Health News from Ghana

The latest health news from Ghana, curated from the country's leading newsrooms and updated through the day. Newest stories first.

Ghana Rugby Football Union hosts breast cancer awareness program
health|

Ghana Rugby Football Union hosts breast cancer awareness program

The Ghana Rugby Football Union (GRFU), in partnership with the Women’s Commission of the Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC), has organized a health awareness initiative focused on breast cancer for female athletes and community members. The program was designed to educate participants on the critical importance of early detection and the necessity of regular self-examinations in managing health risks. By targeting both athletes and the broader community, the organizers aimed to foster a culture of proactive health monitoring. During the event, the GRFU President emphasized that the health of female athletes is a top priority for the union. The initiative focused on empowering women with the knowledge to recognize potential symptoms and take immediate action, which significantly improves the chances of successful treatment. The program received essential support from Sunda International Ghana Ltd, a partnership that officials highlighted as instrumental in bringing health education to the sports sector. The GRFU leadership expressed gratitude to the company for its commitment to social responsibility and women's health. This collaboration marks a continued effort by the GRFU and the GOC Women’s Commission to integrate wellness and medical advocacy into the Ghanaian sporting landscape. Both organizations reaffirmed their dedication to the long-term well-being of women in sports, noting that such educational programs are vital for building a resilient and healthy athletic community. Moving forward, the partners intend to maintain their focus on health-related outreach to ensure athletes are supported both on and off the field.

Ghana Medical Trust Fund launches health campaign in Volta Region
health|

Ghana Medical Trust Fund launches health campaign in Volta Region

The Ghana Medical Trust Fund (GMTF) has launched a public education and health campaign in the Volta Region to address the financial challenges associated with chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Speaking at a town hall meeting in Ho, GMTF Administrator Adjoa Obuobia Darko-Opoku emphasized that the fund was established to ensure that patients with high-cost conditions, such as cancer and diabetes, do not face financial ruin. The initiative aims to bridge the gap between existing insurance coverage and the actual cost of specialized treatments through coordinated efforts among local leaders and healthcare providers. \n\nMrs. Darko-Opoku stated that President John Mahama is deeply committed to alleviating the health burdens of Ghanaians, noting that the fund is a direct response to the family crises often caused by catastrophic medical expenses. The GMTF serves as a critical supplement to the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), which often lacks the depth to cover long-term specialist care. Beyond direct patient support, the GMTF is focusing on restoring medical infrastructure and providing funding for research and specialized training for health professionals to improve overall service delivery across the country. \n\nThe campaign also highlights specific regional needs, with Volta Regional Minister James Gunu calling for improved patient navigation and more efficient referral systems within the local healthcare network. To test its systems, the GMTF has initiated a year-long pilot patient-support program involving 50 individuals to identify and address bottlenecks in the delivery of aid. Professor Lydia Aziato from the University of Health and Allied Sciences joined the call for public engagement, urging women in particular to seek early detection services for breast cancer, as early intervention significantly reduces the cost and complexity of treatment. \n\nAs part of its long-term strategy, the GMTF is establishing partnerships to enhance diagnostic services and provide necessary medical equipment to facilities across the region. Mrs. Darko-Opoku urged healthcare workers and community leaders to actively disseminate accurate information about the fund’s services, particularly to those living in remote areas who may be unaware of the financial assistance available to them. The Trust Fund remains committed to expanding its reach to ensure that no Ghanaian is denied life-saving treatment due to their economic status.

KATH Mother and Baby Unit project stalls for 14 months over unpaid debts
health|

KATH Mother and Baby Unit project stalls for 14 months over unpaid debts

Construction of the long-awaited Mother and Baby Unit (MBU) at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) has been suspended for 14 months, raising serious concerns about the project's viability. The stall is attributed to significant payment arrears owed to the contractor, which has effectively brought all site activities to a standstill. Project officials indicate that the lack of funding is not only delaying the opening of the facility but is also causing structural and material waste. Consultant Project Manager Emmanuel Fobi Asabere has warned that the prolonged inactivity is leading to the deterioration of construction materials currently stored on-site. According to Mr. Asabere, some materials have already become defective due to exposure and neglect during the 14-month hiatus. The project, which was initially planned as an 850-bed facility, has already undergone a substantial redesign, scaling it down to a 509-bed unit to manage costs and technical requirements. These modifications have added layers of complexity and expense to the stalled development. Currently, the physical construction of the facility is estimated to be 56% complete, while the procurement of medical equipment and other essentials has reached 75%. Despite these milestones, the contractor cannot proceed with the final stages of the build without the settlement of outstanding debts. The delay represents a setback for the region's healthcare infrastructure, as the new unit is intended to alleviate congestion and improve outcomes for mothers and newborns at one of Ghana’s most critical teaching hospitals. The project's management emphasizes that the longer the site remains dormant, the more expensive the final completion will become. Beyond the immediate financial costs, the delay impacts the hospital’s ability to provide specialized care in a modern environment. Stakeholders are now calling for the government to prioritize the release of funds to prevent further damage to the existing structure and ensure the project is delivered to the public as soon as possible.

