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.

CMLAG and The Max Foundation officials, health professionals, patients and other participants after the World CML Day celebration at the Bukom Boxing Arena in Accra.
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CML Advocates Ghana Urge Government to Expedite Duty Waivers for Life-Saving Donated Cancer Medicines

The Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia Advocates Ghana (CMLAG) has made a passionate plea to the government to fast-track the issuance of duty waivers for donated medications essential for managing the disease. This appeal comes amid growing concerns that bureaucratic delays in the clearing process are leaving many patients without life-saving treatment for extended periods. The advocates are calling on both the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Finance to streamline the administrative hurdles that currently prevent donated drugs from reaching health facilities in a timely manner. Dr. Amma Benneh-Akwasi Kuma, a specialist at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, highlighted the severity of the situation, noting that previous delays have had a direct impact on patient outcomes. These medications, which are provided free of charge by The Max Foundation, are financially out of reach for the average Ghanaian; a single month’s supply is estimated to cost approximately GH"34,000. While a legal framework for duty exemptions is already in place to facilitate such donations, advocates argue that the lack of efficient implementation continues to jeopardize the health of those living with Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia. Beyond the immediate need for administrative reform, CMLAG is also championing a broader movement for cancer awareness and support in Ghana. The group is urging the general public to offer more robust support to cancer patients and is encouraging citizens to undergo regular health screenings for early detection. By addressing the logistical barriers to medication access and fostering a more supportive health ecosystem, the advocates hope to significantly improve the quality of life and survival rates for CML patients across the country.

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Ghanaian Health Research Reveals 70% Resistance Rate in Candida Infections to Common Antifungals

Ghana’s healthcare system is facing a significant challenge as Candida infections, particularly Candida albicans, show an alarming rise in resistance to conventional antifungal treatments. Research from the University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS) in Ho indicates that 70% of Candida isolates are now resistant to fluconazole, a common antifungal drug. This growing resistance represents a major threat to public health, especially for immunocompromised patients who rely on these medications for survival. The UHAS study points to a broader systemic issue where fungal infections are often overshadowed by the focus on bacterial resistance. Challenges such as limited access to fungal diagnostics and a lack of specialized medical mycology awareness hinder the effective management of these infections. Currently, many healthcare facilities in Ghana do not perform routine antifungal susceptibility testing, which often leads to the use of treatments that are increasingly ineffective against resistant strains. To address this emerging threat, experts are calling for urgent improvements in laboratory capacity and the implementation of routine antifungal testing. Strengthening national surveillance to monitor resistance trends is also essential for informing treatment guidelines. By prioritizing diagnostic access and medical education on fungal pathogens, Ghana can better manage the risk of antifungal resistance and improve patient care outcomes across the country.

Dr David Wilfred Ochan (seated middle), the United Nations Population Fund Country Representative in Ghana, with Prof. Yaw Asante Awuku (3rd from right), Founding Head of Physician Assistant Studies, School of Allied Health Sciences in the University of Health and Allied Sciences, Patience Afulani (2nd from right), University of California, San Francisco, and other officials after the event. Picture: CALEB VANDERPUYE
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UNFPA Representative Urges Ghana to Establish Comprehensive Emergency Preparedness Plan

Dr. David Wilfred Ochan, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Country Representative, has emphasized the critical need for Ghana to develop and implement a comprehensive emergency preparedness plan. Speaking at the 15th Medical Knowledge Fiesta in Accra, Dr. Ochan underscored that the nation’s ability to respond effectively to future health crises, such as pandemics or localized outbreaks, depends on proactive planning rather than reactive measures. Drawing on lessons from the global COVID-19 pandemic and the regional Ebola crisis, the call to action highlights the necessity of being prepared long before a disaster occurs. The strategy proposed by the UNFPA centers on three essential pillars: planning, practice, and partnerships. Dr. Ochan detailed that a robust emergency framework must include clearly defined leadership structures to ensure a streamlined chain of command during a crisis. Furthermore, the pre-positioning of essential medical supplies was identified as a critical factor in ensuring that healthcare facilities are not caught off guard. To maintain a high state of readiness, the UNFPA Representative advocated for the implementation of regular simulations and drills to test emergency protocols, ensuring that health workers are intimately familiar with procedures before an actual emergency strikes. Supporting this vision, Prof. Yaw Asante Awuku highlighted that emergency preparedness is not the sole burden of a single entity but a collective responsibility. He noted that building a resilient health system requires active collaboration between the government, healthcare professionals, and local communities. The Medical Knowledge Fiesta served as a vital platform for this exchange, aiming to facilitate knowledge sharing and enhance healthcare delivery across the country. By integrating these collaborative efforts, stakeholders believe Ghana can build a more secure health infrastructure capable of protecting the population at a moment's notice.

