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.

Michael Blackson Labels UGMC "Worst Hospital in Ghana" Following Mother’s Death and Allegations of Negligence
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Michael Blackson Labels UGMC "Worst Hospital in Ghana" Following Mother’s Death and Allegations of Negligence

American-Ghanaian comedian Michael Blackson has launched a blistering critique of the University of Ghana Medical Centre (UGMC), describing it as the "worst hospital in Ghana" following the recent death of his mother. In a series of emotionally charged posts on social media, Blackson accused the facility of professional negligence, misdiagnosis, and prioritizing financial gain over the lives of its patients. The comedian's public outcry has sparked a significant conversation regarding the quality of healthcare and patient treatment at one of the country's premier medical institutions. Blackson detailed a harrowing experience, alleging that the hospital staff failed to accurately diagnose his mother’s condition while repeatedly contacting him for payments. He claimed that the family spent approximately GH¢250,000 on medical treatments, only to be informed of a life-threatening infection after his mother had already passed away. According to the comedian, the hospital was more focused on billing than on providing medical updates or compassionate care. He further noted that the lack of transparency and poor communication from the medical team contributed to the tragic outcome, even mentioning a physical confrontation involving a nurse during his time at the facility. Beyond the personal tragedy, Blackson’s grievances touch upon systemic issues within the Ghanaian healthcare sector. He expressed deep skepticism regarding the possibility of pursuing legal action, citing the perceived slow nature of the country's judicial process as a deterrent to seeking accountability. Instead, he urged Ghanaians who can afford it to seek medical treatment abroad to ensure better outcomes. While these serious allegations of exorbitant charges and inadequate care have gained significant traction online, the University of Ghana Medical Centre has yet to issue a formal response or provide its account of the events leading to the patient's death.

MP Bede Ziedeng Provides GH¢100,000 Medical Support to Lawra Municipal Hospital
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MP Bede Ziedeng Provides GH¢100,000 Medical Support to Lawra Municipal Hospital

Patients at the Lawra Municipal Hospital in the Upper West Region have received significant relief following a donation of essential medical consumables valued at GH¢100,000 by the Member of Parliament for Lawra, Bede Ziedeng. This intervention ensures that patients will no longer be required to purchase basic items like gloves, syringes, and laboratory reagents before receiving medical attention. The donation aims to remove the financial barriers that have recently hampered access to quality healthcare for the local population and ensure that no resident is turned away due to a lack of basic supplies. Before this donation, Lawra Municipal Hospital faced acute shortages of non-drug consumables, a situation that forced many patients to procure their own materials externally. Dr. Ziblila Musah, the Medical Superintendent of the facility, revealed that these shortages had a detrimental effect on healthcare delivery and led to a noticeable decline in Out-Patient Department (OPD) attendance. The hospital’s ability to maintain sufficient stocks had been severely compromised by low internally generated funds and mounting debts to medical suppliers, creating a cycle of scarcity that impacted the most vulnerable patients. During the presentation, the Member of Parliament emphasized that the contribution was part of his ongoing commitment to enhancing the health infrastructure and service delivery within the municipality. The donated items, which include examination gloves and essential laboratory reagents, are expected to stabilize the hospital's operations in the short to medium term. Local officials and hospital management expressed their profound gratitude, noting that the timely intervention would allow medical personnel to focus on patient care rather than the logistical challenges and frustrations of supply shortages. This support is projected to benefit over 56,000 residents who rely on the Lawra Municipal Hospital as their primary healthcare provider. Beyond the immediate financial relief for patients, the donation is expected to restore public confidence in the facility, encouraging residents to seek professional medical help promptly. As the hospital administration works to address its broader financial challenges, such collaborations between political leadership and healthcare providers remain vital for maintaining the health and well-being of the Lawra community.

