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.

WHO Reports Encouraging Progress in DR Congo Ebola Response Despite North Kivu Surge
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WHO Reports Encouraging Progress in DR Congo Ebola Response Despite North Kivu Surge

The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported cautious optimism regarding the containment of the ongoing Ebola epidemic in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), noting "encouraging signs" of improvement in some regions. Since the outbreak was first declared on May 15, the country has recorded a staggering 7,258 confirmed cases and 3,510 deaths. While the situation remains critical, Health Minister Samuel Kamba noted a recent decline in daily infections, with figures dropping from approximately 120 to nearly 80 cases per day. However, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus and other health officials warn that the crisis is far from over, as the virus has recently expanded to a seventh province. The progress is most visible in the hardest-hit Ituri province, where transmission rates are finally beginning to slow. In contrast, the North Kivu region continues to face significant challenges, with case numbers reportedly experiencing exponential spread. The disparity between these regions highlights the volatile nature of the outbreak, which is exacerbated by high population mobility. Health experts remain hesitant to declare that the epidemic has peaked, emphasizing that the risk of further geographical spread remains a constant threat to the region's stability. To bridge the gap in the current response, officials estimate that an additional 5,000 healthcare workers are needed on the ground. Vaccination and medical research have become central pillars of the containment strategy. Over 3,000 healthcare workers have already been inoculated using Merck’s Ervebo vaccine, and observational studies to assess its long-term effectiveness are slated to begin soon. Furthermore, increased community engagement has allowed medical teams to ramp up trials for new treatments and vaccine candidates, including those specifically targeting the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus. These scientific advancements are seen as vital tools for managing not only the current crisis but also future outbreaks in the region. Moving forward, the WHO and DRC health authorities are calling for sustained international funding and a continued focus on field operations to prevent a resurgence of the virus. While the 1,726 recorded recoveries offer a glimmer of hope, the path to a completely Ebola-free DRC remains fraught with logistical and security hurdles. The focus in the coming weeks will be on stabilizing the situation in North Kivu while maintaining the hard-won gains in Ituri province to ensure the epidemic does not regain its previous momentum.

EPA Orders Shutdown of Empire Cement in Weija Over Sustained Air Pollution and Permit Violations
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EPA Orders Shutdown of Empire Cement in Weija Over Sustained Air Pollution and Permit Violations

The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has officially ordered the immediate shutdown of Empire Cement Ghana Ltd. located in Weija, Greater Accra. This directive, issued on September 14, 2026, follows mounting public complaints regarding severe air pollution emanating from the facility. Investigations conducted by the EPA confirmed that the factory was operating in breach of its environmental permit, significantly impacting the health and well-being of the surrounding community and the environment at large through the release of harmful particulate matter and gases. According to the regulatory body, the enforcement action was necessitated by Empire Cement's repeated failure to maintain effective pollution control systems and its neglect of statutory obligations. Specifically, the company failed to submit required quarterly environmental monitoring reports, which are essential for tracking the impact of industrial activity on local air quality. The EPA's enforcement was carried out under Section 35 of the Environmental Protection Act, 2025, highlighting a intensified regulatory stance against industrial non-compliance and public health risks. To resume operations, Empire Cement must adhere to a strict set of corrective measures. These requirements include the installation of state-of-the-art air pollution control technologies and the submission of all overdue environmental monitoring data to the authority. Additionally, the EPA has mandated that the company engage directly with affected communities to address local grievances. While the factory has been given a target of October 1, 2026, to meet these conditions for a potential reopening, the EPA has warned that failure to achieve full compliance will result in further legal penalties and continued closure.