Frema Adunyame appeals for corporate support for breast cancer treatment
health|

Frema Adunyame appeals for corporate support for breast cancer treatment

Frema Adunyame, the founder of the Adunyame Foundation, has called on corporate Ghana and various stakeholders to provide financial assistance for women requiring follow-up medical care after breast cancer screenings. Speaking at an outreach event at Madina Market on October 14, Adunyame addressed the critical gap between early detection and affordable treatment. She highlighted that while awareness of the disease is growing, the financial burden of diagnostic tests and subsequent medical interventions remains a significant barrier for many women. The foundation’s initiative, which was organized in collaboration with the Hadassah Network Outreach, specifically aims to support vulnerable groups including widows and single mothers. During the screenings, several women voiced concerns about their inability to afford medical costs if abnormalities were discovered in their results. Adunyame emphasized that the foundation’s primary objective is to ensure that no woman is left behind due to financial constraints, advocating for a support system that allows those without resources to access necessary care immediately. Throughout the remainder of October, the Adunyame Foundation intends to extend its outreach program to various other markets across Accra to encourage women to prioritize their breast health. Adunyame stressed that preventing breast cancer-related deaths is a collective responsibility that requires the active participation of the private sector and civil society. She extended her gratitude to current partners, including Star Oil and the National Health Insurance Authority, while calling for broader cooperation to enhance healthcare accessibility for the country's most vulnerable citizens.

Victor Asare Bampoe praises completion of Asamankese NHIA office
health|

Victor Asare Bampoe praises completion of Asamankese NHIA office

Dr. Victor Asare Bampoe, the Chief Executive Officer of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), has commended President John Mahama for overseeing the completion of the new NHIA office in Asamankese. The facility represents a key infrastructure development aimed at bringing health insurance services closer to the residents of the West Akim Municipality. Dr. Bampoe noted that while the project was initiated by the previous administration, it remained unfinished until the current government intervened to ensure its completion and operationalization. During his remarks, the NHIA CEO highlighted that the completion of the office is a testament to the Mahama administration's dedication to improving healthcare access across the country. He linked the project to broader national health initiatives, including the rollout of Free Primary Health Care and the Ghana Medical Trust Fund, also known as "Mahama Cares." These programmes are designed to provide financial relief to patients who are financially distressed, ensuring that the cost of care does not prevent citizens from seeking medical attention. The Chief of Asamankese also expressed his gratitude for the new facility, emphasizing the practical benefits it brings to the local community. Previously, residents were forced to travel long distances to other districts to access National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) services, such as card registration and renewals. The new office is expected to eliminate these travel challenges, making it significantly easier for families in the area to maintain their health insurance coverage and access affordable medical services. Dr. Bampoe concluded by assuring the public that the Asamankese office is part of a larger wave of healthcare projects planned for various regions. He encouraged community members to prioritize health insurance for their families to take full advantage of the government’s expanding healthcare safety nets. The NHIA remains focused on strengthening its infrastructure to support the administration’s goal of achieving universal health coverage for all Ghanaians.

health|

DR Congo Ebola outbreak surpasses 9,000 confirmed cases

Health authorities in the Democratic Republic of Congo have reported that the ongoing Ebola outbreak has reached a critical milestone, with the total number of confirmed cases surpassing 9,000. This development highlights the persistent nature of the virus in the region, where the death toll has now exceeded 4,000 individuals. The scale of the current crisis has made it one of the most severe outbreaks in the country's history, placing an immense strain on local and national health resources as they attempt to manage the spread. Although the outbreak was officially declared in mid-May, health experts and researchers suggest that the official timeline may not capture the full extent of the virus's early progression. Analysis indicates that the Ebola virus likely began circulating within communities weeks or even months prior to the formal declaration. This lag in official recognition often complicates containment efforts, as it allows the virus to establish multiple chains of transmission before public health interventions, such as contact tracing and isolation protocols, can be fully implemented. Moving forward, health officials are focusing on intensified surveillance and community-based response strategies to bring the outbreak under control. With more than 9,000 cases recorded, the priority remains the rapid identification of new infections and the provision of specialized care to reduce the high mortality rate. International health organizations continue to monitor the situation closely, emphasizing the need for robust support to bolster the Democratic Republic of Congo’s medical infrastructure and prevent the virus from spreading across borders.

