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.

Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang is pictured delivering a speech at a formal event. She is standing behind a lectern featuring the official seal of the Vice President of the Republic of Ghana, wearing a purple and gold patterned traditional outfit with her hair in braids.
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Vice President Opoku-Agyemang and Health Experts Advocate for Global Cooperation and Stronger Nutrition Policies

Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang has called for sustained investment and robust international cooperation to combat global malnutrition and micronutrient deficiencies. Speaking at the opening of the 7th Global Conference of the Micronutrient Forum in Accra, the Vice President emphasized that malnutrition remains a significant barrier to human development, particularly for women and children. The four-day conference, themed "Nutrition at the Frontiers of a Changing Environment," has drawn over 2,200 participants from more than 100 countries to share scientific insights and develop integrated solutions for food security and public health. During her address, Professor Opoku-Agyemang highlighted specific nutritional challenges within Ghana, including high rates of anemia among women and adolescents and a lack of dietary diversity. She advocated for a comprehensive, multi-sectoral approach that links agriculture, health, and education to build resilient food systems. A key component of this strategy involves enhancing the nutritional quality of the National School Feeding Programme and integrating essential nutrition services more deeply into the primary healthcare system. The Vice President committed the government to increasing domestic financing for these initiatives while urging international partners to support sustainable nutrition systems in low- and middle-income nations. Complementing the call for systemic nutrition reform, health experts have also stressed the importance of localized policy support for maternal and child health. At a separate Lactation Conference in Kumasi, Dr. Isabella Sagoe-Moses, a former Deputy Director of the Family Health Division at the Ghana Health Service, urged the government to establish protective policies for breastfeeding mothers. She emphasized that creating supportive environments in workplaces and healthcare facilities is essential for child survival and family wellbeing. This sentiment was echoed by other stakeholders, including Nanahemaa Adjoa Awindor, who noted that a supportive environment for new mothers is a critical pillar of national nutritional health. The Micronutrient Forum, which concludes on October 1, 2026, serves as a platform for African leadership and global stakeholders to align their strategies against the growing threats of climate change and economic instability on food quality. By fostering dialogue between researchers, policy makers, and private sector leaders, the conference aims to generate actionable solutions that protect vulnerable populations. The synthesis of these high-level global discussions and local policy advocacy underscores a unified push toward achieving better nutritional outcomes and long-term developmental growth for Ghana and the wider international community.

GHS and Oxfam Partner to Enhance Reproductive Health Awareness for Ekon Youth
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GHS and Oxfam Partner to Enhance Reproductive Health Awareness for Ekon Youth

The Ghana Health Service (GHS), in partnership with Oxfam, has conducted a comprehensive sensitisation seminar for the youth of Ekon to commemorate World Contraception Day. This initiative aimed to bridge the information gap regarding contraception and sexual and reproductive health (SRH), providing a platform for young people to engage directly with health experts. Observed annually on September 26, World Contraception Day serves as a critical global reminder of the importance of reproductive autonomy and access to health resources, a mission that resonated throughout the Ekon seminar. Central to the seminar was the objective of dismantling persistent myths and misconceptions surrounding contraceptive use. Health professionals and community leaders emphasized that young people should prioritize seeking advice from qualified medical personnel rather than relying on unverified information from peers or unreliable social media sources. This outreach forms a core component of the "Power to Choose" project, a collaborative effort between Oxfam and the Planned Parenthood Association of Ghana (PPAG). By providing accurate, evidence-based information, the project seeks to empower the youth to make informed decisions that impact their long-term health and socio-economic well-being. Beyond individual awareness, the seminar highlighted the indispensable role of community structures in fostering a supportive health environment. Traditional leaders in Ekon were specifically called upon to take an active stance in community education and to champion reproductive health rights within their jurisdictions. By involving local authorities, the GHS and its partners aim to ensure that the youth feel safe and supported when seeking health services. This collective approach is seen as a vital step toward reducing unintended pregnancies and improving overall public health outcomes across the region, ensuring that reproductive health remains a priority in Ghana's national development agenda.

