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.

Ghana's fertility rate too high for development - Reproductive Health Specialist warns
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Godfred Bonnah Nkansah warns Ghana’s 3.9 fertility rate is too high

Reproductive health specialist Dr. Godfred Bonnah Nkansah has warned that Ghana’s current fertility rate of 3.9 is significantly higher than what is required for the country to achieve high-income status. Speaking at a training session for journalists, Dr. Nkansah explained that the prevailing rate is exerting immense pressure on the nation’s infrastructure, particularly in the health and education sectors. He noted that for Ghana to transition successfully into a high-income economy, the fertility rate needs to fall within a more sustainable range of 2.1 to 2.8. The high birth rate has direct consequences for the quality of public services. Dr. Nkansah pointed out that the surge in population is leading to overcrowded hospitals and overstretched educational facilities. He emphasized that when population growth outpaces infrastructure development, the resulting strain can perpetuate cycles of poverty for many families. Without a strategic approach to managing these numbers, the specialist cautioned that the burden on the state would continue to grow, making it increasingly difficult to provide quality services for all citizens. To address these challenges, Dr. Nkansah called for the implementation of comprehensive sexual and reproductive health education. This initiative is intended to empower families with the knowledge to make informed decisions regarding family size and timing. During the event, which was organized by the Alliance for Reproductive Health Rights (ARHR), participants discussed the importance of ensuring that such information reaches adolescents and vulnerable groups. This educational focus is seen as a vital tool in mitigating the risks associated with high fertility rates. The session also featured insights from media representatives, including Linda Asante-Agyei, who encouraged journalists to take a proactive role in promoting reproductive health rights. She urged the media to move toward science-based reporting and to prioritize discussions around sex education for adolescents to help curb the rising trend. By fostering a more informed public discourse, health experts hope to shift societal attitudes toward family planning, ultimately supporting Ghana's broader goals for economic development and social stability.

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Ghana Health Service tasks media to track Community Scorecard pledges

The Ghana Health Service (GHS) has formally called upon members of the media to play an active role in tracking and reporting on commitments made through the National Community Scorecard (NCS) initiative. During a recent engagement, health officials underscored the necessity of consistent journalistic follow-up to ensure that promises made by health providers to local communities are fulfilled. By maintaining a persistent spotlight on these pledges, the media is expected to act as a bridge, fostering greater transparency and building public confidence in the national health delivery system. Key figures including Dr. Samuel Boakye-Boateng and Dr. Charity Binka have highlighted the importance of this collaboration, advocating for a shift toward more evidence-based and responsible health journalism. The National Community Scorecard, which was first launched in January 2018, serves as a vital tool for assessing service quality and addressing communication gaps between providers and the public across all regions. It empowers community members to voice their concerns and rate the quality of care they receive, but GHS officials argue that the initiative’s impact is maximized only when those concerns lead to verifiable actions and tangible improvements. Current efforts are focused on overcoming systemic challenges such as inconsistent data reporting and delays in the disbursement of funds that sometimes hinder the implementation of community-led recommendations. To support this, training programmes are being rolled out for both health officials and journalists to ensure they are well-equipped to use the scorecard data effectively. This training emphasizes the need for media professionals to go beyond superficial reporting and instead conduct deep dives into whether specific health facilities are meeting the benchmarks they agreed upon during community interface meetings. Ultimately, the Ghana Health Service views the media as a critical partner in the quest for improved health outcomes and national development. By providing sustained oversight, journalists can help ensure that the scorecard does not become a mere administrative exercise but remains a functional instrument for accountability. This renewed focus on media monitoring is intended to create a feedback loop where community feedback directly informs policy and resource allocation, leading to a more responsive and patient-centered healthcare environment nationwide.

Solomon Ndoyeni Bugre, Chairperson of PDWs, Nabdam District
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Solomon Ndoyeni Bugre links reckless riding to rising disability in Nabdam

The Chairperson of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in the Nabdam District, Solomon Ndoyeni Bugre, has raised an alarm over the increasing number of road accidents in the area, which he says are significantly swelling the ranks of the local disabled community. Mr. Bugre specifically pointed to reckless motorbike riding and driving under the influence of substances as the primary drivers of these preventable tragedies. He cautioned that many young people are inadvertently cutting their potential short by engaging in dangerous road behaviors that lead to life-altering injuries. According to Mr. Bugre, the trend is particularly worrying because road crashes have become a major source of new disability cases in the district. He emphasized that the physical and psychological toll on victims and their families is immense, often leading to a lifetime of economic and social struggle. By highlighting these risks, the PWD Chairperson aims to spark a shift in the local culture regarding road safety and personal responsibility among the youth to prevent further unnecessary harm. Beyond the call for safer roads, Mr. Bugre addressed the economic challenges facing the disabled community in Nabdam. He urged the government to prioritize employment opportunities for persons with disabilities to ensure they can lead dignified and self-sufficient lives. Furthermore, he expressed concern over recent local disability assessments, which he claimed were marred by irregularities. These flaws in the evaluation process have reportedly excluded some deserving individuals from essential social support programs meant to alleviate their hardships. In his concluding remarks, the Chairperson called for a collaborative effort between local authorities, the government, and the community to address these interconnected issues. He stressed that while road safety awareness is vital to preventing new disabilities, robust policy intervention and fair assessment processes are equally necessary to support those already living with disabilities. The situation in Nabdam serves as a call to action for improved enforcement of traffic regulations and more transparent social safety nets.