Upper West GRNMA rewards 68 nurses and midwives for excellence
health|

Upper West GRNMA rewards 68 nurses and midwives for excellence

The Upper West Regional branch of the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA) has held its inaugural Excellence and Prestigious Awards, honoring 68 professional nurses and midwives alongside 67 students. The initiative, which saw over GH‵400,000 invested in prizes, aims to recognize outstanding service and dedication among healthcare workers across the region. Abdullahi Faiza, a midwife stationed at the Wa Municipal Hospital, emerged as the overall winner of the ceremony. As the top honoree, Faiza was presented with a motorbike and a television set, highlighting the association's commitment to providing substantial rewards rather than just symbolic citations. The awards covered various categories designed to celebrate excellence across the nursing and midwifery disciplines. Organizers noted that the significant financial commitment was necessary to ensure the prizes provided tangible value to the recipients, many of whom serve in challenging and remote conditions within the region. The awards ceremony was strategically held alongside the third annual Regional Youth Bootcamp. This broader program focuses on mentorship and leadership development for young healthcare professionals, seeking to equip the next generation of nurses and midwives with the skills needed to navigate the complexities of modern healthcare delivery. By combining the awards with a bootcamp, the GRNMA intends to foster a culture of continuous professional development and excellence from the very start of a clinician's career. Beyond individual recognition, the GRNMA leadership emphasized that the initiative is a tool to motivate healthcare staff working in deprived areas and to counter negative public perceptions of the profession. By showcasing exemplary service, the association hopes to inspire other workers to maintain high standards of patient care. This inaugural event sets a precedent for regional professional bodies to invest directly in their members, reinforcing the importance of morale in improving health outcomes across the region.

Ejisu MP Lawyer Kwabena Boateng donates GH¢20,000 for Catholic Hospital’s Expansion at Donyina
health|

Kwabena Boateng donates GH‵20,000 to St. Anthony Ann Catholic Hospital

Member of Parliament for Ejisu, Kwabena Boateng, has presented a donation of GH‵20,000 to the St. Anthony Ann Catholic Hospital in Donyina to bolster its infrastructure. The financial support is specifically earmarked for a block extension project aimed at enhancing healthcare delivery and accessibility within the Ejisu constituency. This contribution comes at a time when the facility is seeking to expand its capacity to meet the increasing medical needs of the local population. The presentation took place during the hospital's 70th-anniversary celebration, marking seven decades of providing essential medical services to the people of Donyina and surrounding communities. By focusing on the hospital's physical expansion, the MP is addressing a critical bottleneck in the delivery of quality care. The block extension project is expected to provide additional space for wards and specialized medical services, which will help reduce congestion and improve the overall patient experience at the Catholic facility. This donation emphasizes the significance of investment in healthcare infrastructure as a means of improving public health outcomes in the region. During the ceremony, the MP underscored the importance of stakeholders supporting religious health institutions, which play a pivotal role in the national healthcare system. The expansion project at St. Anthony Ann Catholic Hospital is seen as a vital investment that will serve the community for years to come, ensuring that residents have reliable access to medical attention without needing to travel long distances.

A medium close-up photograph of a man identified as Pope Leo, wearing traditional white papal vestments and a zucchetto. He has a calm expression with a slight smile, positioned against a blurred background that includes media equipment and another person wearing headphones.
health|

Pope Leo XIV recovers after successful lung cancer surgery

Pope Leo XIV is currently recovering at a Vatican-affiliated medical facility following a successful 90-minute thoracic surgery to treat lung cancer. The Vatican confirmed that surgeons removed the lower lobe of the pontiff's right lung after he was diagnosed with pulmonary adenocarcinoma. Medical staff reported that the procedure was completed without complications, and the Pope is expected to remain under observation for at least one week to ensure a smooth recovery. The diagnosis of pulmonary adenocarcinoma highlights the critical role of early detection in medical treatment, according to Church officials. While the 90-minute operation was significant, the Vatican has sought to reassure the global Catholic community that the Pope's health condition is stable. During his hospitalization, the administrative functions of the Holy See will continue as usual, though the Pope's immediate schedule has been adjusted to allow for rest. As a result of the surgery, all public audiences have been canceled through October 20. Despite this recovery period, the Vatican remains optimistic about the Pope’s ability to resume his duties in time for an ambitious 19,000-mile apostolic journey across South America scheduled for November. Global religious leaders and pilgrims have expressed their support, offering prayers for a full and speedy recovery as the pontiff prepares for the upcoming international travel.

Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital CATH Lab reaches 67% completion
health|

Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital CATH Lab reaches 67% completion

Construction of the Catheterisation Laboratory (CATH Lab) at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) has reached 67% completion, with the contractor setting a new handover target of December 2026. The project, which was originally scheduled for completion in August, is seen as a vital step toward improving cardiac care in the Ashanti Region and the northern sector of Ghana. During a recent visit by Parliament’s Select Committee on Health to monitor healthcare infrastructure projects, officials confirmed that the facility will play a critical role in providing timely diagnosis and treatment for a rising number of heart-related conditions. ADB Construction Limited, the contractor for the project, indicated that significant progress has been made despite the shift in the timeline. According to the project consultant, Abraham Fiscian, nearly all the specialized medical equipment required for the laboratory has already arrived in the country and is being stored safely until it is ready for installation. The only major outstanding item is the lift, which is expected soon. The health ministry aims to integrate the lab into a broader Cardiology and Interventional Centre at KATH to address the dramatic increase in cardiovascular cases that currently force many patients to travel long distances for advanced care. Despite the physical progress, Professor Titus Beyuo, a member of Parliament's Health Committee, has raised concerns regarding the workforce needed to operate the facility once it opens. He emphasized that the success of the CATH Lab depends not only on the building and equipment but also on having a team of highly trained specialists and technical staff. The absence of such specialized personnel could hinder the lab's ability to provide the lifesaving interventions it was designed for, particularly as heart attack cases and other cardiac emergencies continue to rise. The completion of the CATH Lab is expected to significantly reduce the burden on patients who previously had to seek advanced cardiac services outside the region. By establishing a localized interventional centre, KATH will be better positioned to offer immediate care, improving survival rates for heart patients. Parliament's Select Committee on Health continues to monitor the site closely to ensure the contractor meets the December 2026 deadline and that the necessary human resource planning is fast-tracked to match the infrastructure development.

Zenu Polyclinic and ABMills Foundation screen 79 people for health conditions
health|

Zenu Polyclinic and ABMills Foundation screen 79 people for health conditions

Zenu Polyclinic and the ABMills Foundation conducted a community health screening exercise in the Greater Accra Region on October 13, 2026, to promote early detection of common medical conditions. The initiative provided 79 residents with access to essential health checks, focusing on preventive care and community health awareness. This collaboration highlights the role of partnerships between healthcare providers and private organizations in extending medical services to local populations. The screening included a range of medical services, such as blood pressure monitoring, blood glucose testing, and clinical breast examinations. During the process, medical professionals identified seven suspected cases of breast lumps. These individuals were promptly referred to higher-level facilities for further diagnostic assessment and professional care, illustrating the vital role these community drives play in identifying potentially serious health issues before they escalate. Abraham Aidoo, Chief Executive Officer of the ABMills Foundation, emphasized the foundation's commitment to supporting the logistics of the exercise. He highlighted the importance of financial and logistical support in making healthcare more accessible to those who might otherwise delay medical check-ups due to resource constraints. The foundation's involvement was aimed at removing barriers to basic healthcare and encouraging residents to prioritize their physical well-being. Following the successful turnout, the organizers expressed a commitment to strengthening educational outreach and conducting periodic screenings within the community. By combining clinical examinations with health education, the Zenu Polyclinic and the ABMills Foundation aim to foster a culture of proactive health management among residents. This long-term approach is expected to improve health outcomes in the area through better awareness and the early management of chronic and acute diseases.

health|

Kenya confirms second Ebola case in relative of first victim

Kenya's Ministry of Health has officially confirmed the nation’s second case of Ebola. The patient is a 39-year-old man who is a close relative of the country’s first victim, a businessman who recently returned from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This second confirmation follows the death of the first patient on October 5, 2026, marking a critical point in the country's efforts to contain the virus. The infected individual was already under state surveillance as part of the contact tracing efforts initiated immediately after the first case was identified. Because he was being monitored by health officials, he was isolated shortly after he began exhibiting symptoms. Health authorities noted that the initial victim had traveled through several countries undetected before arriving in Kenya, highlighting significant challenges regarding regional border security and the effectiveness of existing screening protocols for travelers from high-risk zones. Laboratories have identified the virus as the Bundibugyo strain, a rare variant of Ebola for which there is currently no approved vaccine. This lack of a preventative medical intervention has prompted Kenyan health officials to focus heavily on containment and quarantine. More than 100 individuals identified through contact tracing have already been placed in quarantine, and strict infection control measures have been bolstered across the country's healthcare facilities. In addition to local containment, Kenyan authorities have intensified health screenings at all ports of entry to prevent further cross-border transmission. The Ministry of Health is urging the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious symptoms. Officials are also coordinating with neighboring states to improve regional notification systems, as the movement of the first victim across multiple borders remains a primary concern for health experts tracking the outbreak.