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.

Emmanuel Fiagbey (arrowed), Executive Director, Meatless Monday, making a presentation
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2023 Ghana STEPS survey reveals 75% of adults lack fruit intake

The 2023 Ghana STEPS survey has uncovered a significant public health challenge, revealing that three out of four Ghanaian adults do not consume the recommended five servings of fruits and vegetables daily. This finding, representing 75% of the adult population, highlights a widespread nutritional deficit that health experts warn is contributing to a rise in non-communicable diseases across the country. The survey underscores a critical gap between current dietary habits and the nutritional standards required for long-term health. Beyond dietary habits, the survey found that nearly 21% of Ghanaian adults are either living with elevated blood pressure or are currently on medication for the condition. Dr. Wallace Odiko-Ollennu of the Ghana Health Service (GHS) noted that these statistics reflect a worrying trend of lifestyle-related health issues. He stressed that the low intake of fresh produce, combined with an increasing reliance on processed foods, is a primary driver of the national health burden. To combat these trends, health officials are advocating for immediate dietary adjustments, including a significant reduction in salt intake and a shift toward plant-based proteins. Dr. Odiko-Ollennu suggested that Ghanaians should consider alternatives like beans instead of meat and emphasized the importance of regular physical activity, particularly among women. In response to these findings, the Meatless Monday initiative has been promoted as a practical way for citizens to reduce their risk of chronic disease by forgoing meat once a week. The Ghana Health Service also underscored the importance of mental well-being and community-level support in fostering healthier lifestyles. As the country grapples with the rising prevalence of chronic conditions, health authorities maintain that small, consistent changes in daily nutrition and exercise are essential to improving the long-term health outcomes of the population. The report serves as a call to action for both policymakers and individuals to prioritize nutritional health to reduce the strain on the national healthcare system.

Patrick Boakye Yiadom urges government to train more cardiac specialists
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Patrick Boakye Yiadom urges government to train more cardiac specialists

Dr. Patrick Boakye Yiadom has called on the government to significantly increase the training of specialized medical personnel to staff the nation's growing number of cardiac facilities. He emphasized that for Ghana to effectively manage cardiovascular diseases and improve patient outcomes, there must be a deliberate and sustained investment in the human resource capacity of the health sector. This expansion specifically targets doctors and nurses who are specialized in advanced heart health and cardiac procedures. According to Dr. Yiadom, the current push to modernize specialized cardiac facilities, such as the existing catheterisation laboratory (cath lab) at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, necessitates a corresponding increase in the number of highly trained professionals. He noted that while the provision of infrastructure and sophisticated equipment are vital components of modern healthcare, their utility is fundamentally limited without the requisite expertise. The call highlights the necessity for trained personnel to ensure that these high-tech initiatives can operate at full capacity to serve the public. The push for more cardiac specialists is viewed as a critical step toward enhancing the country's overall cardiac care services and decentralizing advanced medical treatment. By training more professionals to operate diagnostic and treatment tools, the healthcare system can better address the rising burden of heart-related ailments within the population. Dr. Yiadom’s appeal underscores the need for a strategic alignment between government health policies and medical training institutions to bridge the personnel gap and ensure the long-term sustainability of Ghana's medical investments.

Guinea-Bissau rejects US-backed hepatitis B vaccine trial in newborns
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Guinea-Bissau rejects US-backed hepatitis B vaccine trial in newborns

The transitional government of Guinea-Bissau has formally rejected the approval of a proposed clinical trial for a hepatitis B vaccine intended for newborns. Health Minister Quinhin Nantote issued a statement clarifying that the government has not authorized the research, directly contradicting earlier reports suggesting the study was set to move forward. This decision highlights the administration's commitment to ensuring that all medical research conducted within its borders, especially involving vulnerable populations like infants, meets rigorous international and domestic ethical standards. The trial had garnered significant attention due to its support from the Trump administration in the United States; however, it raised substantial ethical alarms among health experts and local officials. The primary point of contention was the study's design, which would have left a portion of the participating newborns without the vaccine as part of a control group. In Guinea-Bissau, where hepatitis B is highly prevalent, withholding a proven vaccine from infants is viewed by health authorities as a violation of basic medical ethics and a significant risk to public health. Following the outcry, Minister Nantote confirmed that health officials had called for additional ethical reviews before any further consideration could be given to the project. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has also intervened, stating that the study does not currently have the necessary approvals to proceed. This development serves as a significant assertion of sovereignty and ethical oversight by the Guinea-Bissau health ministry, ensuring that international research partnerships do not bypass local safety protocols or exploit the health needs of the population.

