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.

A man in a dark suit and red tie sits at a desk during a press conference or official meeting in Ghana. Behind him is a prominent red UNFPA banner with text about maternal health, while several microphones from various news outlets are positioned in front of him.
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UNFPA Urges Government to Prioritize Rural Health Incentives Under PRIMER Maternal Health Initiative

The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is calling for a significant shift in Ghana's healthcare strategy, advocating for enhanced investments in rural human resource retention and domestic financing for family planning. This appeal aligns with the implementation of the Presidential Initiative on Maternal Health Response (PRIMER), a multisectoral five-year program designed to reduce maternal mortality by 20% every year. Ghana currently records approximately 234 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births, a figure that remains significantly higher than the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) target of fewer than 70 deaths by 2030. Central to the UNFPA's recommendation is the need to address the disparity in healthcare access between urban and rural areas. Dr. Sennen Hounton, the UNFPA Regional Director, emphasized that the success of the PRIMER initiative depends heavily on the availability of trained health professionals and essential critical-care equipment in underserved communities. Currently, the late identification of high-risk pregnancies and inadequate health infrastructure continue to hinder progress. By providing robust incentives for health workers to remain in rural posts, the government can ensure that quality care is accessible to those most at risk, bridging a critical gap in the national health delivery system. Beyond staffing, the initiative highlights the urgent need for consistent domestic funding for life-saving family planning commodities and community-level social mobilization. Dr. Hounton pointed out that adolescent pregnancies, often exacerbated by the prevalence of child marriage, represent a high-risk category that contributes significantly to the national mortality rate. Strengthening the healthcare system’s readiness to manage these specific cases is viewed as paramount to achieving the initiative's goals. PRIMER seeks to mobilize both public and private sectors to improve service delivery and ensure that maternal survival is treated as a priority. As Ghana moves forward with this five-year mandate, the UNFPA has pledged its continued support through advocacy and resource mobilization. The focus remains on creating a sustainable framework where maternal survival is prioritized through better healthcare quality and systemic readiness. Meeting the 20% annual reduction target will require a coordinated effort to modernize facilities, empower rural health practitioners, and eliminate the systemic barriers that prevent expectant mothers from receiving timely, life-saving interventions across the country.

South Tongu Authorities Launch Regional Initiative as Teenage Pregnancy Rates Exceed National Threshold
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South Tongu Authorities Launch Regional Initiative as Teenage Pregnancy Rates Exceed National Threshold

The South Tongu District in the Volta Region has recorded a worrying increase in teenage pregnancy cases during the first half of 2026. Health officials reported 190 cases between January and June, a notable rise from the 166 cases documented during the same period in 2025. This spike has pushed the district’s teenage pregnancy rate to 11.6 percent, officially surpassing the national threshold of 11.5 percent. Public health experts and traditional leaders are sounding the alarm, warning that the trend threatens the long-term socio-economic and sustainable human development of the region. Public Health Nurse Rachelle Elikem Zewu has identified a complex web of contributing factors, including a significant 36 percent poverty index within the district. Beyond economic hardship, the rise is attributed to a lack of comprehensive sexual health education, substance abuse, and high unemployment rates among the youth. Traditional authorities further noted that general ignorance regarding reproductive health remains a primary hurdle, leaving many adolescents vulnerable to early pregnancy and its associated health and social risks. In response to the growing crisis, traditional leaders and local stakeholders have mobilized through the Nanega Development Initiative (NADI). This regional effort aims to combat teenage pregnancy not only in South Tongu but across 17 districts in the Volta Region. The initiative focuses on community-based educational programs, resource mobilization, and direct engagement with the youth to provide the guidance and support missing from current local structures. Traditional leaders have emphasized that addressing unemployment and ignorance is central to reversing these figures. As the district grapples with these rising numbers, NADI and local health officials are calling for urgent support from all stakeholders, including government agencies and non-governmental organizations. The goal is to establish sustainable educational frameworks and economic opportunities that can divert the youth from the factors leading to early parenthood. Safeguarding the future of the district’s youth is now being treated as a critical component of South Tongu's broader strategy for long-term health and development.

Dr. Mark Kurt Nawaane Urges Shift in US Health Aid Toward Essential Medicines and Regulatory Sovereignty
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Dr. Mark Kurt Nawaane Urges Shift in US Health Aid Toward Essential Medicines and Regulatory Sovereignty

