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.

Breast Society of Ghana’s message for PINKTOBER 2026
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Ghana Launches 2026 National Breast Cancer Awareness Month with Urgent Call for Early Detection and Support

The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection (MoGCSP) has officially launched the 2026 National Breast Cancer Awareness Month in Ho, Volta Region, spearheading a nationwide campaign to reduce the impact of the disease. Under the theme ‘Every Story is Unique, Every Journey Matters’ and a rallying call for ‘Early Action, Better Outcomes,’ Minister Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey highlighted that Ghana records approximately 5,000 new breast cancer cases annually. The campaign aims to transition the national conversation from one of stigma to one of active support, emphasizing that collective involvement from men, boys, and community leaders is essential to addressing the misconceptions that often delay diagnosis. Statistics presented during the launch underscore both the gravity of the challenge and the potential for recovery. The Volta Regional Health Directorate revealed that the region has recorded 1,182 cases over the past five years, with 146 cases in 2026 alone. Nationally, mortality remains high, with figures from the International Maritime Hospital (IMaH) indicating over 2,600 deaths in the past year. However, the Breast Society of Ghana (BSG) provided a powerful incentive for screening, noting that the survival rate for breast cancer in Ghana exceeds 90% when the disease is detected and treated in its early stages. Despite this, many women continue to seek medical attention only when the cancer has reached an advanced stage due to fear, financial constraints, and limited awareness. Medical experts and advocates are intensifying public education on the symptoms and necessity of regular check-ups. Dr. Freda Prempeh, founder of the Ultimate Women Foundation, and specialists from the IMaH have urged women to conduct regular self-examinations and monitor for changes such as new lumps, skin alterations, or changes in breast shape. Dr. Juanita Brehua-Nkansah, an oncology specialist, specifically recommended regular mammography screenings for women aged 40 and above. Experts also stressed that breast cancer is not exclusive to women; men are encouraged to be vigilant regarding their breast health as well. The campaign highlights that while psychological and financial burdens remain significant, proactive monitoring is the first step toward effective management. To facilitate early detection, several organizations have announced free screening initiatives throughout October. The Ministry of Gender is coordinating 10-day free screenings in Accra and local community outreach programs, while IMaH and Fidelity Bank are offering free breast ultrasound and clinical screenings. These efforts are aligned with World Health Organization targets to minimize avoidable delays in treatment. As the ‘Pink October’ activities unfold across the country, health professionals are calling for systemic improvements to ensure that once a case is identified, the journey from diagnosis to treatment is affordable, timely, and supported by a robust healthcare framework.

Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, Ranking Member on the Parliamentary Select Committee on Health, is seen speaking at a podium. The backdrop features Mercy Ships branding and a Ghanaian flag, indicating an official event related to the organization's mission in Ghana.
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President Mahama Visits Global Mercy Ship, Pledges Enhanced Collaboration for Long-Term Healthcare Impact

President John Dramani Mahama has officially welcomed the Global Mercy hospital ship to Tema Port, marking the start of a 10-month humanitarian mission focused on delivering specialized medical care. During a tour of the vessel, the President underscored the government’s commitment to providing free primary healthcare and improving the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS). The mission, which represents the organization's fifth deployment to Ghana since 1991, aims to perform more than 2,400 free specialized surgeries and approximately 3,500 dental treatments, specifically targeting individuals in rural and underserved communities who lack access to critical medical interventions. Already, nearly 200 surgeries have been completed since the ship's arrival at the Tema Harbour. The procedures planned for the duration of the stay include cataract removals, cleft lip and palate repairs, and various orthopaedic and plastic surgeries. President Mahama highlighted the transformative effect these operations have on patients, particularly children, noting that restoring physical health significantly boosts their confidence and future prospects. He expressed profound gratitude to Mercy Ships Lifetime Director Dame Anne Gloag and the international crew, while also recognizing the vital role of local Ghanaian volunteers working alongside the global team. Beyond the immediate provision of free surgeries, the government is leveraging this mission to strengthen Ghana’s internal healthcare infrastructure. Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh announced that a formal host agreement between the Ministries of Health, Finance, and Foreign Affairs is in place to facilitate a comprehensive training and knowledge-sharing program. Under this partnership, local health specialists and professionals will engage in skills development sessions with international medical teams. This initiative is designed to ensure that Ghanaian health workers are equipped to handle complex procedures and maintain the high standard of care established during the mission's stay. President Mahama emphasized that the success of the mission must be measured by its lasting legacy rather than just the number of procedures performed. He called for a robust, coordinated system of follow-up care and patient rehabilitation to be managed by the Ministry of Health after the ship’s departure in 10 months. By integrating the mission’s activities with the national health system, the President aims to create a sustainable model of specialist care that continues to benefit Ghanaians long after the vessel leaves port, building upon a partnership that has seen over 2,600 surgeries performed in the country since the early 1990s.