Derrick Amofa Boateng urges government to fix Zenu Polyclinic road
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Derrick Amofa Boateng urges government to fix Zenu Polyclinic road

Dr. Derrick Amofa Boateng, the Medical Superintendent of Zenu Polyclinic, has made an urgent appeal to the government to rehabilitate the dilapidated road network leading to the healthcare facility. Speaking during the polyclinic’s 10th-anniversary celebration, Dr. Boateng emphasised that the poor state of the access roads significantly hampers emergency responses and poses a major barrier to healthcare delivery for the local community. He noted that the current infrastructure makes it increasingly difficult for the facility to fulfill its mandate of providing timely medical care. The Medical Superintendent highlighted the specific hardships faced by vulnerable patients, including pregnant women and the elderly, who often struggle to reach the polyclinic due to the uneven and damaged terrain. The situation is reportedly most severe during the rainy season, when the roads become nearly impassable, often resulting in dangerous delays for patients in need of urgent attention. Dr. Boateng argued that the state of the roads is a critical bottleneck that undermines the efforts of medical staff to save lives. In addition to addressing the external infrastructure challenges, the polyclinic is also seeking to expand its internal capacity to meet rising patient numbers. Dr. Boateng announced plans for the construction of a new maternity block, a project designed to alleviate current congestion and provide a more conducive environment for maternal and child health services. The facility currently faces significant pressure due to the rapidly growing population in the Zenu area, making the expansion of clinical space a top priority for the administration. Concluding his address, Dr. Boateng called for a collaborative effort between the government, local authorities, and private organisations to support the polyclinic’s development goals. He stressed that as the facility enters its second decade of service, fixing the road network and completing the new maternity block are essential steps toward ensuring that quality healthcare remains accessible to all residents in the region regardless of the weather or logistical constraints.

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Health Services Workers’ Union trains female members in soap production

The Health Services Workers’ Union (HSWU) in the Upper East Region has launched a collaborative initiative that combines breast cancer awareness with entrepreneurship training for its female members. Held at the Upper East Regional Hospital, the programme was designed to mark Breast Cancer Awareness Month by providing health education alongside practical economic empowerment. The initiative specifically focused on encouraging early detection of breast cancer while simultaneously equipping participants with income-generating skills to improve their financial stability. During the session, female union members received hands-on training in the production of liquid soap. This vocational skill was selected to offer health workers an alternative source of income that can be managed alongside their professional responsibilities. Mr. Joseph Jones Paa Kwasi Boakye Nomocle, the HSWU Regional Officer, emphasized that the dual-purpose event was intended to address the holistic needs of the membership. He encouraged the participants to utilize the new skills to enhance their livelihoods and support their families. In addition to the vocational training, the event served as a critical platform for health education. Facilitators underscored the importance of regular breast self-examinations and professional screenings, noting that early diagnosis remains the most effective tool in the fight against breast cancer. By integrating health advocacy with economic skills, the union aimed to ensure that its members are both physically healthy and economically resilient, recognizing that financial well-being is often a determinant of health outcomes. The union has announced that this initiative will not be limited to the regional hospital. Plans are already in place to extend the campaign and training sessions to other healthcare facilities in the region, with the next event scheduled to take place at the War Memorial Hospital in Navrongo. This ongoing effort reflects the HSWU’s broader commitment to member welfare, moving beyond traditional labour issues to provide comprehensive support for its workers’ health and economic futures.