A young man with an emotional expression sits on a green mat in a wooded outdoor area, likely a prayer camp. In the background, other individuals are seen resting on the ground among trees and various personal items like plastic basins and cloths.
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Ghana’s Mental Health Crisis: The Case of Hafiz Abdallah and Children Growing Up in Prayer Camps

The story of Hafiz Abdallah, a 16-year-old boy who has spent half his life at the Nyinbonya prayer camp, has brought renewed attention to the systemic failures in Ghana’s mental health care system. Hafiz was first taken to the camp at age eight after his mother struggled to manage his increasingly erratic behavior following the death of his twin brother. Now, eight years later, he remains without a formal clinical diagnosis, illustrating a common phenomenon where children with mental health conditions grow up in spiritual centers rather than receiving medical treatment. For many families, these camps are seen as a last resort when financial resources for traditional remedies are exhausted and professional psychiatric services remain inaccessible or misunderstood. Cultural beliefs in Ghana frequently lead families to interpret mental illness as a spiritual affliction, prompting them to seek intervention from religious leaders rather than clinicians. In Hafiz’s case, his mother turned to the prayer camp after facing significant difficulties managing his outbursts, which sometimes resulted in him being chained to prevent harm. Experts note that the pervasive stigma surrounding mental health, combined with a lack of localized clinical facilities, leaves many parents with few options. This often results in vulnerable children being subjected to methods that clinical professionals find deeply concerning, including forced fasting and prolonged physical restraint. While Ghana possesses a Mental Health Act intended to protect the rights of the mentally ill and mandate humane treatment, enforcement of these legal protections remains critically weak. Medical experts and child welfare advocates emphasize that behavior seen as 'abnormal' requires a clinical response to identify underlying conditions such as autism, ADHD, or trauma-related disorders. They argue that the current reliance on prayer camps without medical oversight denies children their right to proper healthcare and development, leaving them in a state of 'diagnostic limbo' for years on end. To address this crisis, there is a growing call for a collaborative approach that integrates mental health services with traditional and religious practices. Clinical experts suggest that instead of sidelining spiritual leaders, the state should provide them with training to recognize mental health symptoms and refer cases to medical professionals. Strengthening the regulation of prayer camps and improving community-based mental health education are essential steps to ensure that children like Hafiz are not left to grow up in confinement, but are instead given the clinical support and humane care necessary for their recovery and well-being.

The official logo of the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) is shown as a circular seal. The emblem features a central crest with a palm tree, cocoa pods, and the Ga motto, all enclosed within a green border stating the assembly's name and founding date.
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Accra Metropolitan Assembly Urges Science-Led Interventions to Tackle Mounting Environmental Health Risks

The Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) has issued a clarion call for the integration of scientific evidence into public health policies to better protect residents from escalating environmental hazards. Marking World Environmental Health Day on September 26, 2025, under the theme "Environmental Health: Standing with Science to Protect Communities," the Assembly emphasized that evidence-based strategies are essential to addressing the complex challenges of urbanization, sanitation, and pollution currently facing the capital. The urgency of this call is underscored by alarming health data that highlights the fatal consequences of environmental neglect. The AMA noted that air pollution alone contributes to approximately 33,000 premature deaths annually across Ghana. Citing wider World Bank data, the Assembly pointed out that environmental degradation and pollution are linked to millions of deaths globally. Beyond air quality, the city faces significant public health risks from poor sanitation, improper waste disposal, and unsafe food handling, all of which are further exacerbated by rising temperatures and rapid urban expansion. In response to these threats, the AMA’s Metro Public Health Department has intensified its field operations and technical monitoring efforts. To date, the Assembly has installed 13 air quality sensors across Accra to provide real-time data for more accurate policy formulation. Furthermore, health officials have conducted educational outreach at nearly 30,000 premises and screened over 9,000 food handlers to ensure strict compliance with hygiene standards. These initiatives are designed to bridge the gap between high-level scientific research and everyday community practices. Florence Kuukyi, the Director of the Metro Public Health Department, stressed that the success of these interventions depends on translating scientific findings into actionable measures that residents can adopt. She advocated for stronger collaboration between scientific institutions, local authorities, and the general public to foster a culture of environmental stewardship. As Accra continues to grow, the AMA maintains that collective action and adherence to scientific guidelines remain the most viable paths toward ensuring a healthier and more resilient city for all residents.

'One of the great unsolved mysteries of science': What general anaesthetic reveals about our brains
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The Mystery of Consciousness: Scientists Investigate the Brain's 'Third State' Under General Anaesthesia

General anaesthesia remains one of the most profound tools in modern medicine, yet it continues to be described by researchers as one of the great unsolved mysteries of science. While it has enabled complex surgeries by inducing temporary unconsciousness for over a century, the precise biological and neurological mechanisms that allow these drugs to 'turn off' human awareness remain partially shrouded in mystery. New research is now focusing on how these substances interact with specific brain structures to manipulate consciousness, challenging long-held assumptions about the binary state of being awake or asleep. Current scientific investigations are increasingly highlighting the importance of the thalamus, a small but vital structure located at the center of the brain, as a primary actor in the process of losing consciousness. Often described as the brain's relay station, the thalamus appears to play a crucial role in regulating wakefulness and the flow of sensory information. By studying brain activity under anaesthesia, researchers hope to map exactly how these drugs disrupt the communication between the thalamus and the cerebral cortex. This disruption is what prevents the brain from integrating information into a coherent conscious experience, though the exact tipping point where consciousness vanishes is still being debated. One of the most intriguing developments in this field is the discovery of a potential 'third state' of consciousness that exists somewhere between total wakefulness and deep sleep. This theory is supported by documented cases of patients who, while appearing fully anaesthetized, later recall specific aspects of their surgical experience. Such instances of awareness suggest that the brain may not be entirely 'off' during surgery, but rather operating in a fragmented state. This discovery is pushing scientists to look beyond the operating room to compare the effects of anaesthetics with those of other consciousness-altering substances, including psychedelics, to find a unified theory of human awareness. The implications of this research extend far beyond improving surgical safety. By demystifying how general anaesthetics work, scientists hope to gain deeper insights into the nature of consciousness itself—what it is and how it emerges from biological tissue. Understanding these transitions in consciousness could lead to better treatments for sleep disorders, coma recovery, and even mental health conditions. As work continues, the study of anaesthesia remains a vital frontier for neuroscience, promising to eventually bridge the gap between pharmacology and the philosophical understanding of the human mind.

Roots and Routes Initiative Launches Youth-Led Campaign Against Air Pollution in Accra
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Roots and Routes Initiative Launches Youth-Led Campaign Against Air Pollution in Accra