Susan Aryeetey — Executive Director, FIDA Ghana
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FIDA-Ghana Criticises Inadequate 2026 Budget Allocation for Domestic Violence Shelters

The International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA-Ghana) has raised a significant alarm over the 2026 National Budget, highlighting a critical funding gap for domestic violence survivors. Following an analysis of the financial provisions under the administration of President John Mahama, the legal advocacy group warned that the current allocation for the Domestic Violence Fund is insufficient to meet the rising health and safety needs of vulnerable individuals across the country. FIDA-Ghana is specifically calling out the lack of dedicated resources for the construction and expansion of safe shelters, which are vital for the mental and physical recovery of survivors who have escaped abusive environments. According to the group's findings, the Domestic Violence Fund has been allocated GH¢1.6 million for the 2026 fiscal year. This figure represents a significant decline from the peak allocation of GH¢2.7 million seen in 2024, despite the increasing prevalence of domestic abuse cases that require professional medical and psychological intervention. While the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection received a total budgetary allocation of GH¢11.6 million, FIDA-Ghana points out that none of these funds have been specifically earmarked for shelter infrastructure. The organization argues that without physical shelters, many survivors remain trapped in dangerous situations, which exacerbates public health challenges related to domestic trauma and long-term disability. In response to these shortfalls, FIDA-Ghana has proposed a series of urgent interventions to bridge the gap in survivor care. They are urging both the government and private sector partners to establish a more consistent and sustainable funding model for safe havens. Specifically, the federation recommends increasing the Domestic Violence Fund by at least 30% compared to 2023 levels to account for inflation and the growing demand for specialized health and support services. Furthermore, they are calling for enhanced coordination among various state agencies to ensure that the limited resources available are utilized effectively to protect the lives and dignity of women and children. The push for increased funding comes at a pivotal time for Ghana's social health and protection landscape under the new government. FIDA-Ghana emphasizes that investing in shelters is not merely a budgetary line item but a fundamental step toward preserving the dignity and human rights of citizens. By failing to prioritize these facilities, the state risks a cycle of recurring violence and long-term psychological consequences for victims. As the 2026 budget undergoes further review by Parliament, the advocacy group maintains that a robust financial commitment is essential for creating a society where survivors can seek refuge, access healthcare, and rebuild their lives in safety.

Madam Stella Mawutor Calls for Community-Led Vigilance to Eradicate Human Trafficking and Youth Exploitation
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Madam Stella Mawutor Calls for Community-Led Vigilance to Eradicate Human Trafficking and Youth Exploitation

Madam Stella Mawutor, the Volta Regional Director of Social Welfare, has called for a robust, community-led approach to eliminate human trafficking across Ghana. Speaking during an interview with the Ghana News Agency to mark the World Day Against Human Trafficking, Madam Mawutor underscored that proactive reporting and heightened vigilance within local communities are essential to dismantling trafficking networks. She emphasized that while state agencies are committed to enforcement, the first line of defense remains the citizens who are best positioned to identify and report suspicious behaviors in their neighborhoods. A significant focus of this year’s observance is the rising trend of youth exploitation, which is increasingly being disguised as lucrative sports prospects. Madam Mawutor warned that fraudulent recruiters are actively targeting young people with false promises of professional opportunities abroad, only to trap them in exploitative conditions. She urged families and guardians to be extremely cautious and to thoroughly vet any travel or recruitment opportunities presented to their children. This deceptive tactic exploits the dreams of the youth and requires a collective effort to expose the entities behind these fraudulent schemes. The Department of Social Welfare remains steadfast in its mission to combat human rights violations, including child abuse and human trafficking. Through ongoing community advocacy campaigns, the Department is working to educate the public on the various forms of exploitation and the legal protections available to victims. Madam Mawutor noted that while the youth are currently a high-risk group, human trafficking is an issue that affects individuals of all ages and backgrounds. The Department’s goal is to foster an environment where human rights are respected and where potential victims feel empowered to seek help. As the fight against trafficking continues, the emphasis remains on sustained education and the strengthening of community ties. Madam Mawutor’s appeal serves as a reminder that the eradication of human trafficking is not the responsibility of government agencies alone but a shared civic duty. By staying informed and reporting irregularities, communities can play a decisive role in protecting vulnerable individuals and ensuring that perpetrators are held accountable. The Department of Social Welfare plans to intensify its outreach efforts to ensure that the message of vigilance reaches the most remote areas of the region.

