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.

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Uganda begins Phase Ib clinical trials for Bundibugyo Ebola vaccine

Uganda has officially launched Phase Ib clinical trials for a candidate vaccine targeting the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus. The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) confirmed that the trials for the ChAdOx1 BDBV vaccine commenced on October 6. This research milestone occurs as the region remains on high alert due to a significant Ebola outbreak in the neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), which has recorded more than 4,000 fatalities according to recent health reports. The ChAdOx1 BDBV vaccine was developed by scientists at the University of Oxford. The progression to Phase Ib in Uganda follows successful Phase Ia trials previously conducted in Britain. In addition to the Oxford-developed candidate, a second vaccine developed by Moderna has received ethical approval to begin trials in Uganda. The Moderna vaccine candidate has already undergone initial testing in Canada. These developments represent a proactive effort to expand the medical toolkit against diverse strains of the virus that have historically caused devastating outbreaks in East and Central Africa. The urgency for a Bundibugyo-specific vaccine is underscored by the ongoing health crisis in the DRC. As of October 6, the DRC has documented 8,728 confirmed cases and 4,205 deaths. While the DRC has received 70,000 doses of the Ervebo vaccine to manage the current situation, health officials note that the Ervebo vaccine is not effective against the Bundibugyo strain. Establishing the safety and efficacy of new candidates like ChAdOx1 BDBV is considered a critical step for long-term regional health security and future pandemic preparedness.

Victor Emmanuel Smith leads talks for Ghana hearing care center
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Victor Emmanuel Smith leads talks for Ghana hearing care center

Ambassador Victor Emmanuel Smith has led high-level discussions in Washington, D.C., regarding the establishment of a Center of Excellence for Hearing, Communication, and Cochlear Implant Care in Ghana. The proposed initiative seeks to address a critical gap in the nation's healthcare infrastructure, targeting the approximately 4.8% of the Ghanaian population currently living with disabling hearing loss. By creating a dedicated facility, the government aims to provide comprehensive services that include specialized ear, nose, and throat (ENT) care, audiology, and advanced rehabilitation services. The center is envisioned as more than a clinical facility; it is intended to function as a regional hub for training and capacity building. By developing local expertise in complex procedures such as cochlear implantation, the initiative aims to keep specialized care within the country and reduce the reliance on foreign medical interventions. Ambassador Smith emphasized that the project will foster knowledge sharing across the African continent, positioning Ghana as a leader in hearing healthcare education and service delivery. This development aligns with the Ghana Health Service’s strategic plan to ensure equitable access to healthcare services by 2036. The center will complement existing medical institutions while focusing specifically on the urgent hearing health needs of children and adults alike. As discussions progress with international stakeholders, the project is expected to enhance national capacity and provide a sustainable framework for long-term hearing healthcare in the West African sub-region.

Samuel Yao Atidzah identifies barriers to early breast cancer care
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Samuel Yao Atidzah identifies barriers to early breast cancer care

Samuel Yao Atidzah, the Executive Director of the GOSANET Foundation, has identified a series of critical barriers that prevent individuals with breast cancer from seeking early medical intervention. Speaking on Friday, Atidzah explained that psychological and social factors, particularly fear and stigma, continue to play a detrimental role in how patients respond to potential symptoms. This delay often results in late-stage diagnoses, which are significantly more difficult to manage and treat effectively. Atidzah highlighted that misinformation is a significant driver of this delay, as patients may rely on unverified advice or fear the social consequences of a diagnosis. He noted that social stigma remains a powerful deterrent, often leading individuals to hide their condition rather than seek professional help. These hurdles are further complicated by external factors such as financial constraints and limited physical access to healthcare services, which disproportionately affect vulnerable populations in rural areas. To combat these challenges, the GOSANET Foundation head emphasized the necessity of improving both public awareness and healthcare infrastructure. He argued that addressing the financial burden of treatment and expanding the reach of medical services are essential steps toward ensuring early detection. By tackling misinformation and providing more robust support systems, Atidzah believes the healthcare sector can improve survival outcomes for breast cancer patients across the country.

GHIMA warns health facilities against using unlicensed data personnel
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GHIMA warns health facilities against using unlicensed data personnel

The Ghana Health Information Management Association (GHIMA) has issued a stern warning regarding the employment of unqualified and unlicensed personnel to manage health data within the country's medical facilities. According to the association, this growing practice poses a significant threat to patient safety and the overall quality of healthcare delivery. GHIMA President Richard Delali Ahedor emphasized that the management of health information is a specialized field that requires professional expertise to ensure the integrity of medical records. The association's concerns are rooted in the potential for data errors that could lead to poor clinical outcomes. Ahedor noted that accurate health data is indispensable for clinical decision-making and for the effective monitoring of healthcare interventions. When data is handled by individuals without the proper training or licensing, the foundation of medical diagnosis and treatment planning is compromised, potentially leading to life-threatening mistakes in patient care. GHIMA is calling for strict adherence to the Health Professions Regulatory Bodies Act, which mandates that only licensed professionals should be responsible for health information management. The association urged the heads of all healthcare facilities to prioritize the engagement of qualified personnel and called on government agencies to ensure that recruitment processes for health information roles specifically target licensed practitioners. By enforcing these standards, the association believes Ghana can better safeguard sensitive patient information and improve national healthcare outcomes.