Free breast cancer screening ends in Krowor
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Elizabeth Naa Borley Borketey holds three-day breast cancer screening in Krowor

Ms. Elizabeth Naa Borley Borketey has concluded a three-day free breast cancer screening initiative in the Krowor Constituency, focusing on early detection and community awareness. The exercise, which ended on October 15, 2026, operated under the theme "Early Action, Better Outcomes" and targeted women within local neighborhoods to address the challenges of healthcare accessibility. By providing these services at no cost, the initiative aimed to identify potential health issues before they progressed to advanced stages.The screening sessions were held in key areas such as Nungua Zongo and Spintex to ensure maximum participation from the local population. In addition to the clinical examinations, the program incorporated educational outreach, teaching participants the importance of regular self-examinations and the specific symptoms associated with breast cancer. The initiative was conducted with the support of members from the Gospel Light International Church, who assisted in coordinating the logistics and outreach efforts throughout the three-day period.Recognizing that detection is only the first step, the program included a robust follow-up plan for participants requiring further medical attention. Women identified as needing additional evaluation will receive support from Ms. Borketey’s team, including assistance with the costs of medical consultations and treatment. This focus on post-screening care is intended to bridge the gap between diagnosis and recovery, ensuring that financial barriers do not prevent women from seeking life-saving medical intervention.The conclusion of this exercise emphasizes the critical role of community-based health interventions in improving public health outcomes. By bringing essential services directly to the residents of Nungua and Spintex, the initiative highlights the necessity of making preventive healthcare more accessible to women in urban and peri-urban settlements. Local participants praised the effort, noting that such targeted health programs are vital for fostering a proactive approach to wellness and reducing the burden of breast cancer within the constituency.

Parliamentary Health Committee inspects KATH maternity block project
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Parliamentary Health Committee inspects KATH maternity block project

The Parliamentary Select Committee on Health has conducted an inspection of the Maternity and Children’s Block at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) to assess progress and address delays. The visit, led by Committee Chairman Dr. Mark Kurt Nawaane, focused on identifying the bottlenecks preventing the completion of the vital healthcare facility in Kumasi. While construction has reached an advanced stage, the committee observed that financial challenges have slowed the pace of work. Project Manager Emmanuel Fobi Asabre informed the delegation that the project is currently 56% complete, with the procurement of essential materials reaching 75%. However, active construction has been temporarily suspended due to payment delays to the contractors. Despite the current lull in labor, the committee noted that the necessary building materials remain securely stored on-site, ensuring that work can resume immediately once the financial issues are resolved. KATH Chief Executive Officer Dr. Paa Kwesi Baidoo emphasized the project's critical importance for maternal and pediatric services in the region. He noted that the new facility is essential to alleviate the pressure on existing infrastructure and provide higher standards of care. Dr. Nawaane echoed these concerns, stating that the committee would seek to facilitate stakeholder collaboration to settle outstanding payments and ensure the project is delivered without further significant setbacks. The final completion of the Maternity and Children’s Block is expected to have a profound impact on healthcare delivery in the Ashanti Region and beyond. By expanding the hospital's capacity and providing modern medical facilities, the project aims to significantly lower maternal and neonatal mortality rates. The committee’s intervention signals a renewed effort to prioritize the completion of this landmark health infrastructure project for the benefit of mothers and children across the country.

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Kumasi Hospital surgeons remove 880g bladder stone from 49-year-old man

A specialized team of surgeons at Kumasi Hospital has successfully completed a significant medical procedure to remove an 880-gram bladder stone from a 49-year-old patient. The man, identified as Akoto, had reportedly suffered from severe pain and debilitating urinary difficulties for nearly three decades. The successful extraction marks a major milestone for the hospital's surgical department and provides long-awaited relief for the patient, whose daily life had been overshadowed by the chronic condition for approximately 28 years. The dimensions of the stone are particularly striking, measuring 11.8 cm in length, 9.5 cm in breadth, and nearly 8 cm in width. Medical experts at the facility suggest that this mass may rank among the largest bladder stones ever documented and removed in Africa. Upon further examination, the surgical team discovered that Akoto's health complications were exacerbated by a ureteric stricture. This narrowing of the ureter contributed to urinary stasis, a condition where urine cannot flow normally, which facilitated the gradual and massive accumulation of minerals that formed the stone over his decades of suffering. Following the successful surgery, the hospital's Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Samuel Koranteng Asante, underscored the health implications of the case. He noted that the medical team had found no documented cases of bladder stones of this specific size in current medical literature, highlighting the rarity of the occurrence. Dr. Asante used the opportunity to educate the public on the necessity of preventative health measures, specifically emphasizing the vital role of consistent hydration in preventing the formation of urinary stones. He urged individuals experiencing persistent urinary symptoms or discomfort to seek professional medical help immediately, as early intervention can prevent such extreme physical outcomes.