Dr. Julius Xatse Condemns Inhumane Treatment of Mental Health Patients by Traditional and Faith-Based Healers
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Dr. Julius Xatse Condemns Inhumane Treatment of Mental Health Patients by Traditional and Faith-Based Healers

Dr. Julius Xatse, the Acting Medical Director of Ankaful Psychiatric Hospital, has issued a stern warning to faith-based healers and traditional medicine practitioners regarding the inhumane treatment of individuals with mental health conditions. Speaking at a specialized workshop in Kormantse, Dr. Xatse emphasized that practices such as chaining and starving patients do not facilitate healing but instead severely exacerbate their underlying medical conditions. He underscored that such treatments are not only medically counterproductive but constitute significant violations of fundamental human rights and dignity. The medical director specifically criticized the common use of physical restraints and the subjection of patients to harsh environmental conditions. According to Dr. Xatse, many facilities operated by traditional and spiritual healers provide inadequate accommodation, leaving vulnerable individuals exposed to the elements. Furthermore, he raised alarms over the practice of compulsory fasting, which is often used as a spiritual intervention. He explained that inadequate nutrition and forced starvation can lead to life-threatening physical health complications, making it even more difficult to manage the psychiatric disorders the patients are suffering from. In his address, Dr. Xatse urged all practitioners to strictly adhere to the provisions of Ghana’s Mental Health Act, 2012 (Act 846). The Act provides a comprehensive legal framework for the protection of the rights of persons with mental disorders and mandates humane treatment across all care settings, whether they be clinical, traditional, or faith-based. By calling for a shift toward more compassionate and evidence-based approaches, Dr. Xatse highlighted the urgent necessity for traditional and spiritual sectors to integrate their efforts with formal medical standards to ensure the safety, recovery, and dignity of all mental health patients in the country.

National Peace Council Warns Drug Abuse Threatens Ghana's Future Leadership and National Development
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National Peace Council Warns Drug Abuse Threatens Ghana's Future Leadership and National Development

The National Peace Council (NPC) has issued a stern warning regarding the escalating trend of drug abuse among Ghana's youth, cautioning that the crisis threatens to deprive the nation of its future leadership. Speaking during the Eastern Regional Inter-School Peace and Substance Abuse Quiz Competition, Prof. Mark Boadu, representing the NPC, emphasized that the prevalence of substance abuse could significantly disrupt national development under the current administration of President John Mahama. The event, held as part of the 2026 International Peace Day celebrations, underscored the critical intersection between public health, peace, and the long-term stability of the country. Central to the NPC’s intervention is the "Save Peace" project, an initiative designed to educate students on the perils of drug use through competitive academic engagement. The project recently hosted a major quiz competition involving 64 senior high schools, providing a platform to sensitize students while promoting a culture of peace. Prof. Boadu noted that drug abuse is not merely a health concern but a social threat that undermines character development and academic excellence. By integrating substance abuse education into extracurricular activities, the Council aims to redirect the energy of young Ghanaians toward constructive goals and academic achievement. Beyond the school environment, the NPC is advocating for a multi-stakeholder approach to address the root causes of addiction. Prof. Boadu stressed that creating a safe and conducive school environment is essential for fostering responsible citizenship. However, he also pointed out that the responsibility extends to the wider community, urging parents, guardians, and local leaders to actively support the youth in making positive life choices. The Council maintains that the collective effort of society is required to ensure that students remain focused on their education, which is the primary vehicle for their future contributions to Ghana’s socio-economic growth. The warning comes at a pivotal time as the nation seeks to bolster its human capital to meet modern developmental challenges. The NPC’s focus on the youth reflects a strategic concern that without immediate and sustained intervention, the "leaders of tomorrow" may be lost to the debilitating effects of narcotics. As the "Save Peace" project continues its outreach, the call for urgent action remains a priority for policy advocates and educators alike. The Council maintains that safeguarding the health and integrity of students is a fundamental necessity for maintaining the peace and prosperity of Ghana in the years to come.