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Kwabena Mintah Akandoh announces GH‵32bn health expenditure for 2026

The Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has announced a projected GH‵32 billion expenditure for the health sector in 2026, marking a significant commitment to expanding medical services across Ghana. Speaking at a Health Sector Update Engagement in Accra, the Minister emphasised that these investments are vital to improving service access and prioritising healthcare as a pillar of national development. Central to this financial plan is the expansion of the Free Primary Healthcare programme, which is set to increase its reach from 135 to 150 districts this year, providing early screening and treatment options at approximately 4,500 facilities. To support this expansion, the government intends to bolster the health workforce by recruiting 8,000 additional health professionals specifically designated for primary and rural healthcare roles. Addressing the logistical challenges of reaching remote communities, the ministry has already provided 7,000 motorbikes and tricycles to health workers. Furthermore, Minister Akandoh reported that the government has paid GH‵2.1 billion in National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) claims to various healthcare providers, a move aimed at ensuring the financial sustainability of the nation's health facilities. Infrastructure and technology also feature prominently in the ministry's forward-looking agenda. The government is currently overseeing the construction of six regional hospitals and a new 400-bed facility at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, which is slated for completion by 2027. To address the persistent "no bed syndrome" in public hospitals, a new digital bed management system is being implemented to improve patient flow. These initiatives, coupled with the establishment of two new cardiology centers, reflect the government's strategy to enhance both specialized care and universal health coverage for all Ghanaians.

Mortuary Workers
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Public Accounts Committee decries overcrowding in public hospital morgues

The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) expressed serious concern over the overcrowding and poor conditions in public hospital mortuaries across Ghana during a hearing on October 9, 2026. Based on an Auditor-General’s Performance Audit, the committee highlighted instances where facilities, including the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, were holding bodies far beyond their designed capacity. This situation has raised alarms regarding the dignified handling of the deceased and the potential risks to public health.\n\nDr. Philip Sarpong, representing the Mortuaries and Funeral Facilities Agency (MoFFA), acknowledged the overcrowding issues during the hearing. He informed the committee that since the 2024 audit, the agency has succeeded in licensing 200 facilities to ensure they meet basic operational requirements. However, three facilities remain unlicensed after failing to satisfy the necessary standards. The agency emphasized that while progress has been made in formalizing these facilities, the pressure on existing infrastructure remains a significant hurdle.\n\nTo improve oversight, MoFFA has requested an increase in its workforce. Dr. Sarpong noted that the agency currently operates with only 22 staff members to monitor over 200 facilities nationwide, a ratio that makes consistent compliance enforcement difficult. He appealed for at least 20 additional personnel to bolster regional operations and supervision. The agency also highlighted its efforts to establish occupational health and safety protocols for mortuary attendants, noting that 176 individuals have graduated from specialized training programs this year.\n\nCommittee members stressed the critical need for minimum competency standards to prevent errors in body identification and handling, which can cause immense distress to grieving families. The PAC urged MoFFA to prioritize these standards and improve monitoring to ensure that every mortuary in the country operates with the required level of professionalism and hygiene. The hearing concluded with a call for more robust investment in mortuary infrastructure to match the growing demand and maintain the dignity of the dead.

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National Vaccine Institute to produce tetanus-diphtheria vaccine by 2027

The National Vaccine Institute (NVI) has announced that Ghana is on track to produce its first locally manufactured vaccine, a tetanus-diphtheria shot, by 2027. This initiative, which involves a partnership with the Indonesian pharmaceutical firm PT Bio Farma and local company Atlantic Lifesciences Limited, marks a significant step toward establishing a sustainable vaccine manufacturing ecosystem in the country. Dr. Sodzi Sodzi-Tettey, the Chief Executive Officer of the NVI, revealed these developments during a briefing, emphasizing the goal of reducing Ghana's reliance on imported medical supplies. According to Dr. Sodzi-Tettey, the project is already in motion, with a technology transfer agreement officially signed to facilitate the local production process. Essential materials required for manufacturing have already begun arriving in the country. The collaboration draws on the expertise of local scientific institutions and private manufacturers to ensure that the complex requirements of vaccine production are met. The NVI head noted that the current focus on the tetanus-diphtheria vaccine will serve as a pilot for future domestic production of other essential immunizations. Addressing the Public Accounts Committee, Dr. Sodzi-Tettey also defended a GH₵13 million expenditure on training, workshops, and conferences. Amid scrutiny over the Institute’s financial management, he explained that such investments are vital for building domestic capacity in a highly specialized field where Ghana currently lacks sufficient expertise and infrastructure. He argued that training researchers, manufacturers, and regulators is a prerequisite for independent manufacturing, as the process is technically demanding and requires a workforce capable of meeting international safety and quality standards. In addition to technical preparations, the NVI is prioritizing community engagement to foster public trust in locally produced vaccines. The institute aims to address potential skepticism and improve public acceptance before the first batches are ready for distribution. By building this end-to-end framework—from manufacturing technology to public communication—the government seeks to transform Ghana into a regional hub for vaccine production, ensuring long-term health security under the current administration.