Ghana, Columbus sign MoU to deploy nurses to US
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Health Minister Akandoh Signs Landmark Nursing Partnership with Columbus, Ohio to Facilitate US Employment

The Government of Ghana and the City of Columbus, Ohio, have entered into a landmark healthcare collaboration aimed at creating a structured employment pathway for qualified Ghanaian nurses in the United States. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) establishes the Ghana-Columbus Nursing Partnership Programme, which seeks to facilitate the recruitment and deployment of Ghanaian health professionals into the Ohio healthcare market. The agreement was formalized by Ghana’s Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, and the Minister for Labour and Employment, Emmanuel Kwadwo Agyekum, alongside Columbus Mayor Andrew J. Ginther. This initiative is designed to foster workforce development and mutual skills transfer between the two regions. A central pillar of this partnership is the commitment to ethical recruitment and the protection of the rights and welfare of Ghanaian health workers. Minister Akandoh emphasized that the initiative aligns with Ghana’s Migration Policy, ensuring that international employment opportunities are decent, credible, and beneficial to the professionals involved. By establishing a formal framework, the government aims to safeguard the professional interests of nurses while addressing the global demand for healthcare personnel. This agreement follows similar successful arrangements Ghana has previously established with countries such as Jamaica and Grenada. The partnership builds upon a long-standing relationship between Accra and Columbus, rooted in a Sister-City agreement signed in 2015. The current program is supported by several organizations, including the Buckeye Africa Exchange and StrideHx, which are working to ensure the initiative yields sustainable and impactful outcomes for both the Ghanaian and American communities. While the signing of the MoU marks a significant milestone, officials noted that the detailed arrangements for recruitment and the specific implementation protocols are still being finalized through ongoing discussions between the two governments. This strategic move is expected to provide Ghanaian nurses with world-class professional exposure while strengthening the healthcare systems of both partners. By formalizing this pathway, the government aims to mitigate the risks associated with uncoordinated migration and instead promote a regulated environment that benefits the workers and their home country. As the program moves toward its implementation phase, it stands as a testament to the deepening bilateral ties between Ghana and the United States in the critical sector of public health.

Health Services Workers’ Union Marks 82nd Anniversary with Renewed Demands for Improved Welfare and Wages
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Health Services Workers’ Union Marks 82nd Anniversary with Renewed Demands for Improved Welfare and Wages

The Health Services Workers’ Union (HSWU) of the Trades Union Congress (TUC) has launched a week-long series of activities to commemorate its 82nd Anniversary, centering on the themes of workers' welfare, pension security, and trade union solidarity. Speaking at the launch of the celebrations, General Secretary Mr. Franklin Owusu Ansah emphasized the Union's long-standing commitment to protecting the rights of its members while reflecting on the organization’s significant growth since its inception during the colonial era. The anniversary serves as both a celebration of institutional resilience and a call to action for the current challenges facing the medical workforce. Since its founding, the HSWU has expanded into a formidable labor body, now representing approximately 42,000 members across a wide array of job categories within the health sector. Mr. Ansah highlighted the Union's historical role as a vital pillar for health workers, providing a unified voice for those who form the backbone of Ghana's medical infrastructure. This milestone anniversary provides a platform to recognize the contributions of these professionals who continue to deliver essential services across the country, often under demanding circumstances. Despite the Union's achievements over the past eight decades, leadership pointed to persistent systemic issues, most notably the prevalence of low wages within the public health sector. Mr. Ansah used the commemorative event to advocate for more competitive compensation packages that accurately reflect the current economic climate and the high level of expertise required by health staff. He urged the government and relevant stakeholders to prioritize the financial well-being of public health workers, arguing that adequate remuneration is essential for maintaining a motivated and efficient workforce in the long term. As the week-long program continues, the HSWU is actively encouraging non-unionized health workers to join the organization to strengthen their collective bargaining power. The General Secretary noted that solidarity remains the most effective tool for securing improved working conditions and ensuring stable retirement through robust pension schemes. Looking forward, the Union remains dedicated to ensuring that the voices of its 42,000 members are central to national health policy discussions, aiming to secure a more equitable and sustainable professional environment for all health service employees.

