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.

Evelyn Donkor Advocates for End to Social Stigma and Housing Discrimination Against Families with Cerebral Palsy
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Evelyn Donkor Advocates for End to Social Stigma and Housing Discrimination Against Families with Cerebral Palsy

Madam Evelyn Donkor, a mother and professional seamstress based in Ho, has issued a poignant call for an end to the pervasive stigma and discrimination targeting children with disabilities and their families. Since relocating to the Volta Regional capital in 2017, Madam Donkor has encountered significant social and economic hurdles rooted in deep-seated misconceptions about her daughter’s condition, cerebral palsy. Her experience highlights a broader systemic issue in Ghana where families are often isolated and denied basic rights due to public ignorance regarding neurological disorders. The discrimination faced by the family has directly impacted their livelihood and stability. Madam Donkor reported that numerous landlords in Ho have flatly refused to rent accommodation to her, citing fears of how other tenants might react to a child with cerebral palsy. This prejudice extended to her professional life as a seamstress; many potential customers withdrew their patronage after discovering her daughter's condition. These actions have created a constant cycle of social isolation and financial strain, demonstrating how disability stigma affects not just the individual, but the entire household’s ability to sustain itself within the community. Education, a fundamental right for every child, has also been compromised by these social barriers. Despite showing marked improvements in her speech and social skills, Madam Donkor’s daughter was ultimately withdrawn from school due to persistent bullying and discriminatory treatment. The mother expressed deep concern that such hostile environments hinder the developmental progress of children with special needs, effectively punishing them for conditions beyond their control. She emphasized that cerebral palsy is a neurological condition—not a contagious disease or a "spiritual curse"—and urged the public to approach affected families with empathy rather than fear. As Ghana continues to work toward more inclusive social services under the current administration of President John Mahama, the plight of families like the Donkors serves as a critical reminder of the gaps in public education. Madam Donkor’s appeal is a call to action for local authorities, traditional leaders, and civil society organizations to intensify awareness campaigns in the Volta Region and beyond. By dispelling myths and promoting a culture of inclusion, stakeholders can ensure that children with disabilities are afforded the dignity, housing, and educational opportunities necessary to reach their full potential and integrate fully into Ghanaian society.

Adentan–Dodowa Road Infrastructure Delays Spark Respiratory Health Crisis Among Local Residents
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Adentan–Dodowa Road Infrastructure Delays Spark Respiratory Health Crisis Among Local Residents

Residents living along the Adentan–Dodowa road corridor are facing a mounting health crisis as prolonged delays in a major government infrastructure project expose communities to hazardous levels of dust and air pollution. The road upgrade, which is a key component of the government's "Big Push" infrastructure program, was originally scheduled for completion over a three-year period starting in 2024. However, progress has stalled significantly due to missed payments to contractors, leaving vast stretches of unpaved surfaces that generate thick plumes of dust with every passing vehicle. Health experts and medical professionals in the affected areas report a worrying increase in respiratory-related illnesses, including a sharp rise in asthma cases and other chronic pulmonary conditions. Local residents describe an environment where the air is constantly thick with pollutants, making daily life difficult and increasing the financial burden of medical treatments for families already struggling with the inconvenience of the construction. Beyond the immediate physical symptoms, the ongoing pollution is raising long-term public health concerns for children and the elderly, who are most vulnerable to the effects of poor air quality resulting from the abandoned construction sites. The Minister for Roads and Highways has acknowledged the challenges facing the project and has reportedly directed the contractor to implement dust-suppression measures to mitigate the impact on surrounding communities. Despite these directives, community leaders and residents express deep frustration, arguing that intermittent watering of the road is insufficient and often neglected. They are calling for the government to settle outstanding payments to the contractor so that the project can reach completion, thereby addressing the root cause of the environmental hazard. As the situation persists, the intersection of infrastructure development and public health remains a critical point of contention. While the Adentan–Dodowa road upgrade promises long-term economic benefits and improved connectivity, the current delays highlight the hidden human costs of stalled public works. Stakeholders emphasize that immediate government intervention is required not only to finish the road but also to provide support for the health challenges now deeply affecting the quality of life for thousands of Ghanaians living in the corridor.