Kenya health authorities confirm negative Ebola test in Wajir
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Kenya health authorities confirm negative Ebola test in Wajir

Health authorities in Kenya's Wajir County have officially confirmed that a 20-year-old man suspected of carrying the Ebola virus has tested negative. The preliminary laboratory results have brought a significant sense of relief to the region after the patient’s travel history sparked immediate health concerns. The individual had recently traveled from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), passing through Uganda, before arriving in the northern Kenyan county to seek medical assistance for unspecified symptoms. Upon seeking care, the man’s travel itinerary through countries with a history of Ebola outbreaks prompted medical staff to trigger emergency protocols. The patient was immediately placed in isolation while blood samples were collected and transported for rigorous laboratory testing to ensure there was no risk of a localized outbreak. Kenyan health officials emphasized that the swift response was part of a broader regional strategy to maintain high surveillance for viral hemorrhagic fevers, particularly among travelers arriving from high-risk zones. The negative result underscores the importance of the surveillance systems currently in place along the borders and within county health facilities. While the threat in this specific instance has been neutralized, authorities continue to urge the public and healthcare workers to remain vigilant. The Democratic Republic of Congo has faced multiple Ebola outbreaks over the past decade, making cross-border monitoring a critical component of public safety for neighboring nations like Kenya and Uganda. This case serves as a reminder of the ongoing regional cooperation required to manage and contain infectious diseases before they escalate into wider crises.

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Paul Baffoe-Bonnie urges employers to tackle workplace mental health stigma

Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie has called on employers and public institutions across Ghana to foster inclusive and supportive environments to combat the stigma surrounding mental health. Speaking at the 2026 World Mental Health Day celebration in Accra, the Chief Justice emphasized that prioritizing mental well-being is not just a health issue but a critical component of a functional and productive workplace. He urged institutions to move beyond viewing mental health through the lens of statistics and instead focus on the lived experiences of those affected. The Chief Justice highlighted the necessity of formal institutional policies that prioritize staff welfare and provide easier access to professional care. He noted that the prevailing social stigma often forces individuals to conceal their struggles, which can exacerbate mental health conditions and lead to a lack of productivity. To counter this, he advocated for a culture of empathy where seeking help is viewed as a proactive step rather than a sign of weakness. Baffoe-Bonnie’s remarks, delivered in a speech read on his behalf by Justice Sophia Rosetta Bernasko-Essah, underscored the importance of open conversations to demystify mental health issues in professional settings. Within the specific context of the justice system, the Chief Justice pointed out that the mental well-being of judicial officers is paramount to the integrity of the legal process. He called for regular mental health screenings and assessments for those working in the judiciary to ensure they are fit for the demanding nature of their roles. By integrating these assessments, the judiciary aims to enhance the clarity and psychological resilience of its officers, ultimately strengthening the administration of justice and public trust in the courts. The event, which included on-site health screenings and mental health assessments for participants, served as a platform for various stakeholders to discuss early intervention strategies. Baffoe-Bonnie concluded by urging all sectors of society to listen empathetically to those facing mental health challenges and to foster a culture of care. By implementing proactive support systems and compassionate healthcare, he believes institutions can play a pivotal role in creating a society that values mental health as much as physical health.

A woman in a vibrant patterned dress and tinted glasses is captured delivering a speech at a podium. She is surrounded by microphones and flanked by banners for the Ghana Medical Trust Fund and the Greater Accra Regional Co-ordinating Council.
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King Nii Teiko Tsuru II urges support for Ghana Medical Trust Fund

