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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Elikem Oklu urges student nurses to act fast against maternal deaths

Dr. Elikem Oklu, a medical practitioner at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, has called on student nurses and midwives to prioritize swift clinical action to eliminate avoidable maternal and neonatal deaths. Speaking at a health conference in Accra, Dr. Oklu emphasized that delays in identifying and treating complications remain a primary factor in fatal outcomes. The event, organized by the Mama Cares by Racheal Foundation, aimed to equip the next generation of healthcare professionals with the critical skills and mindset needed for effective maternity care. During his address, Dr. Oklu highlighted the vital roles of communication and clinical vigilance in the healthcare delivery chain. He warned that theoretical knowledge alone is insufficient if not translated into prompt, practical intervention when emergencies arise. The physician urged the students to maintain a high level of alertness, noting that the window for saving lives during childbirth complications is often narrow. Effective communication between healthcare teams and prompt decision-making were identified as essential tools for reducing mortality rates across Ghana’s health facilities. The conference also featured contributions from Mrs. Racheal Hesse Matey, the founder of the Mama Cares by Racheal Foundation. She underscored the ethical responsibility of nurses and midwives to provide compassionate and respectful care to expectant mothers. Mrs. Matey stressed that the quality of interaction between a caregiver and a patient can significantly influence health outcomes, advocating for a culture of attentiveness and continuous learning within the profession. Beyond individual clinical skills, the discussion addressed the necessity of functional referral systems and teamwork within the healthcare sector. By fostering a collaborative environment and adhering to ethical standards, the speakers argued that the nursing and midwifery professions can lead the charge in meeting national targets for maternal and neonatal health. The conference concluded with a call for the students to view their future roles as a critical service to the nation, requiring both professional excellence and deep empathy.

Prof. Victor Wutor (middle), Founder and Executive Director of Asthma Ghana, presenting the devices to Sena Kove, Head of Domestic SUB-BMC of the Ho Teaching Hospital
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Asthma Ghana donates 100 aerochambers to Ho Teaching Hospital

Asthma Ghana, a non-governmental organization, has presented 100 aerochambers to the Ho Teaching Hospital (HTH) to bolster the facility's capacity to manage respiratory conditions. The donation, valued at over GH₵50,000, is specifically targeted at the hospital's Asthma Clinic and emergency units. These devices are critical for patients who struggle with standard inhaler techniques, ensuring that life-saving medication reaches the lungs effectively. Prof. Victor Wutor, the Founder and Executive Director of Asthma Ghana, emphasized that the initiative focuses on improving medication delivery for vulnerable groups. He noted that children and older adults often find it difficult to synchronize their breathing with the activation of a traditional inhaler. By using an aerochamber—a spacer device that holds the medicine—patients can inhale the dose more comfortably and efficiently, leading to significantly better health outcomes. Receiving the items on behalf of the hospital management, Senam Kove expressed gratitude for the intervention, highlighting its importance for patients who may not have the financial means to purchase such specialized equipment. The donation is expected to alleviate the financial burden on families while providing clinicians with the necessary tools to treat acute respiratory distress. Prof. Wutor concluded the ceremony by calling on corporate organizations and policymakers to prioritize respiratory healthcare access across the country to reduce preventable asthma-related complications.

DOP Joana Fofo Tackie-Otoo (inset), Director, Health and Community Corrections at GPS, speaking at the launch in Tamale
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Ghana Prisons Service launches Prison Medicine and Equipment Bank

The Ghana Prisons Service has launched the Prison Medicine and Equipment Bank in Tamale to significantly enhance healthcare services for inmates and officers within the Northern, North East, and Savannah regions. This newly established initiative serves as a centralized hub for mobilizing medical supplies, clinical tools, and pharmaceuticals to improve the operational capacity of prison health facilities. By focusing on these three northern regions, the Service intends to create a sustainable supply chain that addresses the specific healthcare challenges faced by the correctional system in these areas. A primary objective of the medicine bank is to establish a robust network of support involving pharmaceutical companies, charitable organizations, and various private sector stakeholders. The initiative aims to source specialized medications and equipment necessary to manage complex health conditions among the inmate population. By securing these resources, the Ghana Prisons Service hopes to minimize frequent disruptions in medical care and ensure that those with chronic or severe illnesses receive consistent treatment throughout their period of incarceration, reducing the need for costly external referrals. The launch emphasizes a holistic view of correctional care, asserting that the health of inmates is a critical component of national public health. Officials noted that since most inmates eventually complete their sentences and return to their communities, ensuring their physical well-being while in custody is essential for successful reintegration and for preventing the transition of untreated health issues into the general population. The Service is now focused on the effective management and equitable distribution of the mobilized supplies to ensure the long-term sustainability of the healthcare initiative.