A 3D graphic illustration featuring red cubes arranged in a cross shape against a white background. The vertical cubes spell 'HIV' while the horizontal cubes spell 'AIDS', sharing the central letter 'I'.
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GHANET Launches Online Portal for Confidential HIV Self-Test Kit Delivery Across Ghana

The Ghana HIV/AIDS Network (GHANET) is officially rolling out a new digital platform on October 1, 2026, designed to revolutionize how citizens access HIV testing services. By allowing Ghanaians to request HIV self-test kits online, the initiative prioritizes confidentiality and convenience, aiming to dismantle the barriers of stigma that often deter individuals from seeking testing at public health facilities. This strategic move is part of a broader effort to decentralize health services and empower individuals to take charge of their sexual health in the privacy of their own homes. Developed in collaboration with various health organizations, the online system serves as more than just a distribution point for kits. The platform is integrated with comprehensive resources on HIV prevention and treatment, providing users with immediate access to information on over 700 antiretroviral therapy (ART) centers nationwide. While the self-test kits themselves are provided free of charge to the public, GHANET noted that a nominal fee may be required to cover delivery costs, ensuring that the service remains sustainable while reaching both remote and urban areas efficiently. This initiative comes at a critical juncture in Ghana's public health journey, as the country continues to grapple with significant gaps in HIV awareness and treatment coverage. GHANET has emphasized that despite years of progress, the national response still faces challenges in reaching key populations and ensuring early diagnosis. By leveraging technology to bridge these gaps, health advocates hope to increase the number of people who know their status, ultimately facilitating earlier entry into care for those who test positive and reinforcing prevention strategies for those who test negative.

Eddy Blay (left), Brand Communications representative, assisted by David Tattari (right), Executive Assistant, both from Unichem Ghana Group, presenting the drugs to Yvonne Dasoberi, an Assistant Corporate Communications Officer of the GCGL
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Indus Life and Unichem Ghana Support Graphic Communications Group’s Free Health Screening Outreach

In a significant boost to community healthcare, two prominent pharmaceutical firms, Indus Life Sciences Pvt Limited and Unichem Ghana Group, have donated a substantial quantity of medicines to support the Graphic Communications Group Ltd (GCGL) in its upcoming annual health outreach. The initiative, scheduled for September 19, is designed to provide free medical consultations and essential treatments to more than 1,000 residents. By combining medical expertise with corporate resources, the program aims to address the immediate health concerns of the populace while fostering a deeper understanding of the benefits of regular medical check-ups. Representatives from both Indus Life Sciences and Unichem Ghana emphasized their organizations' unwavering commitment to responsible healthcare delivery and community empowerment during the donation ceremony. They noted that their participation in the GCGL outreach is part of a broader corporate social responsibility strategy intended to improve access to quality medication for underserved populations. The companies also expressed their gratitude to the Graphic Communications Group for providing a platform that allows corporate entities to directly impact the lives of Ghanaians through such high-impact social interventions. The health screening initiative focuses heavily on the importance of preventive medicine, encouraging residents to undergo diagnostic tests that can identify silent health issues before they become critical. By offering these services free of charge, the GCGL and its partners are removing the financial barriers that often prevent individuals from seeking necessary medical attention. This collaborative effort not only provides relief to the beneficiaries but also highlights the vital role that private-sector partnerships play in augmenting the national healthcare framework and promoting the overall well-being of the nation.