Roots and Routes, a dynamic youth-led initiative, has launched a multi-faceted campaign to combat the growing threat of air pollution in Accra. By combining health walks, real-time air-quality monitoring, and aggressive tree planting, the project seeks to make the city's "invisible" pollution visible to its residents and decision-makers. This initiative represents a significant grassroots effort to mobilize young Ghanaians in the fight for environmental health, focusing on data-driven advocacy and community-based action to improve the capital's air quality. Central to the project's methodology is the use of innovative technology, specifically AirBeam sensors, which participants carry during organized health walks through various urban corridors. These sensors allow the youth to measure particulate matter and other pollutants in real-time, providing a granular look at how air quality varies significantly across different neighborhoods. By involving young people directly in the process of data collection, Roots and Routes aims to demystify environmental science and provide concrete, localized evidence that can eventually be used to inform national policymaking and urban planning. Beyond monitoring, the project emphasizes tangible environmental restoration and education. Roots and Routes has set an ambitious target to plant at least 153 trees and engage more than 500 students by the end of October. Educational components are being specifically targeted at schools to ensure that the next generation understands the critical links between air quality, respiratory health, and the environment. These practical actions, such as tree planting, serve as both a functional carbon sink and a physical symbol of the community's commitment to a cleaner, greener Accra. The initiative’s ultimate goal is to foster a lasting culture of environmental stewardship that goes beyond temporary awareness. By demonstrating the variability of air quality in urban settings through collected data, the project seeks to demonstrate the urgent need for greener spaces and stricter emissions controls. As Accra continues to grow, the success of youth-led movements like Roots and Routes will be critical in ensuring that Ghana's urban development does not come at the expense of public health and long-term ecological stability.

Dr Abigail Kyei, health consultant, delivering her speech at the event
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Ghana Health Service Urges Increased Domestic Funding at Launch of 2026 National Family Planning Week

The Ghana Health Service (GHS) has officially launched the 2026 National Family Planning Week, issuing a strong call to action for enhanced domestic investment to bridge the gap in the country's reproductive health needs. Held under the theme "A Choice for All: Agency, Intention, Access," the initiative coincides with World Contraception Day and seeks to consolidate the gains made in maternal and child health over recent years. GHS officials emphasized that while progress in contraceptive uptake has been notable, substantial unmet needs persist among women and couples across the nation, necessitating a more robust and self-sustaining financial framework. Central to this year's campaign is the strategic push for national ownership and long-term financing. Keynote speakers at the launch highlighted that a heavy reliance on external donor funding poses a significant risk to the sustainability of reproductive health services. By prioritizing domestic resource mobilization, the government and health stakeholders aim to ensure that essential contraceptive supplies and professional counseling services remain available to all citizens, regardless of international aid fluctuations. This shift is viewed as a critical step toward achieving universal health coverage and empowering individuals to make informed decisions about their reproductive lives. In a move to modernize service delivery and reach a wider audience, the GHS highlighted the role of technology through the "My Family Planning" app. This digital tool is designed to streamline resource distribution and provide accurate, confidential information directly to users, helping to overcome traditional barriers such as social stigma or geographical distance. Furthermore, the week-long celebration will focus on reaching underserved communities and specific demographic groups that have historically faced challenges in accessing family planning services. By integrating these innovative digital solutions with targeted community outreach, the GHS aims to close the equity gap in healthcare. The 2026 National Family Planning Week serves as a vital platform for multi-stakeholder engagement, bringing together government agencies, healthcare providers, and civil society organizations. As Ghana continues to fulfill its international commitments to reproductive health and rights, the GHS maintains that individual agency and intentionality are vital components of national development. The success of this initiative will ultimately depend on a collective commitment to consistent funding and the effective implementation of strategies that ensure family planning remains a permanent priority on the national health agenda.

Ghana Health Sector Under Scrutiny: MoFFA Issues Ultimatum to Unlicensed Mortuaries as SafeCare Advocates for Enhanced Patient Safety
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Ghana Health Sector Under Scrutiny: MoFFA Issues Ultimatum to Unlicensed Mortuaries as SafeCare Advocates for Enhanced Patient Safety