Dr Abdul-Samed Tanko, CEO, UGMC, addressing the gathering, Yvonne Ohui Maccarthy, Head, Institute of Customer Service Professionals, delivering the keynote address
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University of Ghana Medical Centre launches 2026 Customer Service Week

The University of Ghana Medical Centre (UGMC) has officially launched its 2026 Customer Service Week, themed "The Extra Mile," as part of an ongoing commitment to enhancing the patient experience. The initiative calls upon all healthcare professionals and support staff at the facility to transcend their basic departmental duties to provide exceptional care. By focusing on service excellence, the medical centre aims to strengthen the relationship between healthcare providers and the public it serves while fostering a culture of dedication across its various units. During the launch event, the Chief Executive Officer of UGMC, Dr. Abdul-Samed Tanko, emphasized that the core of effective medical service lies in compassion and clear communication. He urged staff members to view every interaction with a patient as an opportunity to make a positive impact, particularly during the vulnerable moments that bring individuals to the hospital. Guest speaker Yvonne Ohui MacCarthy further reinforced this message, highlighting that empathy is not just a soft skill but a critical component of professional healthcare delivery that significantly influences patient recovery and satisfaction. The week-long celebration includes a variety of activities designed to foster teamwork and recognize the dedication of staff members who consistently go above and beyond in their roles. Beyond the immediate festivities, the event serves as a strategic period of reflection for the institution. It provides an opportunity for the UGMC leadership and staff to evaluate current service delivery models and implement improvements that ensure the hospital remains at the forefront of patient-centered care in Ghana's evolving healthcare landscape.

The renovated National Ambulance Service office in the Talensi District
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Catholic Relief Services renovates six NAS offices in northern Ghana

Catholic Relief Services (CRS) has completed the renovation and expansion of six National Ambulance Service (NAS) offices across northern Ghana, a move aimed at significantly boosting emergency medical response in underserved regions. The project, funded by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS), focuses on strengthening the national referral system to ensure that patients in rural communities can access life-saving care without delay. This infrastructure upgrade is designed to specifically address the high stakes of emergency transport in areas where distance and facility quality often impact health outcomes. The initiative is a core component of the Healthcare Outcomes through Partnership and Empowerment for Maternal and Child Health (HOPE-MCH) Project. By upgrading facilities in districts such as Talensi and Nabdam, the project addresses critical infrastructure gaps that previously hindered the efficiency of emergency services. These renovated offices provide a more functional environment for NAS personnel and improve the overall coordination of emergency transport for expectant mothers and children, ensuring that the referral chain remains unbroken from the community level to the hospital. This latest intervention builds upon earlier efforts by CRS to modernize Ghana’s emergency medical infrastructure. In recent years, the organization has invested in advanced emergency dispatch systems and supplied additional ambulances to reach communities located in geographically difficult terrain. By integrating these physical office upgrades with existing transport and communication assets, the project seeks to reduce maternal and infant mortality rates that are frequently linked to transport delays and inadequate emergency coordination. During the official handover ceremony, officials emphasized that timely medical referrals are essential for overcoming the unique healthcare challenges faced by residents in the northern part of the country. The partnership between CRS and the LDS Church highlights a shared commitment to improving public health outcomes through targeted infrastructure development. The expanded offices are expected to serve as vital hubs for the National Ambulance Service as it continues to expand its reach into Ghana’s most remote and hard-to-reach areas.

Health Ministry declares Yellow Fever outbreak in Upper West Region
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Ministry of Health confirms Yellow Fever outbreak in Upper West Region