Ghana Medical Trust Fund gives 110 children a fighting chance – Cardiothoracic Centre Boss
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Ghana Medical Trust Fund Provides Lifesaving Cardiac Care to Over 110 Children

The Ghana Medical Trust Fund has emerged as a critical lifeline for pediatric healthcare, successfully providing lifesaving treatment to more than 110 children suffering from serious heart conditions. Dr. Kow Entsua-Mensah, the head of the National Cardiothoracic Centre, highlighted the fund's transformative role in bridging the gap between specialized medical needs and financial accessibility. By removing the daunting cost barriers that often prevent families from seeking advanced cardiac care, the initiative has fundamentally changed the landscape for pediatric cardiology in the country, ensuring that life-altering interventions are available to those who need them most. Beyond the immediate medical interventions for children, the Fund has supported a total of over 150 patients, offering them a renewed chance at a healthy future. Dr. Entsua-Mensah emphasized that the impact extends beyond the patients themselves, noting that the fund has restored hope to countless families who previously faced the distress of being unable to afford critical care. This financial support system ensures that surgeries and complex treatments are no longer reserved solely for those with significant personal means, but are accessible based on medical necessity and urgency. The success of the Trust Fund is bolstered by significant advancements in Ghana's medical infrastructure. The establishment of a new cardiac catheterization centre has dramatically increased the National Cardiothoracic Centre's capacity to handle complex heart conditions using specialized techniques. Furthermore, the expansion of cardiology services to Kumasi and Tamale represents a strategic move to decentralize care. These new regional centers are bringing high-quality cardiac treatment closer to communities across the country, reducing the travel burden and logistical hurdles for patients living outside the capital. Ultimately, the Ghana Medical Trust Fund is viewed as a cornerstone investment in the nation’s healthcare system. By combining financial assistance with technological upgrades and regional expansion, the initiative is creating a more equitable and robust framework for cardiac health. As these programs continue to mature, they offer a sustainable model for addressing other specialized medical challenges in Ghana, ensuring that the health and well-being of the most vulnerable citizens remain a national priority.

Telecel Ghana Foundation Hosts Comprehensive Health Screening for Abura Residents During Fetu Afahye
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Telecel Ghana Foundation Hosts Comprehensive Health Screening for Abura Residents During Fetu Afahye

The Telecel Ghana Foundation, the corporate social responsibility arm of the telecommunications giant, has extended a vital lifeline to the residents of Abura in the Central Region. In a move timed to coincide with the vibrant Fetu Afahye celebrations, the Foundation collaborated with a team of dedicated healthcare professionals to host a comprehensive free health screening exercise. This initiative provided hundreds of community members with access to critical medical assessments, ensuring that the festive period was marked not only by cultural heritage but also by a renewed focus on individual and community well-being. During the outreach, beneficiaries received screenings for a broad spectrum of medical conditions, including malaria, hepatitis B, typhoid, and HIV. Additionally, medical teams monitored blood glucose levels to identify potential cases of diabetes, a growing concern in many Ghanaian communities. By offering these services at no cost, the Telecel Ghana Foundation addressed immediate health needs and helped bridge the gap for residents who might otherwise face financial or logistical barriers to accessing diagnostic care. The exercise underscored the Foundation's commitment to promoting preventive healthcare as a strategy to combat both infectious and non-communicable diseases. The initiative has received widespread acclaim from both the local population and participating medical experts. Beneficiaries expressed deep gratitude for the intervention, noting that the proximity and cost-free nature of the screenings allowed them to prioritize their health amidst the busy festival season. Medical professionals on the ground highlighted the importance of such community-based events in raising health awareness and facilitating early detection of illnesses. As Ghana continues to grapple with rising rates of non-communicable diseases, such private-sector-led health interventions play a crucial role in supporting the national healthcare agenda and fostering a culture of proactive health management.