Music Producer Fred Kyei-Mensah Urges Financial Prioritization of Healthcare Amid Personal Health Battles
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Music Producer Fred Kyei-Mensah Urges Financial Prioritization of Healthcare Amid Personal Health Battles

Renowned music producer Fred Kyei-Mensah has issued a poignant call for Ghanaians to integrate healthcare into their primary financial planning, sharing his personal journey with chronic health conditions. Reflecting on the increasing financial and physical toll of aging, the veteran producer emphasized that health should no longer be treated as an afterthought in household budgets. His candid revelations highlight the growing intersection between economic stability and wellness management in contemporary Ghana. Drawing from his own experiences, Kyei-Mensah underscored the overwhelming financial burden that sudden or chronic illnesses can place on individuals and their families. He specifically pointed to common conditions such as diabetes and hypertension—ailments that often require long-term medication and lifestyle adjustments. By stating he is "not afraid to die," the producer shifted the focus from the fear of mortality to the practical necessity of managing one's health with dignity and foresight. He urged the public to consider healthcare costs as a fixed component of their financial strategy, rather than an emergency expense. Beyond the financial aspects, Kyei-Mensah also highlighted the critical role of understanding family health history. He noted that many hereditary conditions could be better managed if individuals were proactive about their genetic predispositions. This holistic approach to health—combining financial readiness with medical awareness—is essential for navigating the challenges of middle and old age. His message serves as a reminder that proactive screening and maintenance can mitigate the long-term impact of non-communicable diseases. Kyei-Mensah's advocacy comes at a time when healthcare costs are a significant concern for many Ghanaian households. By opening up about his personal struggles, he aims to break the stigma surrounding chronic illness while encouraging a shift in cultural attitudes toward preventive care. His reflections suggest that while death is an inevitable part of the human experience, the quality of life leading up to it can be significantly improved through disciplined health management and financial preparation.

A man in a dark suit and red tie sits at a desk during a press conference or official meeting in Ghana. Behind him is a prominent red UNFPA banner with text about maternal health, while several microphones from various news outlets are positioned in front of him.
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UNFPA Urges Government to Prioritize Rural Health Incentives Under PRIMER Maternal Health Initiative

The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is calling for a significant shift in Ghana's healthcare strategy, advocating for enhanced investments in rural human resource retention and domestic financing for family planning. This appeal aligns with the implementation of the Presidential Initiative on Maternal Health Response (PRIMER), a multisectoral five-year program designed to reduce maternal mortality by 20% every year. Ghana currently records approximately 234 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births, a figure that remains significantly higher than the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) target of fewer than 70 deaths by 2030. Central to the UNFPA's recommendation is the need to address the disparity in healthcare access between urban and rural areas. Dr. Sennen Hounton, the UNFPA Regional Director, emphasized that the success of the PRIMER initiative depends heavily on the availability of trained health professionals and essential critical-care equipment in underserved communities. Currently, the late identification of high-risk pregnancies and inadequate health infrastructure continue to hinder progress. By providing robust incentives for health workers to remain in rural posts, the government can ensure that quality care is accessible to those most at risk, bridging a critical gap in the national health delivery system. Beyond staffing, the initiative highlights the urgent need for consistent domestic funding for life-saving family planning commodities and community-level social mobilization. Dr. Hounton pointed out that adolescent pregnancies, often exacerbated by the prevalence of child marriage, represent a high-risk category that contributes significantly to the national mortality rate. Strengthening the healthcare system’s readiness to manage these specific cases is viewed as paramount to achieving the initiative's goals. PRIMER seeks to mobilize both public and private sectors to improve service delivery and ensure that maternal survival is treated as a priority. As Ghana moves forward with this five-year mandate, the UNFPA has pledged its continued support through advocacy and resource mobilization. The focus remains on creating a sustainable framework where maternal survival is prioritized through better healthcare quality and systemic readiness. Meeting the 20% annual reduction target will require a coordinated effort to modernize facilities, empower rural health practitioners, and eliminate the systemic barriers that prevent expectant mothers from receiving timely, life-saving interventions across the country.

