector, the bank views community health as a vital pillar of its strategic impact. During the donation ceremony, Emma Nancy Mullen, GEXIM's Deputy Head of Legal, highlighted the significant infrastructure challenges facing the department. She pointed out that Korle-Bu serves as a critical referral hub for both Ghana and the West African sub-region, yet many of its facilities require urgent attention. Ms. Mullen issued a specific appeal to other financial institutions and corporate organizations to assist in refurbishing the Child Health Department, with a particular emphasis on improving the environment for children undergoing treatment for cancer. Lawrencia Akweley Turkson, a Principal Nursing Officer at the hospital, received the equipment and expressed profound gratitude for the bank's support. She emphasized that the new monitors and defibrillators would be deployed immediately to enhance the department's operational efficiency. Ms. Turkson also reiterated the need for sustained corporate intervention, noting that such partnerships are essential for the hospital to maintain high-quality healthcare services for children across the country.

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Kwabena Mintah Akandoh calls for inclusive global health policies

Ghana’s Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has called for a fundamental shift in the development of global health policies, advocating for an approach that prioritizes collaboration with sovereign nations over the imposition of external decisions. Speaking at the World Health Summit in Berlin, Akandoh emphasized that international healthcare priorities must be designed in partnership with the countries they affect to ensure long-term sustainability and effectiveness. He argued that the current global health architecture often fails to account for local contexts, necessitating a move toward international solidarity and genuine local ownership to strengthen national systems. The Minister’s remarks align with the ‘Accra Reset’ agenda championed by President John Mahama, which seeks to reposition Ghana’s development strategy through self-reliance and strengthened institutional capacity. Akandoh noted that for global health initiatives to be truly successful, they must respect the sovereignty of individual nations and integrate seamlessly with existing national frameworks. By fostering an environment of mutual respect and shared responsibility, the Minister believes the international community can better address systemic health challenges that transcend borders. In addition to his call for global reform, Akandoh highlighted Ghana’s domestic progress in expanding healthcare access through key initiatives such as the Free Primary Healthcare policy and the MahamaCares program. These projects are intended to bolster the national healthcare system by removing financial barriers and improving service delivery at the grassroots level. By showcasing these domestic efforts on the global stage, the Minister underscored Ghana’s commitment to achieving universal health coverage and building a resilient health infrastructure that serves all citizens under the current administration.

Hon. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, Ranking Member on the Health Committee of Parliament, is pictured speaking at a podium. He is wearing a traditional blue and white striped fugu and eyeglasses while addressing an audience at a health-related summit on the margins of an African Union event.
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Kwabena Mintah Akandoh targets 20% annual reduction in maternal deaths

The Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has announced an ambitious national goal for Ghana to achieve a 20% annual reduction in maternal mortality. Speaking at the World Health Summit in Berlin, the Minister outlined the government's renewed strategy to prevent avoidable deaths among pregnant women and new mothers through enhanced emergency responses and systemic accountability. This target represents a significant component of the administration's broader commitment to improving maternal health outcomes nationwide. Central to this strategy is the Presidential Initiative on Maternal Health Emergency Response (PRIMER), which was officially launched on September 16, 2026. This initiative is specifically designed to bolster the country's capacity to handle obstetric emergencies and ensure that women receive timely medical care during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postnatal period. According to the Minister, PRIMER serves as the cornerstone of the government's efforts to provide quality medical services to women across the country, focusing on the most critical stages of maternal care. In his address to the international health community, Akandoh emphasized that achieving such significant health improvements requires more than just financial resources. He noted that reducing maternal mortality necessitates strong political leadership, robust healthcare systems, and clear mechanisms of accountability. By integrating these elements, the government aims to create a sustainable framework that protects the lives of mothers and their infants through every level of the healthcare delivery chain. The 20% reduction target reflects a proactive shift in Ghana's healthcare policy toward a results-oriented approach in maternal care. As the Ministry of Health moves forward with the implementation of the PRIMER initiative, the focus remains on closing gaps in emergency response times and ensuring that the healthcare system is equipped to provide high-quality, accessible services to all women, regardless of their location.

John Dramani Mahama receives Berliner Bär award at World Health Summit
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John Dramani Mahama receives Berliner Bär award at World Health Summit

President John Dramani Mahama has been presented with the prestigious Berliner Br award at the 2026 World Health Summit in Germany. The award recognizes his significant contributions to global health leadership and his advocacy for equitable health governance on the international stage. Held in Berlin, the summit brought together global leaders and health experts to discuss the future of medical care and international cooperation. During the ceremony, the summit organizers highlighted President Mahama’s commitment to fostering partnerships that bridge the gap between developed and developing nations. His leadership was cited as instrumental in promoting a more inclusive approach to global health policy. Ghana's Minister of Health, Mr. Akandoh, who accompanied the President, noted that the recognition reflects the administration's dedication to ensuring that sovereign nations take the lead in shaping their own health destinies. A key component of the recognition was the success of domestic health initiatives in Ghana, specifically the Mahama Cares program and the implementation of free primary healthcare. These policies are designed to strengthen the country's health infrastructure and ensure that quality medical services are accessible to all citizens regardless of their economic status. The summit participants acknowledged these efforts as a model for other African nations seeking to establish resilient and self-sufficient health systems. The award also underscores a broader push for Africa's health sovereignty. By prioritizing domestic funding and localized health solutions, President Mahama’s administration aims to reduce the continent's reliance on external aid for essential medical services. The recognition at the World Health Summit marks a significant milestone for Ghana, positioning the country as a leader in health policy reform and a vocal advocate for medical equity across the African continent.