Elizabeth Ofosu Adjare commissions new CHPS Compound in Kokoago
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Elizabeth Ofosu Adjare commissions new CHPS Compound in Kokoago

Elizabeth Ofosu Adjare, the Member of Parliament for Techiman North, has officially commissioned a fully furnished Community-Based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) Compound in Kokoago. The facility is designed to address a critical gap in local healthcare delivery within the Techiman North District of the Bono East Region. Prior to this intervention, residents were forced to travel significant distances to access basic medical services, a situation that often posed severe risks to pregnant women and those in need of emergency care. The newly commissioned health facility is equipped with modern medical furniture and essential supplies to ensure immediate functionality for the community. Beyond the primary structure, the Member of Parliament provided a mechanized water system to ensure a constant supply of potable water for both clinical use and the comfort of patients. Recognizing the logistical challenges of rural healthcare, the intervention also included the provision of a motorcycle to assist staff with home visits and the transportation of patients during emergencies. During the commissioning ceremony, the MP highlighted that the project was a direct response to a heartfelt plea from Kokoago residents who had long lacked a local clinic. Community members expressed profound relief, noting that the perilous journeys to distant hospitals would now be replaced by accessible, local care. A local minister present at the event joined the MP in urging the assigned health personnel to maintain the facility and its equipment diligently to ensure its longevity and continued benefit to the area. This development marks a significant step in improving maternal and child health outcomes in the Techiman North District. By bringing healthcare services closer to the people, the CHPS Compound is expected to reduce the incidence of home births and complications arising from delayed medical attention. The project underscores the importance of localized infrastructure in achieving broader healthcare goals and meeting the specific needs of rural populations in the Bono East Region.

World Heart Day 2026: Heart failure does not begin with breathlessness
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World Heart Day highlights early prevention of heart failure

World Heart Day, observed on September 29, has brought a renewed focus on the proactive prevention of heart failure in Ghana. This year’s commemoration emphasizes that the journey toward heart failure often begins long before physical symptoms like breathlessness or swelling become apparent. With cardiovascular diseases placing a significant strain on the national healthcare system, health experts are urging Ghanaians to address underlying risk factors during the asymptomatic stages of the condition. A critical component of this year’s message is the management of uncontrolled hypertension and diabetes, which are leading contributors to heart disease. Healthcare professionals note that many hospital admissions related to heart failure are potentially preventable if these chronic conditions are managed effectively. The focus is shifting toward identifying and treating these risk factors early, alongside promoting healthier lifestyle choices to reduce the long-term impact on the population's heart health. To support these efforts, Ghana’s healthcare programs are being enhanced to improve early detection and treatment pathways. This includes strengthening resources for ongoing care and rehabilitation, ensuring that patients receive intervention before their conditions escalate into emergency situations. The call for improved healthcare pathways aims to create a more resilient system capable of handling the increasing burden of cardiovascular issues through structured support and early medical intervention. As the nation marks World Heart Day, the overarching goal remains the reduction of preventable deaths and the improvement of the quality of life for those at risk. By prioritizing asymptomatic heart health and addressing the root causes of failure—such as lifestyle and chronic disease—Ghanaian health authorities hope to alleviate the pressure on medical facilities and foster a healthier society.

The inductees swearing an oath of allegiance to the council
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Veterinary Council of Ghana inducts 65 new surgeons in Accra

The Veterinary Council of Ghana (VCG) has officially inducted 65 newly trained veterinary surgeons into the profession during a formal ceremony held in Accra. The event marked a significant addition to the country's veterinary workforce, with the council emphasizing the vital role these professionals play in safeguarding public health and ensuring the integrity of the nation's livestock sector. The new inductees were charged with upholding the highest standards of professional ethics as they begin their careers across various sectors of the economy. Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Peter Boamah Otokunor highlighted the strategic importance of veterinary services in driving livestock production and national food security. He noted that the expertise of the new surgeons is essential for implementing effective disease control measures, which are critical for protecting both animal and human populations. Dr. Otokunor urged the surgeons to be diligent in their duties, stressing that their contributions are fundamental to the growth of Ghana's agricultural industry and the prevention of zoonotic diseases. Members of the council and guest speakers at the ceremony further advised the inductees to maintain their professional integrity, particularly when faced with external pressures. They were encouraged to resist any influences that might compromise their ethical standards or the quality of their work. The council underscored that the credibility of the profession depends on the commitment of its members to honesty and scientific excellence in every aspect of their practice. Beyond clinical practice, the newly inducted surgeons were encouraged to explore diverse career opportunities within the public and private sectors. Dr. Otokunor specifically called on them to extend their services to rural communities, where veterinary expertise is often in high demand but limited in supply. By supporting these underserved areas, the new surgeons are expected to play a transformative role in rural development and the overall improvement of the country’s veterinary landscape.