Ghana’s healthcare and funeral service sectors are facing a renewed push for stringent safety and regulatory compliance as authorities and advocates demand higher standards of care. The Mortuaries and Funeral Facilities Agency (MoFFA) has issued a 10-day ultimatum to unlicensed mortuary facilities in the Ashanti Region, requiring them to regularize their operations or face severe legal consequences. This directive follows recent inspections that revealed critical lapses in occupational health, safety protocols, infection prevention, and environmental sanitation across several facilities in the region. MoFFA's intervention underscores a broader effort to safeguard public health by ensuring that all funeral facilities adhere to established national guidelines. While some operators were commended for maintaining high standards, others now face penalties including heavy fines and potential imprisonment if they fail to meet the 10-day deadline. The agency has emphasized that these measures are non-negotiable components of the public health infrastructure, aimed at preventing the spread of infections and ensuring the dignified handling of remains. Parallel to these regulatory actions, Bonifacia Benefo Agyei, the SafeCare Country Director for PharmAccess, has called for measurable improvements in patient safety, particularly regarding the management of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Speaking at a World Patient Safety Day event organized by the Ghana Health Service, Agyei highlighted a concerning global statistic: one in ten patients is harmed during the delivery of healthcare, with many of these instances being preventable. She pointed to the complexities of managing chronic conditions like hypertension as a primary area where patient safety must be prioritized through consistent and high-quality interactions. To address these systemic challenges, advocates are championing the use of international benchmarks and digital innovations. PharmAccess is promoting the use of platforms like NkwaPlus for enhanced patient monitoring and value-based care models. Additionally, the Medical Credit Fund is providing essential financial support to healthcare providers, enabling them to acquire the resources necessary for service improvements. These combined efforts from MoFFA and SafeCare reflect a nationwide drive toward greater accountability and the institutionalization of safety across all levels of the Ghanaian health delivery system.

A large group of people, including Ghana Police Service officers and local residents, pose for a photograph in front of the Akatsi South Municipal Assembly building. The gathering represents a road safety sensitization event aimed at educating road users on new regulations in the municipality.
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Akatsi South Municipal Assembly Sensitizes Road Users on New Traffic Regulations and Safety Practices

In a concerted effort to curb road accidents and improve compliance with traffic laws, the Road Safety Committee of the Akatsi South Municipal Assembly has conducted a comprehensive sensitization workshop for local road users. Held in the Akatsi South Municipality, the event brought together various stakeholders, including commercial drivers and motorcyclists, to discuss critical safety practices and emerging regulatory frameworks aimed at protecting lives on the road. The workshop served as a platform for direct engagement between authorities and the motoring public to address rising concerns over road safety within the municipality. Facilitated by representatives from the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) and the Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD), the session highlighted the intersection between proper vehicle documentation and public safety. Mr. Hope Robert Lamptey of the DVLA emphasized that rigorous vehicle registration is not merely a bureaucratic requirement but a vital tool for law enforcement. He explained that accurate records significantly aid the police in investigating vehicle-related crimes and ensuring that all vehicles on the road meet minimum safety standards, ultimately contributing to a more secure transport environment. The workshop also addressed specific legal concerns regarding the commercial use of motorcycles and the increasing use of unauthorized vehicle modifications. Participants were educated on the legal requirements governing motorcycle operations and were issued stern warnings against the installation of unauthorized flashlights and sirens on private vehicles. Facilitators identified these illegal modifications as significant hazards that distract other road users and contribute to avoidable collisions. The authorities urged all participants to prioritize responsible road use and adhere to standard equipment regulations to prevent unnecessary legal action. The event concluded with an interactive Q&A session, allowing road users to seek clarity on new DVLA policies and traffic enforcement procedures. Many attendees expressed optimism about the knowledge gained, noting that such engagements are essential for fostering a culture of safety and mutual respect on the roads. As the municipality aims to reduce road incidents, officials emphasized that education coupled with strict enforcement of safety regulations will remain a priority for the local administration in the coming months.