Drug-resistant bacteria widespread in environment, industrial waste - EPA launches five-point strategy to curb spread
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EPA Launches Five-Point Strategy to Combat Widespread Drug-Resistant Bacteria in Ghana

The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) of Ghana has unveiled a comprehensive five-point strategy to address the alarming prevalence of drug-resistant bacteria across the nation's ecosystem. Following an extensive longitudinal study conducted between 2018 and 2025, researchers identified antimicrobial-resistant (AMR) organisms in diverse locations, including ambient air, rivers, and industrial waste sites. These findings signal a critical public health threat that has moved beyond traditional clinical settings and into the broader environment, necessitating an urgent and coordinated response. The newly launched Environmental AMR Policy and Implementation Plan aims to tackle this crisis through five core strategic objectives. These include enhancing public awareness, strengthening environmental surveillance systems, and improving sanitation and waste management practices. The EPA's research highlights that industrial waste and environmental contamination are significant drivers of resistance, as bacteria in the wild adapt to survive the presence of various pollutants and discarded pharmaceuticals. Professor Nana Ama Browne Klutse, CEO of the EPA, has emphasized that antimicrobial resistance must be treated as a "One Health" issue. This framework recognizes that the health of humans, animals, and the environment are inextricably linked, meaning a failure in environmental regulation directly impacts clinical outcomes in hospitals. Professor Klutse called for intensified collaboration between governmental agencies, non-governmental organizations, and industrial stakeholders to mitigate the environmental factors that allow these "superbugs" to thrive and spread. As the implementation phase begins, the EPA will focus on rigorous monitoring of industrial discharge and urban runoff to prevent further contamination of water bodies and the atmosphere. This proactive stance serves as a vital step in safeguarding Ghana's public health infrastructure. The success of the policy will depend on the sustained commitment of all sectors to improve environmental hygiene and reduce the chemical and biological stressors that facilitate the development of drug-resistant bacteria in the Ghanaian landscape.

Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin (right), Speaker of Parliament, cutting the ribbon to commission the newly expanded dialysis facility
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Speaker Alban Bagbin Commissions GH¢4 Million Expanded Dialysis Unit at Upper West Regional Hospital

Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin has officially inaugurated a GH¢4 million expanded dialysis unit at the Upper West Regional Hospital in Wa, marking a significant advancement in healthcare infrastructure for northern Ghana. The newly commissioned facility is designed to improve access to life-saving kidney treatment and significantly reduce the burden on patients who previously had to travel long distances to southern cities for care. This expansion is part of a broader commitment to ensuring that quality healthcare, which Bagbin described as a fundamental constitutional right, is available to all Ghanaians regardless of their geographical location. The project was realized through a strategic collaboration between Sustainable Health Education and Interventions Limited (SHEILD), the Ministry of Health, and the Ghana Health Service. The unit is now equipped with six state-of-the-art dialysis machines and has facilitated comprehensive training for medical staff to ensure high standards of clinical excellence. Dr. Philip K. K. Baabineh, the hospital's acting Medical Director, highlighted the importance of this milestone by noting that prior to 2022, residents in the Upper West Region had no local access to dialysis services, making this expansion a critical development for the region's health security. Health officials have pointed to a rising public health threat in the region, with kidney disease cases increasing primarily due to high rates of hypertension and diabetes. Dr. Josephat Ana-Imwine Nyuzaghl, the Regional Director of the Ghana Health Service, emphasized that the new unit will provide much-needed relief and reduce waiting times for patients in critical need. The initiative also aims to transition the hospital into a teaching site in partnership with local educational institutions, fostering a sustainable ecosystem for medical education and specialized care in the north. The commissioning has been met with widespread praise from local leaders, including the Wa Naa, who thanked Speaker Bagbin for his continued dedication to the welfare of the region. Dr. Sylvia Anie, a board director at SHEILD, noted the extensive planning required for the project and encouraged the public to remain proactive regarding health symptoms. This GH¢4 million investment represents a major step toward achieving universal health coverage and improving the long-term health outcomes for thousands of residents across the Upper West Region and beyond.