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Mental Health Day advocates call for emotional transparency in marriage

In observance of World Mental Health Day, health experts and advocates have underscored the critical necessity of prioritizing emotional transparency and professional counseling within the institution of marriage. The day serves as a reminder that the health of a union is often inextricably linked to the individual mental states of the partners involved. Experts argue that a significant portion of marital conflicts, which are often dismissed as simple behavioral disputes, are actually manifestations of deeper, unresolved emotional disconnections that have been left unaddressed over time. To combat these challenges, there is a strong call for individuals to be proactive by seeking professional psychological support even before entering a marriage. Transparency regarding one's mental health history and current emotional state is highlighted as a foundational requirement for a thriving relationship. By engaging in clinical counseling early, couples can develop the tools necessary to navigate the complexities of shared life, ensuring that mental health challenges are managed collaboratively rather than becoming a source of friction or isolation. Beyond individual responsibility, the discussion surrounding Mental Health Day emphasizes a systemic need for better training and resources. Advocates are appealing to various institutions to enhance the quality of relationship counseling by incorporating specialized mental health education into their curricula. They argue that traditional counseling methods may not always be sufficient to address clinical psychological issues, necessitating a more comprehensive approach where counselors are better equipped to recognize and manage serious mental health conditions. The push for greater awareness also calls for a broader societal shift in how mental health is viewed within the domestic sphere. By promoting intentional self-improvement and mutual investment in emotional well-being, the goal is to foster more resilient and supportive family environments across the country. As stakeholders continue to advocate for better resources and education, the overarching objective remains the integration of mental health care into the standard practice of building and maintaining a healthy marriage.

Femi Asante shares personal impact of Nana Asante Bediatuo’s stroke
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Femi Asante shares personal impact of Nana Asante Bediatuo’s stroke

Femi Asante, a prominent lawyer and entrepreneur, has spoken publicly about the significant life adjustments she has made following her husband Nana Asante Bediatuo’s recent stroke. In a candid interview on The Peswa podcast, she shared how the medical emergency fundamentally altered her daily existence and forced a complete revaluation of her professional and personal priorities. The update provides a rare personal perspective on the challenges faced by the family during the recovery period. Asante detailed the immediate upheaval caused by the health crisis, noting that the incident took place shortly after she had arrived in London. The gravity of the situation compelled her to immediately travel back to New York to oversee her husband's care and be present during the critical stages of his medical treatment. She described this period as a life-changing experience that required her to reorganize her entire schedule to accommodate the rigorous demands of his ongoing rehabilitation. Throughout the interview, the legal professional emphasized the logistical and emotional complexities of managing her husband’s care between New York and London. Despite her own career commitments, Asante explained that the recovery process has necessitated a focused approach to his health needs while she balances her entrepreneurial ventures. Her reflections highlight the resilience required of family caregivers navigating the aftermath of sudden, serious health events.

Health professionals, students and other stakeholders carried placards displaying various signs of childhood cancer and advocacy messages on screening and treatment
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Cape Coast health officials launch campaign to fight rising childhood cancer

Health authorities in Cape Coast, in partnership with the Little Angels Trust, have launched an intensified public education campaign on childhood cancer. The move follows a concerning increase in cancer diagnoses among children and infants in the Central Region. Officials are focusing on debunking the widespread misconception that cancer is exclusively an adult disease, a belief that frequently leads to late presentations and poorer clinical outcomes for younger patients. Data from the Cape Coast Metropolitan Hospital revealed that 76 cases of childhood cancer were recorded at the facility last year alone. Medical professionals involved in the initiative highlighted that cancer can affect children of all ages, including newborns. The campaign emphasizes that symptoms in children can often be subtle or unusual, necessitating close observation by parents and caregivers. By highlighting these figures, health officials aim to demonstrate the urgency of the situation and the necessity of proactive medical intervention. A key component of the awareness drive is the promotion of existing prevention initiatives, such as Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccinations. Health workers are urging parents to utilize these services and seek immediate medical consultation if they notice any persistent or unexplained health changes in their children. Early detection remains the most critical factor in improving survival rates, as many childhood cancers are treatable when identified in their initial stages. The Little Angels Trust and local health teams plan to continue their outreach efforts across the region to ensure that families are better informed. By bridging the information gap, the initiative seeks to reduce the stigma associated with the disease and encourage a culture of regular health screenings. Officials believe that consistent education will ultimately lead to higher recovery rates and a reduction in the mortality associated with childhood malignancies in the Cape Coast metropolis.