Traditional Priest Nana Kwaku Bonsam Appeals to President Mahama for Visa Assistance for Urgent US Medical Treatment
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Traditional Priest Nana Kwaku Bonsam Appeals to President Mahama for Visa Assistance for Urgent US Medical Treatment

Renowned Ghanaian traditional priest Nana Kwaku Bonsam has issued a public appeal to President John Dramani Mahama and the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, seeking administrative assistance to travel to the United States for specialized medical care. The priest is requesting the government's support in securing the necessary documentation, including a potential service passport or an official recommendation letter, to facilitate a visa for a skin graft procedure at Harlem Hospital in New York. Bonsam revealed that he has been suffering from a persistent facial wound that has caused him significant distress and sleepless nights. Despite his own expertise in traditional medicine, he noted that previous treatments for this specific ailment have proven ineffective, leading him to seek advanced surgical intervention abroad. He emphasized that the situation has become urgent, requiring the expertise of specialists at the renowned New York facility to ensure a successful recovery. Clarifying the nature of his request, Nana Kwaku Bonsam stated that he is not seeking financial sponsorship from the state. He maintained that he is fully prepared to self-fund the entirety of his medical expenses and travel costs. His appeal is strictly focused on overcoming the bureaucratic hurdles associated with international travel for medical purposes, as he believes official government backing would expedite his visa processing at the US Embassy. The request highlights a unique intersection between traditional practitioners and the state's diplomatic channels. While the Ministry of Foreign Affairs regularly assists citizens with emergency travel needs, a public appeal to the presidency underscores the perceived severity of the priest's health condition. As of this report, the Office of the President and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs have not yet issued a formal response regarding whether they will provide the requested documentation support.

Felix Kwakye Ofosu Announces Start of Construction for 120-Bed Trauma Hospital in Bole
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Felix Kwakye Ofosu Announces Start of Construction for 120-Bed Trauma Hospital in Bole

Construction has officially commenced on a new 120-bed Specialized Trauma and Emergency Hospital in Bole, located in the Savannah Region. The announcement was made by the Minister of Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, who confirmed that contractors have moved to the site to begin work on the 16,000-square-meter facility. This project represents a significant milestone in the government's efforts to decentralize specialized healthcare and ensure that critical emergency services are accessible to residents in the Savannah Region and its surrounding areas. The new hospital is designed to serve as a vital hub for emergency medical services, addressing a long-standing gap in trauma care within the northern belt of the country. According to details shared by the Minister, the state-of-the-art infrastructure will feature a comprehensive 24-hour Accident and Emergency Unit, dedicated trauma resuscitation bays, and advanced surgical units. Additionally, the facility will include specialized wards to accommodate patients requiring intensive care and long-term recovery, ensuring that life-threatening injuries can be managed effectively without the need for risky, long-distance transfers to facilities in Kumasi or Accra. This initiative forms a central part of the current administration's broader national strategy to upgrade healthcare infrastructure and improve the health security of all citizens. By prioritizing a specialized trauma center in Bole, the government aims to significantly reduce morbidity and mortality rates associated with road accidents and other medical emergencies. Beyond the clinical benefits, the project is expected to stimulate the local economy by creating construction jobs and providing permanent clinical and administrative roles for health professionals upon completion.