UNICEF Reports Over 300 Child Deaths as Ebola Outbreak Ravages Democratic Republic of Congo
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UNICEF Reports Over 300 Child Deaths as Ebola Outbreak Ravages Democratic Republic of Congo

More than 300 children have perished in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) since the start of the latest Ebola outbreak, highlighting a devastating trend in the virus's impact on the most vulnerable populations. According to United Nations deputy spokesperson Farhan Haq, citing data provided by UNICEF, children are disproportionately represented in the mortality figures. While they constitute nearly a quarter of all confirmed cases, they account for approximately one-third of the total deaths recorded, a statistic that underscores the lethal severity of the disease among minors in the region. The high mortality rate among children has raised significant alarms within the international humanitarian community. UNICEF's findings suggest that for every four individuals infected by the virus, at least one is a child, yet their likelihood of survival is notably lower than that of the adult population. Health experts attribute this disparity to several factors, including the rapid progression of the viral hemorrhagic fever in younger bodies and the logistical difficulties of providing specialized pediatric care in areas with strained healthcare infrastructure. The loss of these young lives represents not only a humanitarian tragedy but also a profound blow to the social fabric of the affected communities. In response to these findings, the United Nations and its partner agencies are intensifying calls for a more robust and targeted intervention strategy. The ongoing crisis in the DRC serves as a stark reminder of the persistent threat posed by Ebola and the necessity for enhanced vaccination campaigns and rapid response mechanisms specifically tailored to the needs of children. As regional health authorities continue to battle the outbreak, the focus remains on improving early detection and treatment to prevent further loss of life. The international community is being urged to provide the necessary resources to support the DRC's healthcare system in managing this public health emergency and protecting future generations.

Prof. Francis Bruno Zotor, Vice-President, International Union of Nutritional Sciences, addressing the conference
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Prof. Francis Zotor Advocates for Comprehensive Food Policies to Address Ghana's Triple Burden of Malnutrition

Prof. Francis Bruno Zotor, Vice-President of the International Union of Nutritional Sciences, has issued a clarion call for the establishment of comprehensive and integrated food and nutrition policies in Ghana. Speaking at the annual conference of the Ghana Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics held in Tamale, Prof. Zotor emphasized that a robust national framework is essential to effectively combat the persistent challenges of malnutrition. He argued that the current fragmented approach must be replaced by harmonized strategies to improve health outcomes, particularly for children, who remain the most vulnerable to nutritional deficiencies and the long-term impacts of poor dieting. The core of Prof. Zotor's address focused on the triple burden of malnutrition currently facing the country: the simultaneous presence of undernutrition, micronutrient deficiencies, and the rising tide of diet-related non-communicable diseases. He highlighted that these issues are not just clinical health concerns but are deeply intertwined with the nation's developmental trajectory. By addressing these three pillars of malnutrition through a unified policy, Ghana can better allocate resources and implement targeted interventions that reach the most affected populations in both urban and rural settings. A significant portion of the proposal involves the promotion and integration of indigenous Ghanaian foods into the national diet. Prof. Zotor advocated for a shift toward local agricultural produce, which is often more accessible and nutrient-dense than processed or imported alternatives. This transition requires a collaborative effort involving various stakeholders, including government agencies, health professionals, agriculturalists, and the private sector. Such synergy is deemed vital to ensuring that nutrition efforts are consistent and sustainable across different regions and economic sectors. Ultimately, the professor noted that tackling malnutrition is a prerequisite for Ghana's long-term socio-economic progress. Improved nutritional status is directly linked to enhanced cognitive development in children and increased productivity in the adult workforce. As the country moves forward, the call for integrated food policies serves as a vital reminder that public health remains a cornerstone of national stability and growth. The conference concluded with a renewed commitment among nutritionists and dieticians to advocate for these policy changes to secure a healthier future for all Ghanaians.