WHO Warns of Unprecedented Scale in DRC Ebola Outbreak as Case Count Climbs
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WHO Warns of Unprecedented Scale in DRC Ebola Outbreak as Case Count Climbs

The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued an urgent appeal for increased international support as the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) continues to expand at an alarming rate. Classified as the largest outbreak ever recorded in the country's history, the virus is currently spreading faster than international and local response teams can manage. Since the outbreak was officially declared on May 15, health authorities have confirmed over 3,800 cases, resulting in at least 1,707 fatalities. The situation has reached a critical juncture where the current infrastructure is being pushed to its limits. WHO representatives have highlighted a significant gap in resources, emphasizing the immediate need for additional financial backing and logistical support to bolster treatment capacity. The crisis is particularly acute in the Ituri province, which has become a focal point for the virus's transmission. Response efforts are currently focused on enhancing community engagement and improving the speed of diagnosis and isolation, but officials warn that without a surge in global assistance, the containment of the virus remains a daunting challenge. Despite the gravity of the situation, there is ongoing progress in the medical field to find long-term solutions. Researchers and health officials are currently conducting trials for potential therapies and vaccines to combat the strain. Notably, vaccine candidates developed by Moderna and the University of Oxford are among those being investigated for their efficacy in real-world conditions. These clinical trials represent a crucial pillar of the strategy to not only manage the current crisis but also to prevent future outbreaks from reaching such catastrophic proportions. As the WHO continues its plea for resources, the focus remains on stabilizing the affected areas and ensuring that frontline workers have the necessary tools to curb the mortality rate and eventually bring the epidemic under control. International health experts stress that a coordinated global response is essential to prevent the further spread of the virus to neighboring regions and to stabilize the regional health security landscape. The success of these interventions will depend heavily on the international community's willingness to commit the resources necessary to match the scale of the epidemic.

Ghana AIDS Commission Reports Over 337,000 People Living with HIV as Gender and Regional Disparities Deepen
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Ghana AIDS Commission Reports Over 337,000 People Living with HIV as Gender and Regional Disparities Deepen

The Ghana AIDS Commission (GAC) has released its National HIV Estimates for 2025, revealing that approximately 337,435 people are currently living with the virus across the country. The data highlights a significant geographic concentration of the disease, with the Greater Accra Region recording the highest burden at 77,512 cases. The Ashanti Region follows closely with 68,354 cases, while the Eastern Region reports 42,704. In contrast, regions such as Western North and the Northern Region have reported relatively lower figures, each maintaining fewer than 10,000 cases. These findings have prompted an urgent call from health officials to intensify prevention, testing, and treatment initiatives, particularly in these high-burden urban centers. A concerning trend in the 2025 data is the stark gender disparity in HIV prevalence. The Commission reports that women are living with HIV at a rate more than three times higher than that of men. Experts attribute this gap to a combination of biological and behavioral factors. Biologically, women are more susceptible to infection during sexual intercourse. Furthermore, women tend to engage more frequently with healthcare services and testing protocols, leading to higher detection rates compared to men, whose health-seeking behaviors remain a challenge for public health advocates. The GAC emphasized that addressing these vulnerabilities is essential to curbing the spread of the virus among the female population. In tandem with these statistical revelations, the Ghana AIDS Commission and the AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) are advocating for a shift in how the media reports on the epidemic. During a media engagement program held on August 4, 2025, Dr. Kharmacelle Prosper Akanbong of the GAC underscored the media's power to shape public perception and influence behavior. He called for more responsible, fact-based reporting to dismantle the persistent stigma that often prevents individuals from seeking life-saving services. Adding to this, Dr. Elia E. Houphouët from AHF urged journalists to move away from sensationalism, recommending a more empathetic approach that preserves the dignity of those affected by HIV. Moving forward, the Commission aims to leverage both data-driven interventions and enhanced media partnerships to strengthen HIV advocacy and service delivery. By targeting high-prevalence regions and addressing the specific needs of women, health authorities hope to reduce new infections. Officials maintain that as long as stigma remains a barrier to testing and treatment, the national response will be hindered. Consequently, the integration of accurate public reporting and localized health strategies remains the cornerstone of Ghana's strategy to manage and eventually eliminate the threat of HIV/AIDS.