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BasicNeeds-Ghana Warns of Imminent Mental Health System Collapse Due to Escalating Drug Crisis

BasicNeeds-Ghana, a leading mental health advocacy organization, has issued a stark warning regarding the sustainability of Ghana’s mental health infrastructure. Executive Director Peter Bedimak Yaro cautioned that the nation is facing a critical public health threat as increasing illicit drug use risks overwhelming the existing system. With an estimated one million individuals currently in need of rehabilitation services across the country, the organization highlighted a growing crisis that demands immediate intervention from both the government and civil society to prevent a total breakdown of mental health services. The current trend of substance abuse is particularly alarming due to the diverse range of substances being misused and the specific demographic being targeted. According to BasicNeeds-Ghana, the crisis involves a dangerous mix of hard drugs, misused prescription medications, and the consumption of certain energy drinks. Young people remain the most vulnerable group, falling victim to these substances at an increasing rate. Mr. Yaro emphasized that the serious public health implications of these trends are already straining the country's limited mental health resources, creating a dangerous gap between those requiring urgent care and the capacity of the state to provide it. Adding to the complexity of the situation is the ongoing discussion surrounding the liberalization of cannabis cultivation in Ghana. BasicNeeds-Ghana expressed deep concerns about moving forward with such policies without first establishing robust public health considerations and regulatory safeguards. The organization argued that without a carefully managed framework and a clear understanding of the societal impact, the expansion of cannabis availability could exacerbate existing substance abuse issues and further burden a mental health sector that is already struggling to cope with current demand. To avert a systemic failure, BasicNeeds-Ghana is calling for an integrated and coordinated national response that transcends traditional health interventions. The proposed strategy emphasizes the necessity of intensified prevention efforts, broad-based public education campaigns, and the strengthening of community support systems to address substance abuse at its roots. The organization maintains that only through a holistic approach—one that prioritizes the health and well-being of the youth—can Ghana effectively tackle the multifaceted challenges posed by the current drug crisis and protect its future mental health infrastructure.

Dr Yaw Danso Fenteng, Head of Technical Services of the Veterinary Services Directorate, addressing the media
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Veterinary Services Directorate Reports 9,456 Pet Vaccinations as Ghana Pursues 2030 Rabies Eradication Goal

Ghana’s Veterinary Services Directorate has successfully vaccinated 9,456 pets as part of an intensive rabies vaccination campaign launched in September. This figure represents the initial phase of an ambitious national exercise aiming to reach 40,000 pets before its conclusion. Chief Veterinary Officer Dr. Emmanuel Allegye-Cudjoe emphasized that this initiative is a critical pillar in Ghana’s strategic roadmap to eliminate dog-mediated human rabies deaths by the year 2030. The campaign is being executed through a robust partnership between the government, local assemblies, and private veterinary service providers across the country. To enhance the efficiency of the exercise and future monitoring, the Directorate has introduced a new national pets vaccination card system. This standardized approach is designed to improve the tracking, reporting, and verification of vaccination statuses across various regions. In addition to the field operations, the campaign has prioritized capacity building, with over 500 health personnel undergoing specialized training in rabies case management. This ensures that frontline workers are better equipped to handle potential outbreaks and provide accurate clinical responses to pet owners. Public health officials continue to stress that vaccination remains the most effective tool for preventing the spread of the deadly rabies virus. Alongside the physical vaccination drives, the government has launched extensive public education programs to sensitize communities about the dangers of the virus and the responsibilities of pet ownership. Pet owners are strongly advised to adhere to annual vaccination schedules for their animals to safeguard both animal and human health. As the campaign progresses toward its 40,000-pet target, the focus remains on building a sustainable framework for disease surveillance and prevention nationwide.