ECG Queens donate to Tema Hospital
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GTBank, ECG Power Queens, and ‘Wheels of Hope’ Initiative Bolster Healthcare Resources Across Ghana

Corporate entities and community-driven projects have launched a series of significant interventions aimed at enhancing medical delivery and emergency response across Ghana. From the capital city to the most remote "last mile" communities in the Upper West Region, these contributions address critical gaps in paediatric oncology, neonatal care, and emergency transport. These efforts highlight a growing trend of private and non-governmental partnerships supplementing the national health agenda to ensure more equitable access to life-saving services for vulnerable populations. In the Greater Accra Region, healthcare for children has received a major boost through targeted donations from the corporate sector. GTBank Ghana recently donated specialized medical equipment to the Paediatric Oncology Unit of the Greater Accra Regional Hospital, including recliner chairs, chemotherapy kits, and infusion pumps. Hospital officials noted that these resources are crucial for improving the comfort and care of children undergoing cancer treatment. Simultaneously, the Tema branch of the ECG Power Queens Club celebrated its 38th anniversary by donating a handheld pulse oximeter and a nebulizer to the Fridoug Children's Block of the Tema Urban Hospital. These items, presented by President Annabel Buabasa Zormelo, are expected to significantly enhance the hospital's capacity to manage respiratory and vitals monitoring for young patients. While urban centers focus on specialized equipment, the "Wheels of Hope" project is addressing the stark geographical disparities in healthcare access in the Upper West Region. Five "last mile" communities that have long struggled with poor road conditions and a lack of emergency transport have received five specially designed tricycle ambulances. Previously, residents were forced to rely on motorbikes to transport patients during emergencies—a practice that often led to tragic fatalities. Funded through international partnerships, these new ambulances are built to navigate difficult terrain, providing a safer and more reliable link to medical facilities. Local communities have already begun organizing collective maintenance strategies to ensure the longevity of these vehicles. These diverse interventions underscore a multi-faceted approach to improving Ghana's health outcomes. While high-tech equipment in urban centers like Tema and Accra enhances the quality of specialized care, the introduction of rugged transport solutions in rural areas addresses the fundamental issue of physical access to clinics. As hospital administrators and community leaders express their gratitude for these resources, the success of these initiatives suggests that continued collaboration between the private sector, international partners, and local stakeholders will remain essential for the modernization and expansion of the country’s healthcare infrastructure.

GMTF Boss challenges health leaders to turn strategy into patient impact
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GMTF Administrator Urges Results-Driven Health Leadership as Fund Explores Strategic GNPC Partnership

The Ghana Medical Trust Fund (GMTF) is marking its first anniversary by simultaneously pursuing high-level corporate collaborations and a fundamental shift in healthcare leadership accountability. Mrs. Adjoa Obuobia Darko-Opoku, the Administrator of the GMTF, has issued a direct challenge to the nation’s health sector leaders to move beyond theoretical strategies and focus on tangible improvements in patient care. This dual approach aims to bridge the gap between administrative policy and the actual experiences of Ghanaians in medical facilities across the country. Speaking at a nursing conference, Mrs. Darko-Opoku emphasized that the true success of any healthcare initiative must be measured by its direct impact on patient outcomes. She urged leaders, particularly those within the nursing and midwifery sectors, to critically assess whether their administrative decisions are genuinely enhancing the working environment for professionals and the quality of care provided to the public. By fostering a culture of accountability and collaboration between clinical leaders and the Fund, the GMTF seeks to address deep-seated systemic issues that have historically hindered efficient healthcare delivery. In tandem with this call for leadership reform, the GMTF has entered into strategic discussions with the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC) to bolster the nation’s health infrastructure. These talks are focused on identifying critical areas where the oil major can support specialized medical services and the development of modern healthcare facilities. By engaging with major institutions like the GNPC, the GMTF aims to mobilize the significant resources necessary to provide specialized care that is currently beyond the reach of many citizens, aligning with the Fund's core mandate of enhancing healthcare delivery nationwide. These initiatives signal a new direction for the GMTF as it moves into its second year of operation. The focus remains on creating a sustainable medical support system through a combination of internal leadership excellence and robust external resource mobilization. As the Fund continues to engage with stakeholders across the health and corporate sectors, the ultimate goal remains a transformed healthcare landscape where strategic policies are seamlessly translated into life-saving medical impact for all Ghanaians.