Hohoe MP Thomas Worlanyo Tsekpo and Türkiye Diyanet Vakfı Restore Sight for 200 Residents
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Hohoe MP Thomas Worlanyo Tsekpo and Türkiye Diyanet Vakfı Restore Sight for 200 Residents

In a significant boost to community healthcare, approximately 200 residents of the Hohoe Constituency have undergone successful eye surgeries through a dedicated outreach initiative. Spearheaded by the Member of Parliament for Hohoe, Mr. Thomas Worlanyo Tsekpo, the program was conducted at the Volta Regional Hospital. This medical intervention, executed in collaboration with Türkiye Diyanet Vakfı, specifically targeted individuals suffering from various eye conditions who lacked the financial means to afford corrective surgical procedures. The initiative forms part of a broader commitment by the lawmaker to enhance the quality of life and healthcare accessibility within the constituency. Mr. Tsekpo highlighted that the primary goal of the outreach was to restore sight and provide a new lease on life for those burdened by visual impairments. He expressed profound gratitude to Alhaji Sinare, Ghana’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, for his instrumental support in facilitating and realizing the project. This partnership underscores the importance of diplomatic and international collaboration in addressing local health challenges at the grassroots level. For those who were unable to participate in the initial phase of the outreach, Mr. Tsekpo offered reassurance, confirming that a second phase of the surgery initiative is being planned. This commitment ensures that more constituents will eventually benefit from these life-changing services. Beneficiaries and their families have expressed overwhelming appreciation for the intervention, noting that the restoration of sight will significantly improve their independence and ability to contribute effectively to their households and the wider Hohoe community.

Ghana Health Service Urges Traditional and Religious Leaders to Champion Exclusive Breastfeeding
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Ghana Health Service Urges Traditional and Religious Leaders to Champion Exclusive Breastfeeding

Mrs. Olivia Mawunyo Timpo, the Deputy Director of Nutrition at the Ghana Health Service (GHS), has made a passionate appeal to traditional and religious leaders to use their influence to promote exclusive breastfeeding. Speaking at a Breastfeeding Symposium in Tamale, which was held as part of the 2026 Ghana Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Conference, Mrs. Timpo emphasized that community leaders are pivotal in dispelling harmful cultural myths that hinder child health. The symposium brought together various stakeholders to address persistent challenges with malnutrition by reinforcing the necessity of exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of an infant's life. A primary concern highlighted by health officials is the prevalence of misconceptions that suggest infants require additional water or solid foods before they reach six months of age. Mrs. Timpo clarified that such practices are not only unnecessary but can actively undermine public health efforts to ensure healthy child growth and development. By providing infants with nothing but breast milk during their first half-year, families can significantly reduce the risk of malnutrition and associated diseases. To support this goal, the GHS is currently working on enhancing lactation support within health facilities to provide better clinical guidance for new mothers. Beyond leadership at the community level, the role of fathers and immediate family members is being recognized as a critical factor in breastfeeding success. Personal accounts from fathers, such as Mr. M.A.G., a 36-year-old pastor, illustrate how male involvement in household responsibilities can create a supportive environment. When fathers take on domestic tasks and assist with infant care, it allows mothers the necessary rest and recovery time to maintain a breastfeeding schedule. Research indicates that active paternal participation significantly improves breastfeeding rates, challenging societal norms that often sideline men during early child-rearing. The symposium concluded with a call for a multi-sectoral approach to creating "breastfeeding-friendly" environments across the country. This includes advocacy for employers to implement supportive workplace policies that accommodate nursing mothers. As the upcoming World Breastfeeding Week approaches, the national focus remains on strengthening support systems across all levels of society—from the home to the workplace. Stakeholders believe that through collective effort and the dismantling of long-standing myths, Ghana can achieve significantly better nutritional and health outcomes for its youngest citizens.