KNUST College of Health Sciences Warns of Rising Hypertension Crisis Following Ashanti Region Outreach
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KNUST College of Health Sciences Warns of Rising Hypertension Crisis Following Ashanti Region Outreach

The College of Health Sciences at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) has sounded an urgent alarm regarding the escalating prevalence of hypertension in Ghana. Following a recent medical outreach in Anwomaso, located in the Ashanti Region, health experts expressed deep concern over the high number of residents living with high blood pressure who were previously unaware of their condition. This "silent killer" continues to pose a significant threat to public health, as undetected and uncontrolled hypertension remains a leading cause of preventable mortality across the country. Speaking during the outreach program held on August 8, Prof. Fred Stephen Sarfo emphasized that the lack of regular screening is a primary factor in the rising death toll associated with cardiovascular issues. He noted that many individuals only discover they have high blood pressure after experiencing severe complications, such as strokes or heart failure. Prof. Sarfo urged Ghanaians to prioritize regular blood pressure monitoring, stressing that early detection and effective management are the most potent tools in preventing the life-threatening consequences of the condition. Beyond the immediate findings in the Ashanti Region, the surge in hypertension cases reflects a concerning trend in Ghana's public health landscape. Medical experts point out that while the condition is manageable through medication and lifestyle adjustments—such as reduced salt intake and increased physical activity—the primary hurdle remains the asymptomatic nature of the disease in its early stages. The KNUST College of Health Sciences intends for these outreach programs to serve as a wake-up call for both the public and policy makers to invest more heavily in primary healthcare and routine screening facilities at the local level to ensure that preventable deaths are curtailed through proactive intervention.

GMTF partners MDS-Lancet, Quest Medical Imaging to expand diagnostic healthcare
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Health Minister Declares Cancer a National Emergency as GMTF Expands Diagnostic Partnerships

Ghana's Health Minister, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has officially declared cancer a "national emergency," revealing that the country recorded over 27,000 new cases and more than 17,000 deaths in 2024 alone. Speaking at the 45th annual general meeting of the Society of Private Medical and Dental Practitioners, the Minister emphasized that the rising toll of breast, cervical, prostate, and liver cancers requires immediate, coordinated intervention. He stressed that while these diseases are often devastating, many are treatable if detected in their early stages, making the expansion of diagnostic capabilities a critical pillar of the government's healthcare strategy. In response to this public health crisis, the government is leveraging the Ghana Medical Trust Fund, popularly known as "MahamaCares," alongside the Free Primary Healthcare Policy to lower the barriers to specialized treatment. Minister Akandoh highlighted that the administration is also focused on the operationalization of Agenda 111 hospitals to decentralize care and bring services closer to the people. He called for robust collaboration between the state and private sector stakeholders to enhance national capacity for cancer management, noting that the fight against non-communicable diseases is central to achieving Ghana’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Translating this call for action into tangible results, the Ghana Medical Trust Fund (GMTF) has entered into a strategic partnership with MDS-Lancet Laboratories Ghana Limited and Quest Medical Imaging. This alliance is specifically designed to broaden access to high-quality diagnostic services and improve clinical decision-making. GMTF Administrator Adjoa Obuobia Darko-Opoku emphasized that the collaboration is a vital step toward ensuring patients receive timely screenings. By integrating the expertise and technology of these private diagnostic leaders, the GMTF aims to strengthen the foundational framework necessary for effective cancer and chronic disease treatment. The partnership signals a shift toward a more integrated healthcare ecosystem where public funding and private expertise converge to tackle severe health threats. Leaders from MDS-Lancet and Quest Medical Imaging have expressed their commitment to this mission, emphasizing that early detection remains the most effective tool in reducing the mortality rates cited by the Health Minister. As the Mahama administration continues to roll out its health initiatives, these strategic alliances are expected to play a decisive role in transforming cancer from a fatal emergency into a manageable health challenge.