South Tongu Authorities Launch Regional Initiative as Teenage Pregnancy Rates Exceed National Threshold
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South Tongu Authorities Launch Regional Initiative as Teenage Pregnancy Rates Exceed National Threshold

The South Tongu District in the Volta Region has recorded a worrying increase in teenage pregnancy cases during the first half of 2026. Health officials reported 190 cases between January and June, a notable rise from the 166 cases documented during the same period in 2025. This spike has pushed the district’s teenage pregnancy rate to 11.6 percent, officially surpassing the national threshold of 11.5 percent. Public health experts and traditional leaders are sounding the alarm, warning that the trend threatens the long-term socio-economic and sustainable human development of the region. Public Health Nurse Rachelle Elikem Zewu has identified a complex web of contributing factors, including a significant 36 percent poverty index within the district. Beyond economic hardship, the rise is attributed to a lack of comprehensive sexual health education, substance abuse, and high unemployment rates among the youth. Traditional authorities further noted that general ignorance regarding reproductive health remains a primary hurdle, leaving many adolescents vulnerable to early pregnancy and its associated health and social risks. In response to the growing crisis, traditional leaders and local stakeholders have mobilized through the Nanega Development Initiative (NADI). This regional effort aims to combat teenage pregnancy not only in South Tongu but across 17 districts in the Volta Region. The initiative focuses on community-based educational programs, resource mobilization, and direct engagement with the youth to provide the guidance and support missing from current local structures. Traditional leaders have emphasized that addressing unemployment and ignorance is central to reversing these figures. As the district grapples with these rising numbers, NADI and local health officials are calling for urgent support from all stakeholders, including government agencies and non-governmental organizations. The goal is to establish sustainable educational frameworks and economic opportunities that can divert the youth from the factors leading to early parenthood. Safeguarding the future of the district’s youth is now being treated as a critical component of South Tongu's broader strategy for long-term health and development.

Dr. Mark Kurt Nawaane Urges Shift in US Health Aid Toward Essential Medicines and Regulatory Sovereignty
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Dr. Mark Kurt Nawaane Urges Shift in US Health Aid Toward Essential Medicines and Regulatory Sovereignty

Dr. Mark Kurt Nawaane, the Chairman of Parliament’s Select Committee on Health, has raised significant concerns regarding the structure of future health assistance from the United States, calling for a pivot toward direct medication procurement. Speaking on the urgent needs of the Ghanaian health sector, Dr. Nawaane emphasized that the country’s primary requirement is financial support to purchase essential drugs rather than the heavy emphasis on capacity-building programs currently being proposed. He argued that while training and institutional meetings have their place, they do not address the immediate, life-threatening shortages of medicines for patients suffering from tuberculosis (TB), HIV, and malaria. The Chairman highlighted a stark disparity between projected donor spending and Ghana's actual pharmaceutical needs. With an estimated $74 million funding gap for essential medicines, Dr. Nawaane questioned the relevance of proposed allocations of $82.5 million for capacity-building in 2025 and a further $53 million in 2026. According to the lawmaker, these resources would be far more effectively utilized if they were redirected to closing the medication gap, ensuring that patients have consistent access to the treatments they need to survive and manage chronic conditions. Beyond the financial allocation, Dr. Nawaane also cautioned against clauses in a proposed US-Ghana health compact that could potentially undermine the regulatory authority of the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA). He expressed concern that the compact might limit the FDA’s power to inspect and verify the safety of medical products entering the country in exchange for approximately $100 million in aid. Highlighting the FDA's hard-won achievement of Maturity Level 3 under World Health Organization (WHO) classification, he insisted that Ghana should not compromise its high regulatory standards or public health safety for foreign financial support. In his concluding remarks, Dr. Nawaane called for a fundamental restructuring of health partnerships to ensure they align more closely with Ghana’s national priorities. He urged that future agreements must respect the sovereignty of local regulatory bodies and prioritize the tangible procurement of health commodities over administrative training sessions. As the government continues to navigate international health collaborations, the focus remains on securing a system that provides both the necessary drugs for the vulnerable and the independent oversight required to ensure those drugs meet safety standards.