Vice President Opoku-Agyemang Launches PRIMER Initiative to Target 20% Annual Reduction in Maternal Mortality
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Vice President Opoku-Agyemang Launches PRIMER Initiative to Target 20% Annual Reduction in Maternal Mortality

Vice President Prof. Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, acting on behalf of President John Mahama, has officially launched the Presidential Initiative on Maternal Health Emergency Response (PRIMER). The flagship program, introduced under the theme "No Woman Should Die While Giving Life," aims to significantly overhaul the nation's approach to maternal care. With an ambitious target to reduce maternal deaths by 20% annually over the next three years, the initiative represents a high-level commitment to safeguarding the lives of expectant mothers across Ghana. The launch comes at a critical time as Ghana seeks to align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which target fewer than 70 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births by 2030. Currently, Ghana’s maternal mortality ratio remains high at 234 per 100,000 live births. In 2025 alone, the country recorded 965 institutional maternal deaths, highlighting the urgent need for a more robust intervention to address systemic gaps in the healthcare delivery chain. PRIMER is designed as a multisectoral intervention that moves beyond clinical care to address logistical and infrastructural barriers. A core component of the initiative is the integration of the Maternal Mortality Action and Response Programme (MMARP), which focuses on strengthening emergency response and referral systems. By fostering collaboration between the health, transportation, and communication sectors, the program seeks to ensure that women in labor can access medical facilities quickly and that those facilities are fully prepared for emergency obstetric care. The five-year initiative also prioritizes the early identification of high-risk pregnancies to prevent complications before they become fatal. Vice President Opoku-Agyemang urged all stakeholders, including healthcare providers and community leaders, to work in unison to ensure that no woman loses her life while bringing forth new life. As the program rolls out, the government expects that improved resource allocation and better-coordinated emergency protocols will provide a sustainable path toward achieving national and international health targets.

Zambian Authorities Warn Against Wildlife Meat Consumption Following Deadly Anthrax Outbreak
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Zambian Authorities Warn Against Wildlife Meat Consumption Following Deadly Anthrax Outbreak

Zambian authorities have issued an urgent public health warning following a severe anthrax outbreak in the Muchinga province that has claimed the lives of dozens of wild animals and infected at least 12 people. The Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit (DMMU) reported that the human infections occurred after individuals consumed meat from animal carcasses discovered in the Munyamadzi River area. Public health officials have since deployed emergency medical care to the region and are closely monitoring local populations to prevent further transmission. The environmental impact of the outbreak has been significant, with reports indicating the deaths of at least 46 hippos and 8 elephants since July. Other affected species include buffalo and at least one crocodile. In response to the growing crisis, authorities have suspended all hunting activities in the affected zones. Officials have emphasized that the bacterium responsible for anthrax can persist in the environment and remains highly infectious, making the handling or consumption of any animal that died unexpectedly extremely hazardous. While anthrax is considered endemic in certain parts of Zambia, human infections are typically linked to the direct handling or consumption of contaminated animal products. Although human fatalities from the disease remain relatively rare in the country, the scale of wildlife loss in this instance has triggered a heightened response. Experts are currently focusing on the need for environmental decontamination and community education to mitigate the risk of cross-species transmission. The situation highlights the complex challenge of balancing public health safety with food security in regions where wildlife often serves as a resource for local communities. Moving forward, health and disaster management agencies are advocating for a combination of vaccination programs for livestock and stricter adherence to wildlife safety protocols. For the time being, citizens are urged to avoid all contact with dead or sick wildlife as further assessments are conducted to ensure the area is safe.