Professor Jerry John Kponyo Identifies Infrastructure and Bias as Key Barriers to AI in Rural Healthcare
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Professor Jerry John Kponyo Identifies Infrastructure and Bias as Key Barriers to AI in Rural Healthcare

Professor Jerry John Kponyo of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) has identified inconsistent power supply and unstable internet connectivity as the primary bottlenecks preventing the successful deployment of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Ghana’s rural healthcare facilities. Speaking at the International Conference on AI in Healthcare and Pharmacy, Professor Kponyo warned that while AI holds transformative potential for the medical sector, the digital divide between urban and rural areas remains a significant hurdle to achieving universal health coverage through technology. Beyond physical infrastructure, the Professor highlighted critical technical and ethical concerns, specifically the issue of algorithmic bias. He noted that many AI models currently available are trained on foreign datasets, which may not accurately reflect the Ghanaian context or local demographics. This reliance on external data, coupled with fragmented and non-standardized patient records, creates a risk where AI outputs could be inaccurate or exclusionary. Professor Kponyo emphasized the urgent need for data standardization and the development of local datasets to ensure that AI tools are both safe and effective for Ghanaian patients. The human element of technology adoption also featured prominently in the Professor's analysis. He pointed to cultural resistance and a general lack of trust in automated systems as social barriers that could stall the integration of AI in clinical settings. To combat this, he advocated for the implementation of "Responsible AI"—systems that are transparent, respect human dignity, and function as support tools for medical professionals rather than replacements. By prioritizing transparency and security, healthcare providers can build the necessary trust with patients and staff who may be skeptical of AI-driven decision-making. To move forward, Professor Kponyo called for robust governance frameworks and clear clinical rules to regulate how AI is integrated into the national health system. He stressed that effective policy-making is essential to ensure that the benefits of technological advancement are distributed equitably across all regions of Ghana. By establishing standardized guidelines and addressing rural infrastructure deficits, stakeholders can ensure that a citizen’s location does not determine the quality of healthcare they receive in the burgeoning era of digital medicine.

Prof. Christian Agyare, Provost of the College of Health Sciences, at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology
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KNUST Provost Prof. Christian Agyare Calls for Evidence-Based Standards in Ghana's Herbal Medicine Sector

Professor Christian Agyare, the Provost of the College of Health Sciences at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), has issued a strong call for the institutionalization of evidence-based practices within Ghana’s herbal medicine sector. Speaking at the Ghana Association of Medical Herbalists (GAMH) Conference, Prof. Agyare underscored the necessity of moving away from anecdotal assumptions toward a framework grounded in rigorous scientific research. He emphasized that for traditional medicine to gain full legitimacy and integration into the broader modern healthcare system, practitioners must prioritize quality assurance and professional excellence. During his address, Prof. Agyare highlighted significant shifts in the global perception of traditional medicine, noting its growing acceptance as a viable alternative and complement to conventional treatments. He argued that this global trend presents a unique opportunity for Ghanaian herbalists to elevate their profession. However, he cautioned that such progress depends entirely on the ability of practitioners to provide verifiable data on the safety, efficacy, and standardized dosages of their treatments. By adopting scientific methodologies, herbalists can bridge the gap between ancient traditions and contemporary clinical standards, ensuring patient safety and building trust among medical peers. The Provost also stressed the importance of collaboration between traditional practitioners, researchers, and academic institutions. He pointed out that evidence-based practice is not merely about validation but about refinement—identifying which traditional remedies offer the most therapeutic value and how they can be manufactured under strict quality-controlled conditions. This collaborative approach is intended to foster an environment where herbal medicine is viewed as a critical, data-driven component of the national healthcare delivery strategy rather than a secondary option. As the GAMH Conference concludes, the call for reform marks a pivotal moment for the medical herbalist profession in Ghana. The push for professionalization is expected to lead to better regulatory compliance and a more structured career path for those in the industry. Moving forward, the successful adoption of evidence-based standards could position Ghana as a regional leader in the integration of traditional and modern health services, ultimately improving health outcomes for the large portion of the population that relies on herbal remedies.