Beatrice Wiafe Addai leads breast cancer awareness walk in Asante Mampong
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Beatrice Wiafe Addai leads breast cancer awareness walk in Asante Mampong

Dr. Beatrice Wiafe Addai, President of Breast Care International (BCI), led the 2026 Annual Walk for the Cure in Asante Mampong to intensify the national campaign against breast cancer. The event, held under the theme "Our Walk, Our Fight, Our Future," brought together survivors, local leaders, and community members to highlight the critical importance of early detection in saving lives. Dr. Wiafe Addai used the platform to call for stronger collaboration between health advocates and the public to ensure that breast cancer remains a priority in the national health discourse. During the walk, the BCI President emphasized that media advocacy and strategic partnerships are essential to enhancing awareness and dispelling the myths surrounding the disease. She noted that consistent public education is the most effective tool for encouraging women to perform regular self-examinations and seek professional medical advice. By demystifying the condition and removing the stigma often associated with it, the campaign aims to significantly reduce mortality rates by ensuring patients receive treatment at an early, manageable stage. The event also featured moving testimonies from breast cancer survivors, who shared their personal journeys to inspire hope among those currently battling the disease. These survivors, alongside local leaders, urged individuals to report any unusual breast changes to health facilities promptly rather than seeking unproven alternative remedies. Furthermore, Dr. Wiafe Addai extended a special appeal to men, encouraging them to support their partners and family members in the fight against the disease, noting that breast cancer affects entire families, not just individuals. The 2026 walk attracted a broad audience and received support from various corporate sponsors, reflecting a growing commitment to public health initiatives. As the walk concluded, organizers reiterated that the fight against breast cancer is an ongoing mission that requires year-round engagement beyond the month of October. Through continued community outreach and education, Breast Care International aims to build a future where no one loses their life to a disease that can be successfully treated if caught early.

Telecel Ghana Foundation screens 500 residents in Volta Region
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Telecel Ghana Foundation screens 500 residents in Volta Region

Telecel Ghana Foundation has conducted free health screenings for over 500 residents and students in the Volta Region as part of its activities to mark the Asogli Festival. The initiative, which coincided with Breast Cancer Awareness Month, focused on improving access to essential medical services for community members who might otherwise lack regular healthcare opportunities. Participants received testing for a range of conditions, including malaria, hepatitis B, and HIV, while also benefiting from dental check-ups and specialized health education. The foundation specifically targeted the youth during this campaign, partnering with the music duo Lali x Lola to engage students from several local high schools. This collaboration aimed to demystify breast cancer and encourage early detection among young people. Beyond general health screenings, the outreach included tests for typhoid and comprehensive dental care. Rita Agyeiwaa Rockson, Head of Foundation, Sustainability, and External Communications at Telecel Ghana, emphasized that the initiative reflects the organization’s ongoing commitment to bridging gaps in healthcare accessibility across the country. Beneficiaries of the program expressed deep gratitude for the services, noting that the presence of medical professionals during the festival celebrations provided a rare and convenient opportunity to check their health status. Many residents highlighted the importance of free screenings in a region where travel to major health facilities can be a barrier to preventative care. The foundation’s efforts during the Asogli Festival underscore a broader strategy of integrating community wellness with cultural celebrations to ensure a healthier and more informed population.

KATH Mother and Baby Unit project stalls over unpaid contractor fees
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KATH Mother and Baby Unit project stalls over unpaid contractor fees

Construction work on the 509-bed Mother and Baby Unit at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) has been suspended for 14 months, leaving the critical healthcare infrastructure only 56% complete. The project, designed to significantly improve maternal and neonatal care in the Ashanti Region, has ground to a halt due to the government's failure to pay outstanding arrears to contractors. This latest suspension marks the second time work has been interrupted since the project's inception, raising serious concerns about the timeline for its ultimate delivery. Originally estimated to cost approximately $138.5 million, the facility was expected to be operational by 2022. However, repeated delays since 2019 have hindered progress. The Parliamentary Committee on Health has expressed disappointment over the stagnation, noting that the continued delays are leading to the waste of taxpayer funds. Members of the committee highlighted that the suspension is not only a financial burden but also a significant setback for the region's healthcare delivery goals. Beyond the financial implications, the prolonged stall has raised alarms regarding the physical integrity of the structure. Materials and equipment already procured and delivered to the site are reportedly deteriorating due to exposure and lack of use. Health officials and local community leaders have voiced their frustration, emphasizing that the absence of the modern unit forces the hospital to continue operating in congested conditions, which compromises the safety and comfort of mothers and their newborns. As the project remains in limbo, stakeholders are calling for immediate intervention to settle the contractor's debts and resume construction. The completion of the 509-bed unit is seen as a vital necessity for decongesting the current maternity wards at KATH, which serves as a primary referral center for multiple regions. Until the financial hurdles are cleared, the vision of a state-of-the-art maternal health facility for the Ashanti Region remains unfulfilled.