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John Mahama commissions two CHPS compounds in Ahafo

President John Mahama has commissioned two new Community-based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) compounds in Ahyiaem and Nsuapemkrom during a two-day tour of the Ahafo Region. These facilities are part of a strategic government effort to enhance primary healthcare accessibility by bringing essential medical services directly to local residents. The commissioning marks a significant expansion of the health network in rural communities, aimed at reducing the distance patients must travel for basic care. During the ceremony, President Mahama highlighted a shift in the administration's approach to local development, noting that 80% of the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF) is being allocated to empower local assemblies. This funding strategy is designed to provide districts with the financial resources necessary to lead infrastructure projects that meet the specific needs of their populations. By decentralising these resources, the government aims to accelerate the completion of community-level projects like the newly opened health compounds. The facility at Ahyiaem will be integrated into the national Free Primary Healthcare programme to ensure that financial constraints do not prevent residents from seeking medical attention. This programme is intended to provide a range of free services at the primary level, strengthening the overall healthcare delivery system. Community leaders in the region have welcomed the new infrastructure and pledged to maintain the facilities to ensure they continue to provide vital support to the area for years to come.

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Ministry of Health pilots national emergency bed management system at Ridge

The Ministry of Health has officially launched a pilot program for a national emergency bed management system designed to address the persistent "no-bed syndrome" in Ghanaian hospitals. Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh announced the initiative, which is headquartered at a central command center within the Greater Accra Regional Hospital (Ridge). This system aims to streamline the distribution of emergency patients by providing a digital, real-time overview of bed availability across the country’s major healthcare facilities. The pilot phase involves selected regional and teaching hospitals, where staff will use the platform to update and monitor the occupancy levels of emergency units. By centralizing this data, the Ministry intends to eliminate the situation where ambulances transport patients to hospitals only to find they cannot be admitted. Minister Akandoh explained that the system will also track the duration of patient stays in emergency wards, ensuring that resources are utilized efficiently and that patients are transitioned to appropriate wards or discharged in a timely manner. Beyond the digital management system, the government is also working to expand physical emergency capacities at major health facilities to better handle the influx of patients. These efforts are complemented by the strengthening of the National Ambulance Service. Currently, more than 200 ambulances are operational across the country, and the government has set a target to procure an additional 100 ambulances by 2027 to further bolster the nation's emergency response capabilities. This initiative represents a significant shift toward data-driven healthcare management in Ghana. By integrating real-time bed tracking with an expanded fleet of ambulances and improved emergency ward infrastructure, the Ministry of Health seeks to create a more responsive and reliable emergency care network. The success of this pilot at Ridge and participating regional hospitals will likely inform a wider national rollout, ultimately aiming to ensure that no patient is turned away during a medical crisis due to a lack of information or space.

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Kwabena Mintah Akandoh says NHIS active membership reached 70%

Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh has announced that active membership of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) reached 70% of the population as of August 2026. This represents a significant increase from the 56.3% coverage recorded in 2024. Speaking on the progress of the scheme, the Minister attributed the rapid expansion to strategic financial reforms and a renewed focus on ensuring the sustainability and efficiency of health service delivery across the country. The Minister identified the uncapping of the National Health Insurance Levy (NHIL) as a primary driver of the scheme's recent growth. This policy shift allowed for a substantial increase in available funding, which rose from GH 6.5 billion in 2024 to GH 9.8 billion in 2025. Consequently, the government has been able to increase payments to healthcare providers by 50%, addressing long-standing concerns regarding the reimbursement of claims and improving the overall stability of the healthcare supply chain. Beyond membership figures, Akandoh highlighted several initiatives intended to strengthen the broader healthcare system and support the membership surge. These include the implementation of the Free Primary Healthcare program and the expansion of hospital infrastructure projects. The Minister also noted an increase in the number of operational ambulances and the introduction of new nursing programs designed to enhance the quality of care available to subscribers. These efforts are part of a coordinated strategy by the government to achieve Universal Health Coverage by improving both medical access and financial affordability for all Ghanaians.

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Kenya Ministry of Health confirms second Ebola case in relative

Kenya’s Ministry of Health has officially confirmed a second case of Ebola, involving a 39-year-old man who is a relative of the country’s first victim. The announcement follows the death of the initial patient, a businessman from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), who passed away on October 5. The second patient was already in isolation when he tested positive, a factor that health officials hope will significantly limit further exposure within the general population. The current outbreak has been identified as the Bundibugyo strain of the virus, a rare variant for which there is currently no approved vaccine. This lack of a preventative medical intervention has placed a heavy reliance on traditional public health strategies, such as contact tracing and mandatory isolation. So far, authorities have successfully traced 128 individuals who had contact with the victims, with 108 of those people currently held under mandatory quarantine to monitor for symptoms. To prevent the virus from spreading further, Kenyan health authorities have ramped up infection control measures across the country. These efforts include intensified health screenings at border crossings and a public awareness campaign directing citizens to report any suspected symptoms immediately. The Ministry of Health continues to stress that early detection and the rapid isolation of potential cases remain the most effective ways to manage the rare strain and protect public safety.