The Ga Mantse, King Nii Teiko Tsuru II, has called for a healthcare system that ensures no Ghanaian is denied essential medical treatment because of their financial situation. Speaking during a meeting with a delegation from the Ghana Medical Trust Fund (GMTF), the King emphasized that poverty should never be a determining factor in who receives life-saving care. He highlighted the critical role of the fund in helping families navigate the escalating costs of specialized medical procedures and essential treatments. The delegation, led by Adjoa Obuobia Darko-Opoku, visited the Ga Mantse as part of an ongoing nationwide tour. The campaign aims to raise public awareness about the support available through the GMTF and to mobilize resources from various sectors. Darko-Opoku appealed to both individuals and corporate entities to contribute to the fund, ensuring it has the necessary capital to assist those in need. The King urged all stakeholders to leverage the fund’s resources effectively to maximize its impact on public health. Support for the initiative was echoed by regional officials present at the meeting. The Greater Accra Regional Director of Health Services, Dr. Robert Amesiya, and the Greater Accra Regional Minister, Linda Obenewaa Akweley Ocloo, both underscored the necessity of collaboration. They noted that a unified effort between traditional leaders, government officials, and the private sector is essential for the GMTF to reach its full potential and provide a safety net for vulnerable citizens. The Ga Mantse’s advocacy comes at a time when the cost of specialized healthcare remains a significant barrier for many Ghanaians. By positioning the GMTF as a central pillar for medical equity, the King’s remarks seek to galvanize community engagement and encourage a culture of collective responsibility toward national health. The GMTF tour will continue across the country to strengthen community ties and broaden the base of support for healthcare initiatives.

A group of journalists and professionals are seated at round tables during a workshop or media engagement session in an office setting. Participants are seen using laptops and taking notes, while professional cameras and a projector indicate an official presentation or training event.
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Ghana Health Service urges media to track National Community Scorecard results

The Ghana Health Service (GHS) has called on media practitioners across the country to intensify their monitoring of the National Community Scorecard (CSC) Initiative. During a recent training webinar, health officials emphasized that journalists must move beyond simply reporting healthcare outcomes and instead focus on tracking the specific promises and commitments made by health providers and local authorities. By following up on these pledges, the media can ensure that community feedback leads to tangible improvements in health delivery and infrastructure. The CSC Initiative, launched in January 2018, serves as a vital social accountability tool that empowers citizens to assess the quality of healthcare services in their localities. Currently operational across all 16 regions and 261 districts, the program allows community members to rate health facilities based on several performance indicators. These assessments are intended to foster a collaborative environment where health providers and the public can identify gaps and jointly develop action plans to address them, creating a direct link between community needs and administrative action. However, health officials noted that the initiative faces several hurdles that require media intervention to overcome. Key challenges include inconsistent reporting of results and a growing sense of "community fatigue," where citizens become disillusioned when their feedback does not result in visible changes. The GHS believes that consistent media spotlighting of the scorecard results will provide the necessary pressure to turn community recommendations into reality, thereby reinvigorating public interest in the process and ensuring the sustainability of the program. To address these challenges, the Ghana Health Service is implementing targeted training and follow-up activities designed to strengthen the bond between communities and health providers. The service maintains that a robust partnership between the media and the health sector is essential for building a more transparent and responsive healthcare system. By documenting the progress of health-related commitments, journalists can play a pivotal role in ensuring that no district is left behind in the quest for improved medical services.

A team of healthcare workers, including nurses in green and white uniforms, are seen preparing medical supplies and vaccine vials at a desk. They are surrounded by schoolgirls in uniforms, suggesting a vaccination exercise taking place within a Ghanaian school setting.
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Ho Municipal Health Directorate targets 2,370 girls for HPV vaccination

The Ho Municipal Health Directorate has launched a targeted vaccination campaign aimed at protecting 2,370 girls aged 9 to 14 against the Human Papillomavirus (HPV). This initiative is a critical component of the national strategy to prevent cervical cancer, a leading cause of health complications among women. Health officials have intensified their outreach efforts to ensure that the designated age group receives the necessary protection before potential exposure to the virus. Currently, the vaccination exercise is focused on private schools across the municipality. This strategic shift comes as public schools remain largely inaccessible for such health programs due to ongoing industrial action by teachers. To mitigate the impact of these closures, health officers are also coordinating with community leaders and health facilities to reach eligible girls who are not currently in school. The HPV vaccine is provided free of charge as part of Ghana’s routine immunization services, removing financial barriers for families. Health experts emphasize the importance of the 9-to-14-year age window, noting that the vaccine is most effective when administered before any potential exposure to HPV, which is primarily transmitted through intimate contact. By providing early immunity, the directorate aims to drastically reduce the long-term risk of cervical cancer within the population. Officials have reassured the public of the vaccine's safety and its proven track record in global health systems. The Ho Municipal Health Directorate is calling on parents, guardians, and school administrators to cooperate fully with health teams to meet the vaccination target. Parents whose children may have missed the school-based sessions are encouraged to visit the nearest health facility to access the vaccine. This campaign underscores a broader commitment to preventative healthcare, seeking to eliminate cervical cancer as a public health threat through proactive community-wide immunization.