Professor John Amuasi (left), Senior Researcher at KCCR/KNUST and Scientific Project Leader of IVM-KIDS; Dr Stella Kepha (middle), Principal Research Scientist at the Kenya Medical Research Institute, and Dr Michael Frimpong (right), Senior Research Fellow of KCCR/KNUST, at the meeting held in Accra
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KCCR Researchers Lead International Project to Develop Child-Friendly Ivermectin Trials

Scientists at the Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine (KCCR) at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) are spearheading a pioneering international project to make the parasitic treatment drug, ivermectin, safe for young children. Named IVM-KIDS, the initiative aims to bridge a critical gap in global health by developing and testing formulations specifically for children under the age of five and those weighing less than 15 kilograms. Currently, this demographic is excluded from using the prescription drug, leaving them vulnerable to various neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) that ivermectin is typically used to combat. The project marks a significant step forward in addressing the health inequities faced by the youngest and most vulnerable populations in tropical regions. The IVM-KIDS project is a collaborative effort involving several African and European institutions, supported by funding from the European Union. The research focuses on the pharmacology and safety of the drug in infants, seeking to validate dosages that can be administered effectively to patients who have previously lacked safe options. Professor John Amuasi, a lead researcher on the project, highlighted the drug's versatility, describing it as a wonderful drug used to address a wide range of health issues, particularly those categorized as NTDs. By establishing a child-friendly formulation, the project seeks to ensure that no segment of the population is left behind in mass drug administration campaigns. Clinical trials for the new formulation are scheduled to commence in 2027, following necessary regulatory approvals from health authorities. Dr. Stella Kepha, another key researcher in the initiative, emphasized that the studies are meticulously designed to answer the safety and efficacy questions required to integrate young children into national and international treatment programs. Beyond the immediate clinical trials, the initiative aims to generate robust, actionable evidence that will allow global health organizations to adapt their policies. If successful, this Ghanaian-led research could revolutionize the treatment landscape for parasitic infections, significantly reducing the burden of disease among the most vulnerable age groups across the continent.

Traditional Priest Nana Kwaku Bonsam Appeals to President Mahama for Assistance with US Medical Travel
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Traditional Priest Nana Kwaku Bonsam Appeals to President Mahama for Assistance with US Medical Travel

Renowned traditional priest Nana Kwaku Bonsam has issued a public appeal to President John Dramani Mahama and the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, seeking government intervention to facilitate his travel to the United States for urgent medical care. The priest is seeking a skin graft procedure for a persistent facial wound that he says has caused him significant distress and sleepless nights. While Nana Kwaku Bonsam is a prominent figure in traditional spirituality, he has turned to Western medicine at Harlem Hospital in New York after concluding that previous treatment options have proven ineffective for his specific condition. In his appeal, the traditional priest clarified that he is not requesting financial assistance from the state to cover his medical bills or travel costs. Instead, he is asking for administrative support to secure the necessary documentation, such as a service passport or an official recommendation letter, to expedite his visa application process. Nana Kwaku Bonsam emphasized that he has the personal funds required to sponsor the entirety of his medical journey but needs the weight of the government's support to navigate the complexities of international travel requirements for this specialized surgery. The urgency of the request stems from the priest's deteriorating comfort, as he noted that the facial ailment has become increasingly difficult to manage. By directing his plea toward President Mahama and Minister Ablakwa, he highlights the perceived role of the presidency and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in assisting high-profile citizens during health crises that require international intervention. The request presents a unique intersection of traditional leadership and modern diplomatic protocol, as the priest awaits a response from the administration regarding his documentation needs. As of now, the presidency and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs have not issued a formal response to the priest's request. The situation underscores the challenges faced by individuals requiring specialized surgical procedures not readily available locally, even those with the financial means to seek care abroad. The outcome of Nana Kwaku Bonsam’s appeal may set a precedent for how the current administration handles similar requests for administrative facilitation for private citizens seeking medical treatment in foreign jurisdictions.