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WHO Reports DRC Ebola Cases Surpass 8,000 Amid Spread to New Health Zones

The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has reached a critical milestone, with confirmed cases now surpassing 8,000 and the death toll climbing to 3,901. According to the latest figures from health authorities and the World Health Organization (WHO), the outbreak—driven by the Bundibugyo virus strain—has expanded into two new health zones. This expansion brings the total number of affected areas to 63 across seven provinces. While cumulative numbers continue to rise, health officials noted a slight decline in new infection rates in certain regions, a trend attributed to improved community engagement and more rigorous contact tracing protocols. Despite these marginal gains, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has warned that the response remains under significant strain. He identified ongoing regional conflict and large-scale population displacement as the primary challenges facing health workers on the front lines. These factors have made it increasingly difficult to track individuals exposed to the virus, particularly in volatile border regions. Furthermore, the lack of a specific vaccine for the Bundibugyo strain remains a major hurdle, leaving medical teams to rely on traditional containment measures and supportive care rather than the immunization strategies used in previous Zaire-strain outbreaks. International partners are moving to address the resource gap, with the European Union and the United States pledging fresh financial support to aid the DRC’s health ministry. This funding is expected to bolster laboratory capacity and provide essential supplies to treatment centers. Dr. Tedros has used the crisis to emphasize the necessity of the recently adopted Pandemic Agreement from May 2025, arguing that such global frameworks are essential for future preparedness. He dismissed criticisms that the agreement threatens national sovereignty, asserting that collective action is the only way to manage pathogens that do not respect international borders. Moving forward, the success of the containment effort will depend on the stability of the region and the continued flow of international aid. Health experts are calling for a dual approach: immediate emergency intervention to halt the spread in the new health zones and long-term investment in DRC's healthcare infrastructure. As the international community monitors the situation, the focus remains on ensuring that displaced populations receive adequate medical attention and that the logistical barriers created by conflict are overcome to prevent a further surge in cases.

Government Hands Over Site for New 160-Bed Savannah Regional Referral Hospital in Damongo
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Government Hands Over Site for New 160-Bed Savannah Regional Referral Hospital in Damongo

The Government of Ghana has officially handed over the construction site for a new 160-bed Savannah Regional Referral Hospital in Damongo. The handover, which took place on Friday, September 27, 2025, marks a major milestone in the administration's strategy to expand specialized medical access across the country. Once completed, the facility is expected to serve as the primary referral hub for the Savannah Region, drastically reducing the need for residents to travel long distances to other regions for high-level medical care and emergency services. This development is part of a broader government initiative to strengthen healthcare infrastructure in the Oti, Savannah, and Western North regions. The Minister for Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, confirmed the site handover, highlighting that the project is one of three new regional referral hospitals planned to ensure equitable healthcare distribution. These facilities are designed to provide specialized services that address the unique health challenges of their respective regions while alleviating the pressure on existing national referral centers and improving the speed of medical intervention. The 160-bed hospital will incorporate advanced medical equipment and specialized units, aiming to improve maternal health, emergency response, and diagnostic capabilities within Damongo. By providing these essential services locally, the government seeks to improve general health outcomes and support regional development through a more robust public health system. As construction commences, the project stands as a testament to the ongoing commitment to infrastructure development and the long-term goal of achieving universal healthcare access for all Ghanaians.

Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia Proposes 'Paradigm Shift' in Healthcare Policy Following Consultations with Ghana Medical Association
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Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia Proposes 'Paradigm Shift' in Healthcare Policy Following Consultations with Ghana Medical Association

Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the former Vice President and New Patriotic Party (NPP) presidential candidate for 2028, has advocated for a significant overhaul of Ghana’s healthcare framework. Following a high-level meeting with the leadership of the Ghana Medical Association (GMA), Dr. Bawumia emphasized the necessity of a "paradigm shift" in national health policy to address the systemic challenges currently hindering effective service delivery. The engagement forms part of a broader series of consultations intended to gather expert insights to shape the NPP’s future health agenda. During the discussions, which were led by GMA President Professor Dr. Ernest Yorke, the medical leadership highlighted several critical concerns affecting the profession. Primary among these were the rising rates of healthcare workforce migration—often referred to as the 'brain drain'—significant disparities in remuneration, and the urgent need for improved medical infrastructure. The GMA also raised specific concerns regarding proposed changes to licensing examinations for locally trained doctors, expressing the potential impact such changes could have on the profession's stability and the certification process. In response, Dr. Bawumia stressed that improving the conditions for medical professionals is essential to strengthening the overall healthcare system. He noted that the proposed policy shift must prioritize collaborative efforts between the government and healthcare stakeholders to ensure that practitioners are adequately supported and incentivized to remain in Ghana. This vision includes exploring an expanded role for the private sector in healthcare delivery and ensuring that underserved communities receive more equitable access to essential services. This strategic meeting underscores the ongoing efforts by the former Vice President to refine his party’s developmental platform. By engaging directly with the GMA, Dr. Bawumia signaled a commitment to evidence-based policy-making that incorporates the direct feedback of frontline health workers. The outcome of these consultations is expected to inform a comprehensive healthcare strategy aimed at enhancing the quality of medical care across the nation while ensuring the long-term sustainability of the health workforce.

A newly constructed health facility building, identified as a CHPS Compound in Kokoago, Bono East. The structure features a prominent red metal roof and a light green and white perimeter wall, situated on reddish earth under a cloudy sky.
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Bono East Regional Minister Francis Owusu Antwi Commissions New Health Facilities in Techiman North and Sene West

The Bono East Regional Minister, Francis Owusu Antwi, has expressed high satisfaction following the completion of two major healthcare projects in the Techiman North and Sene West districts. During an inspection of the new facilities, the Minister commended local authorities for their dedication to improving primary healthcare access. The projects include a state-of-the-art Community-Based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) compound in Kokoago and a larger ultramodern health facility in Mempaasem. These developments are part of a broader regional effort to align with President John Mahama’s free primary healthcare policy, which seeks to eliminate financial barriers to basic medical services for all Ghanaians. In Techiman North, the Kokoago CHPS compound is now fully furnished and ready for commissioning. The facility features an Out-Patient Department (OPD), consulting rooms, and staff bungalows to ensure healthcare workers can reside within the community. To support operational efficiency, the local assembly has equipped the facility with a motorbike for outreach and a refrigerator for drug and vaccine storage. Minister Owusu Antwi particularly praised District Chief Executive Johnson Adom for the judicious use of the District Assemblies Common Fund, noting that the high quality of construction and equipment management in Techiman North should serve as a model for other assemblies across the region. In the Sene West District, the new health facility at Mempaasem is designed to significantly alleviate the pressure on the Kwame Danso District Hospital. Although initially planned as a CHPS compound, district officials, including DCE Khaari Fuseini and District Health Director Alhaji Mohammed Tahiru, confirmed that the facility will operate as a full health center due to the area's growing population. The center includes specialized delivery rooms, consultation suites, and modern sanitation facilities. A physician assistant and a midwife have already been allocated to the center, and essential medical supplies have been delivered in anticipation of the official opening. These infrastructure milestones represent a significant shift toward localized healthcare delivery in the Bono East Region. Beyond the physical buildings, the Regional Coordinating Council is investigating the performance of other local assemblies to ensure all government funds are directed toward high-impact community projects. Future plans include the establishment of a health kiosk at Adjokrom, further expanding the reach of the free primary healthcare initiative. For residents of the five communities surrounding Kokoago and the suburbs of Kwame Danso, these facilities mark the end of long-distance travel for essential medical care.