Mahama directs Finance Minister to allocate GH¢200m in 2027 Budget to complete Police Hospital expansion
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John Dramani Mahama directs GH₵200m for Police Hospital expansion

President John Dramani Mahama has instructed the Minister of Finance to allocate over GH₵200 million in the 2027 Budget for the completion of the Police Hospital expansion in Accra. This funding directive, announced during the commissioning of a new 85-bed ward on October 13, 2026, aims to significantly upgrade the facility's medical infrastructure. The expansion project is a key component of the government's commitment to enhancing healthcare delivery for both the security services and the general public. The new phase of construction will introduce several critical facilities to the hospital, including a 12-bed intensive care unit (ICU) and a modern accident and emergency center. To bolster diagnostic services, the facility will be equipped with advanced medical technology such as Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Computed Tomography (CT) scan machines. These improvements are intended to transform the hospital into a high-capacity medical center capable of providing specialized care and handling complex health emergencies. President Mahama also addressed the history of the project, revealing that the government will take over the contract after 22 years of persistent delays under the previous contractor. By assuming direct control, the administration plans to ensure that the remaining works are completed efficiently. The total bed capacity of the hospital is set to increase by 106 beds, eventually reaching a total of more than 300 beds. To support immediate operations, the President also presented two new ambulances to the hospital during the ceremony. This comprehensive investment reflects a strategic effort to address long-standing infrastructural gaps within the health sector. The inclusion of the project in the 2027 Budget provides a clear timeline for the final completion of the expansion, marking a significant milestone for the institution.

John Dramani Mahama commissions 85-bed ward at Police Hospital
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John Dramani Mahama commissions 85-bed ward at Police Hospital

President John Dramani Mahama has officially commissioned the Christian Tetteh Yohuno Ward Complex at the Ghana Police Hospital in Accra, marking a significant expansion of the facility's healthcare infrastructure. This new 85-bed ward complex is designed to enhance the medical services available to both police personnel and the general public, bringing the hospital's total bed capacity to over 200. Named in honour of the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Christian Tetteh Yohuno, the project reflects the government's commitment to improving the welfare of security forces and their families. The modern complex is equipped with a comprehensive range of facilities, including specialized medical and surgical wards and a dedicated paediatric unit for children's care. To ensure high-quality clinical outcomes, the building features modern diagnostic equipment, an in-house laboratory, and a pharmacy. The addition of executive accommodations for police officials and administrative service areas further streamlines the hospital's operations, making it a more self-sufficient hub for specialized treatment within the capital. During the commissioning ceremony, President Mahama emphasized the critical importance of maintaining high healthcare standards across all public medical facilities. He praised the Ghana Police Service for its continued dedication to national security and highlighted the new complex as a necessary reward for their service. The President noted that providing first-class health services to the police is a priority for his administration to ensure the force remains healthy and operationally ready. IGP Christian Tetteh Yohuno expressed gratitude for the facility, noting that it will play a vital role in enhancing the welfare of police officers. He explained that the expanded capacity would significantly reduce the need for patient transfers to other overstretched hospitals, thereby ensuring that personnel receive timely and specialized care. The facility is expected to alleviate pressure on the existing hospital infrastructure while improving the overall quality of healthcare delivery for the service and the community at large.

Cancer found after Pope had part of his lung removed during 'successful' surgery
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Pope Leo XIV diagnosed with adenocarcinoma after lung surgery

Pope Leo XIV is recovering at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital after undergoing a successful 90-minute surgery to remove a localized nodule from his lung. Following the operation on October 13, 2025, the Holy See Press Office confirmed that the nodule was diagnosed as adenocarcinoma, a common form of lung cancer. The Vatican stated that the condition was detected early during a routine medical screening, which allowed for the surgical intervention to be performed while the growth was still contained. During the procedure, which concluded exactly as planned, doctors worked to ensure the total extraction of the nodule. While specific reports indicate that a lobe of the lung was removed, the Vatican’s primary focus remained on the successful outcome of the localized surgery. The 88-year-old pontiff returned to his hospital room following the operation and was greeted by supporters who had gathered outside the medical facility to offer their prayers and encouragement. In light of the diagnosis and the necessary recovery period, the Vatican has cleared the Pope’s official schedule of all public and private audiences until October 20. This timeframe will allow his medical team to provide continuous monitoring and manage any post-operative needs. Although the diagnosis of adenocarcinoma is a significant health update, the early detection of the lesion is seen as a positive indicator for his ongoing treatment and recovery.

A woman with long black braids and glasses is speaking during a studio interview. She is wearing a blue t-shirt with a white graphic and is positioned against a background featuring a blurred urban cityscape.
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Barbara Koomson reassures patients on safety of modern anaesthesia

Dr. Barbara Koomson, a specialist anaesthesiologist at the Greater Accra Regional Hospital, has addressed widespread public misconceptions regarding surgical procedures. Speaking ahead of World Anaesthesia Day, she reassured the public that modern anaesthetic practices are highly regulated and safe. Her remarks specifically aim to alleviate the common fear among patients that they might not wake up after undergoing surgery, a concern that often causes significant pre-operative anxiety. During her address, Dr. Koomson explained that anaesthesia is categorized into three main types—general, regional, and local—with the selection based on the specific requirements of the surgery and the patient's overall health condition. She emphasized that during any procedure, patients are continuously and rigorously monitored by trained specialists to ensure their vital signs remain stable. While she acknowledged that anaesthesia can have side effects, she stressed that these are typically manageable and should not deter individuals from seeking necessary medical interventions. World Anaesthesia Day is celebrated globally on October 16 to commemorate the first successful public demonstration of ether anaesthesia in 1846. This milestone revolutionized medicine by transforming surgery from a traumatic and painful experience into a controlled, painless process. Dr. Koomson’s outreach serves as a modern reminder of the critical role anaesthesiologists play within the surgical team, ensuring patient safety and comfort from the initial administration of drugs through to the recovery phase.