Access Bank Ghana and UNFPA Partner to Launch Fistula Trust Fund Aiming for 2030 Elimination
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Access Bank Ghana and UNFPA Partner to Launch Fistula Trust Fund Aiming for 2030 Elimination

Access Bank (Ghana) Plc has formalised its commitment to maternal health by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) to combat obstetric fistula. This strategic partnership centres on the launch of the Fistula Trust Fund, a dedicated financial vehicle designed to mobilise resources for corrective surgeries and the comprehensive rehabilitation of affected women across the country. By formalising this collaboration, both organisations aim to scale up existing efforts to restore the health and dignity of women suffering from this preventable but debilitating condition. The initiative represents a significant scaling of Access Bank's corporate social responsibility efforts, as the bank has been an active participant in the campaign against obstetric fistula since 2018. To date, the bank's involvement has already facilitated over 250 successful surgeries, providing a new lease on life for women who often face severe social stigmatisation and physical hardship. Beyond funding medical procedures, the partnership focuses on intensive public awareness campaigns to educate communities and reduce the stigma associated with fistula, while ensuring survivors receive the necessary psychological and socio-economic support for reintegration. Looking forward, the partnership has set an ambitious target of repairing approximately 2,499 obstetric fistula cases annually, with the ultimate objective of eliminating the condition in Ghana by 2030. This target aligns with broader national and global health goals regarding maternal well-being and reproductive rights. Both Access Bank and the UNFPA emphasised that achieving these milestones requires a robust multi-sectoral approach, calling on the government, development partners, and other private sector entities to join the movement. This collaborative framework is viewed as essential for building a sustainable healthcare response that prioritises the dignity and health of Ghanaian women.

Some of the affected persons sifting through the rubble to salvage what was left of their belongings
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Tema East Sub-Metro Demolishes Unhygienic Fish Processing Structures to Bolster Food Safety

The Tema East Sub-Metro Council has carried out a significant demolition of makeshift structures at the Tema Newtown fish processing site as part of a broader initiative to improve sanitation and food safety standards. The operation, led by Sub-Metro Chairman Agabby Sumaila Adjetey, was conducted in collaboration with the Tema Metropolitan Assembly (TMA) and the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA). The presence of the Ghana Police Service ensured security during the exercise, which targeted facilities that were deemed unfit for food production due to severe hygiene violations. At the core of the council's decision were alarming reports of fish being processed directly on the ground in unsanitary conditions. Chairman Adjetey emphasized that these practices posed a significant public health risk to consumers across the region. By removing the dilapidated and unregulated structures, the authorities aim to enforce stricter compliance with food handling protocols. The FDA’s involvement underscores the regulatory necessity of the move, ensuring that the processing of one of the nation's primary protein sources meets the required health benchmarks. While the authorities maintain that discussions were held with the fish processors prior to the demolition, the exercise met with mixed reactions from the local community. Some processors expressed disappointment and frustration, claiming they were not given sufficient notice to relocate their equipment or salvage their materials. Conversely, other stakeholders in the area acknowledged the poor sanitary conditions and expressed a willingness to collaborate with the assembly to establish more hygienic and professional working practices that benefit the entire value chain. Looking forward, the Tema East Sub-Metro Council plans to transition the site into a modern, standardized fish-processing center. Post-demolition efforts will focus on providing adequate facilities that support better fish handling, preservation, and waste management. This redevelopment is expected to not only improve the health outcomes for the general public but also enhance the livelihoods of the processors by providing them with a cleaner, more sustainable environment that meets international food safety standards.