GMTF, HeFRA explore partnership to strengthen healthcare regulation
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Ghana Health Service and Regulatory Bodies Strengthen Healthcare Standards through New Partnerships and Community Monitoring

Ghana's healthcare sector is witnessing a significant shift toward improved service delivery through strategic institutional partnerships and enhanced grassroots accountability. The Health Facilities Regulatory Agency (HeFRA) and the Ghana Medical Trust Fund (GMTF) have entered discussions to strengthen healthcare infrastructure and regulation, while the Ghana Health Service (GHS) is championing the use of community scorecards to ensure health managers remain responsive to the needs of the public. These combined efforts represent a multi-layered approach to addressing the country's healthcare challenges, focusing on both high-level resource management and local-level service quality. The collaboration between HeFRA and the GMTF aims to create a more robust framework for monitoring healthcare investments and managing medical equipment. During a meeting to mark their respective first anniversaries, leadership from both organizations emphasized the need for synergy within the health sector. Dr. Winfred Korletey Baah of the GMTF highlighted the fund's transformative potential in healthcare delivery, while Mrs. Adjoa Obuobia Darko-Opoku, Registrar of HeFRA, noted that such partnerships are essential for ensuring that investments in health infrastructure result in tangible improvements in patient outcomes. This strategic alliance is expected to streamline the oversight of health facilities and the allocation of critical medical resources across the country. Simultaneously, the Ghana Health Service is intensifying its focus on social accountability through the implementation of the Community Scorecard. Developed in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and the African Leaders Malaria Alliance (ALMA), this tool allows for quarterly evaluations of health services based on nine key indicators at the Community-based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) level. Dr. Samuel K. Boakye-Boateng stressed that this feedback mechanism is crucial for transforming healthcare management. By documenting community findings and ensuring rigorous follow-up, the GHS aims to bridge the gap between health providers and the public, fostering a sense of collective responsibility for the quality of care provided. These initiatives underscore a broader commitment to transparency and efficiency within Ghana’s health system. By combining top-down regulatory strengthening with bottom-up community monitoring, stakeholders hope to create a more resilient and patient-centered healthcare environment. Dr. Boakye-Boateng also called on the media to play an active role in this process by amplifying community voices and tracking the progress of recommended actions. As these programs mature, the integration of professional regulation and community-driven oversight is expected to set a new standard for healthcare delivery in Ghana.

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BasicNeeds-Ghana Warns of Looming Mental Health Crisis Driven by Rising Substance Abuse

BasicNeeds-Ghana, a prominent mental health advocacy organization, has issued a stark warning that the nation’s mental health system faces an imminent threat of being overwhelmed by a surge in illicit drug use. Executive Director Peter Bedimak Yaro, in a formal statement, highlighted the escalating public health crisis as more Ghanaians turn to hard drugs, misused prescription medications, and potent energy drinks. This trend poses a significant challenge to the country's healthcare infrastructure, which is already under pressure from existing demands. The organization estimates that approximately one million people across Ghana currently require some form of rehabilitation services due to substance use disorders. Young people have been identified as the demographic most vulnerable to this growing epidemic, frequently falling prey to the increased accessibility of dangerous substances. The warning comes amid broader concerns about the shifting landscape of drug consumption, where traditional illicit drugs are being supplemented or replaced by the abuse of pharmaceutical drugs and unregulated stimulants, creating complex cases for healthcare providers. A particular point of contention raised by BasicNeeds-Ghana involves the potential liberalization of cannabis cultivation. While economic arguments for cannabis are often touted in political discourse, Mr. Yaro emphasized that any move toward liberalization must be tempered with robust public health considerations. Without stringent regulations and a clear understanding of the mental health implications, the organization fears that such policies could inadvertently exacerbate the current crisis and further strain the nation’s psychiatric resources. To mitigate these risks, BasicNeeds-Ghana is calling for a comprehensive and coordinated national response. This strategy should prioritize prevention through education and robust community support systems to catch and treat addiction in its early stages. By integrating substance abuse treatment into the broader public health framework, the organization believes Ghana can protect its youth and ensure the mental health system remains resilient against the rising tide of drug-related disorders.