Dr. Grace Ayensu-Danquah Pledges Enhanced Support for Military Nurses to Bolster Ghana’s Health and Peacekeeping Efforts
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Dr. Grace Ayensu-Danquah Pledges Enhanced Support for Military Nurses to Bolster Ghana’s Health and Peacekeeping Efforts

The Deputy Minister of Health, Dr. Grace Ayensu-Danquah, has reaffirmed the government's commitment to collaborating with the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) Health Services to enhance the welfare and professional development of military nurses and midwives. Speaking at the Military Nightingales’ Week Celebration 2026 held on September 14 at the 37 Military Hospital in Accra, the Deputy Minister emphasized that strengthening the training and career progression of these specialized healthcare providers remains a priority for the Ministry. The event served as a platform to recognize the unique dual role of military health personnel who serve both the civilian population and the nation’s defense interests. Under the theme "Military Nightingales: Empowered to Serve with Excellence in Ghana and Peacekeeping Missions; To Save Lives for Our Future," Dr. Ayensu-Danquah highlighted the critical contributions of military nurses during domestic emergencies and international peacekeeping operations. She noted that their expertise in trauma care and emergency response is indispensable to the country’s healthcare infrastructure. By advocating for increased government support in terms of resources and advanced training, the Deputy Minister underscored the necessity of empowering these professionals to deliver high-quality care under the most demanding circumstances, whether in local hospitals or on the front lines of global missions. The 37 Military Hospital was specifically lauded for its pivotal role as a center of excellence for health training and national development. Dr. Ayensu-Danquah commended the dedication of the nursing staff and midwives, acknowledging that their service is a cornerstone of both national health and security. The Ministry’s collaborative approach with the GAF is designed to ensure that these officers receive the specialized training required to handle complex medical scenarios that often go beyond the scope of traditional nursing, thereby ensuring the resilience of Ghana's health systems during crises. As the government continues to modernize healthcare delivery, the integration of military discipline and medical expertise is viewed as a strategic asset. The Deputy Minister’s pledge marks a continued effort to bridge gaps in resources and provide a clear roadmap for the career growth of military nurses. Moving forward, this partnership between the Ministry of Health and the Ghana Armed Forces is expected to yield improved healthcare outcomes for the personnel of the armed forces and the general public alike, reinforcing Ghana's reputation for excellence in medical service within the West African sub-region and beyond.

National Reconstructive Plastic Surgery and Burns Center Issues Warning on Gas, Electricity, and Hot Water Hazards
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National Reconstructive Plastic Surgery and Burns Center Issues Warning on Gas, Electricity, and Hot Water Hazards

Deputy Chief Nursing Officer Sarfoa Ompong, representing the National Reconstructive Plastic Surgery and Burns Center, has issued a public advisory urging adults and the elderly to exercise heightened caution around gas, electricity, and hot water. Speaking on the GTV Breakfast Show, Ompong highlighted a concerning trend of thermal burns occurring across different age demographics due to common household and occupational activities. The warning aims to raise awareness of preventable injuries that often lead to severe long-term consequences or require complex reconstructive surgery. According to Ompong, thermal burns are particularly prevalent among individuals aged 20 to 50, often resulting from gas explosions and electrical faults. The data reveals a gendered pattern in these accidents: women are more frequently affected by gas-related explosions, often occurring in domestic settings, while men are more likely to sustain electrical burns. These incidents are frequently the result of mishaps or faulty equipment, emphasizing the need for regular safety checks of gas cylinders and electrical installations to mitigate the risk of sudden, life-altering injuries. For adults over the age of 50, the risk profile shifts toward scalds and burns caused by hot water. Ompong noted that many elderly individuals suffer severe injuries while bathing or carrying hot water, activities that are complicated by the diminished mobility or slower reaction times associated with aging. These accidents can be particularly devastating for seniors, whose skin may be more fragile and whose recovery processes are often slower. To address this, the nursing officer called on caregivers to remain vigilant and provide necessary assistance to older family members during tasks involving high temperatures. The National Reconstructive Plastic Surgery and Burns Center continues to advocate for preventive measures as the most effective way to reduce the burden of burn injuries. Beyond individual caution, the advisory underscores the importance of public education regarding the safe handling of flammable materials and electrical systems. By fostering a culture of safety and ensuring that both the young and the elderly are supported in their daily routines, the health authorities hope to see a significant decrease in the number of emergency admissions related to preventable thermal accidents.