BOSTenergies donates GH₵1million to Ghana Medical Trust Fund, challenges corporate Ghana to step up
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BOSTenergies Donates GH₵1 Million to Ghana Medical Trust Fund to Support Chronic Illness Treatments

BOSTenergies has underscored its commitment to Ghana’s healthcare sector with a substantial GH₵1 million donation to the Ghana Medical Trust Fund (GMTF). Presented by the company’s Managing Director, Afetsi Awoonor, the contribution is specifically earmarked to provide life-saving treatments for citizens suffering from chronic and long-term illnesses. This move comes at a critical time as the nation seeks to strengthen its domestic health financing under the administration of President John Mahama, aiming to reduce the financial strain on vulnerable families who often struggle to afford specialized medical care. The donation is intended to provide direct financial relief for patients undergoing expensive medical procedures, including chemotherapy and dialysis. Speaking during the presentation, Afetsi Awoonor emphasized that the goal of BOSTenergies is to ensure that financial constraints do not become a barrier to accessing essential healthcare. Adjoa Obuobia Darko-Opoku, representing the GMTF, welcomed the support, noting that the funds would be immediately deployed to cover treatments that are often prohibitively expensive for the average Ghanaian. She highlighted that such contributions are vital for maintaining the sustainability of the fund and expanding its reach to more beneficiaries across the country. Beyond the immediate financial impact, BOSTenergies has used this gesture to issue a challenge to the wider corporate community in Ghana. Mr. Awoonor urged other private entities to step up their investments in the national healthcare infrastructure, arguing that localizing treatment options is more sustainable and cost-effective than the high expenses associated with seeking medical care overseas. By strengthening the Ghana Medical Trust Fund, corporate stakeholders can play a pivotal role in building a more resilient health system that serves all citizens, regardless of their socio-economic status. This initiative aligns with broader national efforts to improve health outcomes and promote universal health coverage.

Central University was just the beginning: NACOC strikes again, arrests female ringleader at KTU
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NACOC Arrests 10 Koforidua Technical University Students for Distributing Cannabis-Infused Drinks and Ice Cream

The Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) has apprehended ten students from Koforidua Technical University (KTU) for their alleged involvement in the production and sale of cannabis-infused refreshments. The arrests took place between July 31 and August 1, 2026, during the university’s Student Representative Council (SRC) Hall Week celebrations. This intelligence-led operation targeted a group suspected of distributing illicit substances disguised as common food items, posing a significant risk to the health and safety of the student population. According to NACOC officials, the operation led to the arrest of 23-year-old Priscilla Tetteh, who is identified as the alleged ringleader of the group. Nine other students were also taken into custody following a monitored operation that exposed an organized network dedicated to the manufacturing and distribution of these narcotics. During the raid, officers seized a variety of products, including cannabis-infused ice cream, fruit drinks, and palm wine. Preliminary investigations confirmed the presence of cannabis in these items, which were being sold to students during the campus festivities. This incident marks a worrying trend in Ghanaian higher education institutions. NACOC noted that this raid follows a similar enforcement action at Central University in June, suggesting an increase in the commercialization of narcotics among the youth. The Commission highlighted the severe public health threats posed by such illegal products and reiterated that cannabis-infused edibles remain strictly prohibited under national law. Officials warned that those found violating these laws face significant legal penalties, emphasizing that educational environments must remain free from drug trafficking activities. In the wake of these arrests, NACOC has called for increased vigilance from university administrators and the general public to combat substance abuse on campuses. The Commission is currently conducting ongoing investigations into the full extent of the distribution network at KTU. By prioritizing collaborative efforts between law enforcement and educational institutions, NACOC aims to dismantle these organized groups and ensure that student celebrations do not serve as a cover for criminal activities that jeopardize the well-being of the youth.