Builsa North Municipal Health Directorate Achieves 100% Postnatal Care Coverage in 2026 Mid-Year Review
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Builsa North Municipal Health Directorate Achieves 100% Postnatal Care Coverage in 2026 Mid-Year Review

The Builsa North Municipal Health Directorate in the Upper East Region has announced a significant milestone in maternal healthcare, recording a 100% postnatal care coverage rate across all six sub-municipalities during the first half of 2026. This achievement was highlighted by the Municipal Director of Health Services, Cabral Vwawojei Bantiu, during a performance review meeting aimed at assessing health service delivery in the district. The perfect coverage rate reflects a concerted effort to ensure that mothers and newborns receive critical medical attention immediately following childbirth, marking a major success for the region’s health strategy. Beyond postnatal care, the directorate reported positive trends in several other maternal health indicators during the review period. Mr. Bantiu noted a high anaemia screening rate of 99.4% among pregnant women, which is a vital metric for preventing complications during delivery and ensuring the long-term health of the mother. Additionally, the municipality observed a significant reduction in stillbirth rates compared to previous reporting cycles. These improvements are largely attributed to enhanced monitoring systems and the dedication of frontline health workers across the various sub-municipalities who have prioritized maternal safety. Despite these successes, the health directorate identified a persistent challenge regarding early antenatal care (ANC) registration. Currently, only 51.4% of pregnant women in the municipality are registering for care within their first trimester. Health officials pointed out that late registration can limit the effectiveness of medical interventions and increase risks for both mother and child. Addressing the cultural or logistical barriers that prevent women from seeking early medical consultation remains a primary focus for the directorate in the coming months. To sustain the gains in postnatal care and address the gaps in early antenatal registration, Mr. Bantiu emphasized the necessity of increased community education and stronger collaboration among local stakeholders. He called on traditional leaders, community members, and health partners to work together in sensitizing the public on the importance of early clinical visits. Moving forward, the directorate remains committed to improving healthcare infrastructure and service delivery to ensure the Upper East Region continues to set a high standard for maternal and child health outcomes.

Ministry of Health Hands Over Long-Awaited 120-Bed Weija Children’s Specialist Hospital to Ghana Health Service
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Ministry of Health Hands Over Long-Awaited 120-Bed Weija Children’s Specialist Hospital to Ghana Health Service

The Ministry of Health has officially handed over the 120-bed Children’s Specialist Hospital at Weija to the Ghana Health Service (GHS), marking a critical milestone in the effort to enhance pediatric care within the Weija-Gbawe Municipality. The formal transfer, which took place on August 7, 2026, follows months of intensifying public pressure and a significant demonstration by local residents in May 2026. The facility is designed to provide specialized pediatric services, significantly reducing the burden on the overstretched St. Louis Children’s Hospital and other nearby clinics that have struggled to meet the healthcare needs of the growing community. While the handover by the contractor, Awerco Construction Limited, is a positive development, the exact timeline for the hospital’s operational commencement remains uncertain. Despite the physical completion of the building over a year ago, unresolved financial obligations between the government and the contractor have previously stalled progress. The Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) was reportedly involved in resolving procurement and financial disputes to facilitate this handover. Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh has indicated that the facility could potentially begin admitting patients almost immediately due to prior staffing arrangements, though administrative hurdles still linger. Residents of Weija and surrounding areas have expressed both relief and cautious optimism regarding the news. For years, the community has advocated for the hospital's opening, citing the unnecessary travel distances and wait times for specialized child healthcare. The GHS is now tasked with finalizing the last of the staffing and administrative logistics to ensure the hospital can safely welcome its first patients. As the focus shifts to operational readiness, stakeholders are urging the government to settle all outstanding debts to prevent any further disruptions to service delivery at this vital healthcare hub.