Ghana Health Service Reports 53,415 Adolescent Pregnancies in First Seven Months of 2026
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Ghana Health Service Reports 53,415 Adolescent Pregnancies in First Seven Months of 2026

The Ghana Health Service (GHS) has revealed that the country recorded 53,415 adolescent pregnancies between January and July 2026, a figure that highlights a persistent and concerning public health challenge. Among these cases, 1,501 involved girls between the ages of 10 and 14, indicating a critical need for targeted protection for very young adolescents. Ms. Sharifa Mohammed, the Program Manager for Adolescent Health and Development at the GHS, presented these findings during a National Multisectoral Dialogue on Teenage Pregnancy held in Accra, noting that the current trend suggests the annual number of pregnancies could reach 100,000 based on historical estimates. The data further breaks down to an average of approximately 7,000 pregnancies every month among girls aged 15 to 19. Regional disparities are stark, with the Savannah Region reporting a birth rate of 117.5 per 1,000 adolescent girls, a figure that significantly exceeds the average for Sub-Saharan Africa. These statistics have prompted urgent calls for multisectoral action to address the health and educational impacts on young women, many of whom are forced to leave school due to pregnancy. To address this crisis, the GHS has been implementing the Safety Net intervention since 2017. This program is designed to provide comprehensive health services and educational support, including pathways for pregnant adolescents to return to school or enroll in vocational training. However, stakeholders emphasize that while programs exist, the effective implementation and coordination of these policies remain a major hurdle. Madam Clara Nyarkoah Anim of MSI Reproductive Choices pointed out that the issue is deeply intertwined with poverty, restrictive gender norms, and a lack of access to reproductive education. Moving forward, health officials and advocacy groups are stressing the importance of keeping girls in school as one of the most effective strategies for reducing pregnancy rates. The dialogue in Accra served as a platform to remind policymakers that tackling the root causes—such as economic instability and social expectations—is essential to achieving a sustainable reduction in teenage pregnancy. The GHS continues to monitor the situation while calling for a more integrated approach across the health, education, and social protection sectors to ensure that no adolescent girl is left behind.

Japan Reaches Historic Milestone as Centenarian Population Surpasses 107,000
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Japan Reaches Historic Milestone as Centenarian Population Surpasses 107,000

Japan has reached a historic demographic milestone, officially recording over 100,000 centenarians for the first time in the country’s history. According to data released by the Ministry of Health, Labor, and Welfare, the number of people aged 100 or older has climbed to 107,677 as of September. This marks the 56th consecutive year of growth in Japan’s elderly population, a testament to the nation’s advanced healthcare systems and long-term public health initiatives. The demographic surge is overwhelmingly driven by women, who account for 88% of the total centenarian population. Health Minister Kenichiro Ueno expressed satisfaction with the trend, attributing the nation’s remarkable longevity to a combination of nutritious diets, universal healthcare access, and the cultural philosophy of ikigai—a sense of purpose and meaning in life. With an average life expectancy now reaching 84 years, Japan remains a global leader in healthy aging and maintaining high activity levels among the elderly. However, this achievement in longevity brings significant economic and social hurdles. Japan is grappling with a shrinking workforce and a declining birth rate, leading to a population crisis that threatens the sustainability of its pension and healthcare systems. The rising costs of elderly care are putting immense pressure on the national budget. While the government has made efforts to attract foreign workers to bolster the labor force, these initiatives have faced complications from tightening visa restrictions and shifting public sentiment regarding immigration. Policy analysts warn that balancing the needs of an aging population with the requirements of a productive economy is crucial for Japan's future sustainability. The milestone serves as both a celebration of human health and a call for urgent structural reforms. As Japan navigates these demographic shifts, its approach to governance and social welfare will likely serve as a blueprint—or a cautionary tale—for other nations facing similar aging trends across the globe.