The Ministry of Health has officially declared a Yellow Fever outbreak in the Upper West Region following three laboratory-confirmed deaths. Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh announced the development on October 9, 2026, stating that while the situation is serious, it remains under control. The outbreak was identified after reports of symptoms including fever and jaundice emerged in the Sissala West and Wa West districts starting in early September. In response, the Ministry has collaborated with the Ghana Health Service (GHS) and the World Health Organization (WHO) to activate emergency public health operations and deploy rapid response teams to the affected areas. Nationwide surveillance has identified approximately 450 suspected cases of Yellow Fever across all 16 regions between June and September 2026. The Upper West Region is currently the focal point of the outbreak, accounting for 88 of these suspected cases. Minister Akandoh emphasized that the government is prioritizing diagnostic testing and has already ordered an additional 187,000 vaccine doses to bolster the national stockpile. The Ministry is working to bridge the gap between suspected cases and laboratory confirmation to ensure a precise public health response. To contain the spread, the GHS is set to launch a targeted vaccination campaign next week in the Sissala East, Sissala West, and Wa West districts. Dr. Franklin Asiedu-Bekoe, Director of Public Health at the GHS, confirmed that the exercise will target individuals aged between nine months and 60 years. This intervention is designed to address potential immunity gaps in the local population and prevent further fatalities. Health authorities are also engaging traditional leaders and civil society to help coordinate the rollout. Beyond vaccination, the Ministry is urging the public to adopt rigorous preventive measures, such as eliminating stagnant water and using mosquito repellents. Residents have been advised to seek immediate medical attention at the nearest health facility if they experience symptoms of the disease. Minister Akandoh further cautioned against vaccine-related misinformation, encouraging citizens to rely on official channels for health information and to cooperate fully with medical teams during the upcoming vaccination exercise.

Researchers link neonicotinoid insecticides to 27% drop in sperm concentration
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Researchers link neonicotinoid insecticides to 27% drop in sperm concentration

A new scientific study published in the journal Frontiers in Endocrinology has established a concerning link between exposure to common neonicotinoid insecticides and a significant decline in male fertility. According to the research, men with high levels of these agricultural chemicals in their systems exhibited a 27% decrease in sperm concentration. This discovery highlights the potential risks that modern agricultural practices pose to human reproductive health, specifically through the unintended ingestion or absorption of pesticide residues found in everyday environments.The study was conducted by analyzing biological samples from 179 men in Jinan, China, providing a detailed look at how these chemicals interact with the human body. Neonicotinoids are a class of neuro-active insecticides modeled after nicotine, designed specifically to overstimulate and disrupt the nervous systems of pests. The researchers found that the impact is not limited to insects; the men in the study who had the highest exposure levels showed the most marked reduction in sperm concentration, suggesting a direct correlation between the concentration of the chemical in the body and reproductive impairment.Neonicotinoids have become the most widely used insecticides in the world because of their systemic nature, meaning they are absorbed by plants and distributed through all their tissues. This characteristic makes them highly effective against pests but also ensures they remain in the environment for extended periods, frequently finding their way into the human food chain and water supplies. The study's findings add to a growing body of evidence suggesting that environmental pollutants and chemical exposure are primary factors in the global decline of male fertility rates observed by health professionals over recent decades.Moving forward, the research team has called for more extensive, long-term studies to fully grasp the regulatory implications of these findings. There is a pressing need to determine whether current international safety standards for pesticide residues are adequate to protect the general population from reproductive harm. The study emphasizes that understanding the specific mechanisms by which these chemicals affect human biology is crucial for developing better public health policies and agricultural regulations to safeguard reproductive health on a global scale.

GAP Health Aid Foundation conducts five-day HIV outreach in Ayensuano
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GAP Health Aid Foundation conducts five-day HIV outreach in Ayensuano

The GAP Health Aid Foundation has concluded a comprehensive five-day health and social awareness outreach programme in the Ayensuano District. Held from September 16 to 24, 2026, the initiative focused on HIV prevention and the promotion of responsible social behaviour among the youth. In collaboration with several partner organisations, the foundation aimed to equip residents with the necessary information and resources to manage their health and protect the future of the local community. The outreach included a series of community-based educational sessions designed to demystify HIV and encourage proactive health management. Beyond information sharing, the foundation provided practical health services, including free HIV testing and the distribution of condoms and HIV self-test kits. These interventions were intended to empower individuals to know their status in a private and accessible manner, reducing the barriers to testing that often exist in rural and peri-urban districts. Mrs. Georgina Akua Padi, the founder of the GAP Health Aid Foundation, used the platform to issue a strong appeal to parents, particularly mothers, to take an active role in the upbringing and protection of their children. She emphasised that parental guidance is a critical first line of defence against the health and social challenges facing young people today. Traditional authorities in the district echoed these sentiments, highlighting the need for collective action and communal responsibility to ensure the welfare of the younger generation. In addition to the health-focused activities, the programme also addressed educational needs within the Ayensuano District. The foundation and its partners made various donations to local schools to enhance the resources available to students. By integrating health education with material support for schools, the organisers sought to create a holistic support system for the youth. The outreach concluded with a commitment from stakeholders to maintain ongoing HIV prevention measures and community engagement efforts to sustain the progress made during the event.

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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.