Dr. Mark Kurt Nawaane, the Chairman of Parliament’s Select Committee on Health, has raised significant concerns regarding the structure of future health assistance from the United States, calling for a pivot toward direct medication procurement. Speaking on the urgent needs of the Ghanaian health sector, Dr. Nawaane emphasized that the country’s primary requirement is financial support to purchase essential drugs rather than the heavy emphasis on capacity-building programs currently being proposed. He argued that while training and institutional meetings have their place, they do not address the immediate, life-threatening shortages of medicines for patients suffering from tuberculosis (TB), HIV, and malaria. The Chairman highlighted a stark disparity between projected donor spending and Ghana's actual pharmaceutical needs. With an estimated $74 million funding gap for essential medicines, Dr. Nawaane questioned the relevance of proposed allocations of $82.5 million for capacity-building in 2025 and a further $53 million in 2026. According to the lawmaker, these resources would be far more effectively utilized if they were redirected to closing the medication gap, ensuring that patients have consistent access to the treatments they need to survive and manage chronic conditions. Beyond the financial allocation, Dr. Nawaane also cautioned against clauses in a proposed US-Ghana health compact that could potentially undermine the regulatory authority of the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA). He expressed concern that the compact might limit the FDA’s power to inspect and verify the safety of medical products entering the country in exchange for approximately $100 million in aid. Highlighting the FDA's hard-won achievement of Maturity Level 3 under World Health Organization (WHO) classification, he insisted that Ghana should not compromise its high regulatory standards or public health safety for foreign financial support. In his concluding remarks, Dr. Nawaane called for a fundamental restructuring of health partnerships to ensure they align more closely with Ghana’s national priorities. He urged that future agreements must respect the sovereignty of local regulatory bodies and prioritize the tangible procurement of health commodities over administrative training sessions. As the government continues to navigate international health collaborations, the focus remains on securing a system that provides both the necessary drugs for the vulnerable and the independent oversight required to ensure those drugs meet safety standards.

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WHO Reports DRC Ebola Cases Surpass 8,000 Amid Spread to New Health Zones

The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has reached a critical milestone, with confirmed cases now surpassing 8,000 and the death toll climbing to 3,901. According to the latest figures from health authorities and the World Health Organization (WHO), the outbreak—driven by the Bundibugyo virus strain—has expanded into two new health zones. This expansion brings the total number of affected areas to 63 across seven provinces. While cumulative numbers continue to rise, health officials noted a slight decline in new infection rates in certain regions, a trend attributed to improved community engagement and more rigorous contact tracing protocols. Despite these marginal gains, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has warned that the response remains under significant strain. He identified ongoing regional conflict and large-scale population displacement as the primary challenges facing health workers on the front lines. These factors have made it increasingly difficult to track individuals exposed to the virus, particularly in volatile border regions. Furthermore, the lack of a specific vaccine for the Bundibugyo strain remains a major hurdle, leaving medical teams to rely on traditional containment measures and supportive care rather than the immunization strategies used in previous Zaire-strain outbreaks. International partners are moving to address the resource gap, with the European Union and the United States pledging fresh financial support to aid the DRC’s health ministry. This funding is expected to bolster laboratory capacity and provide essential supplies to treatment centers. Dr. Tedros has used the crisis to emphasize the necessity of the recently adopted Pandemic Agreement from May 2025, arguing that such global frameworks are essential for future preparedness. He dismissed criticisms that the agreement threatens national sovereignty, asserting that collective action is the only way to manage pathogens that do not respect international borders. Moving forward, the success of the containment effort will depend on the stability of the region and the continued flow of international aid. Health experts are calling for a dual approach: immediate emergency intervention to halt the spread in the new health zones and long-term investment in DRC's healthcare infrastructure. As the international community monitors the situation, the focus remains on ensuring that displaced populations receive adequate medical attention and that the logistical barriers created by conflict are overcome to prevent a further surge in cases.

Government Hands Over Site for New 160-Bed Savannah Regional Referral Hospital in Damongo
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Government Hands Over Site for New 160-Bed Savannah Regional Referral Hospital in Damongo

The Government of Ghana has officially handed over the construction site for a new 160-bed Savannah Regional Referral Hospital in Damongo. The handover, which took place on Friday, September 27, 2025, marks a major milestone in the administration's strategy to expand specialized medical access across the country. Once completed, the facility is expected to serve as the primary referral hub for the Savannah Region, drastically reducing the need for residents to travel long distances to other regions for high-level medical care and emergency services. This development is part of a broader government initiative to strengthen healthcare infrastructure in the Oti, Savannah, and Western North regions. The Minister for Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, confirmed the site handover, highlighting that the project is one of three new regional referral hospitals planned to ensure equitable healthcare distribution. These facilities are designed to provide specialized services that address the unique health challenges of their respective regions while alleviating the pressure on existing national referral centers and improving the speed of medical intervention. The 160-bed hospital will incorporate advanced medical equipment and specialized units, aiming to improve maternal health, emergency response, and diagnostic capabilities within Damongo. By providing these essential services locally, the government seeks to improve general health outcomes and support regional development through a more robust public health system. As construction commences, the project stands as a testament to the ongoing commitment to infrastructure development and the long-term goal of achieving universal healthcare access for all Ghanaians.

Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia Proposes 'Paradigm Shift' in Healthcare Policy Following Consultations with Ghana Medical Association
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Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia Proposes 'Paradigm Shift' in Healthcare Policy Following Consultations with Ghana Medical Association

Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the former Vice President and New Patriotic Party (NPP) presidential candidate for 2028, has advocated for a significant overhaul of Ghana’s healthcare framework. Following a high-level meeting with the leadership of the Ghana Medical Association (GMA), Dr. Bawumia emphasized the necessity of a "paradigm shift" in national health policy to address the systemic challenges currently hindering effective service delivery. The engagement forms part of a broader series of consultations intended to gather expert insights to shape the NPP’s future health agenda. During the discussions, which were led by GMA President Professor Dr. Ernest Yorke, the medical leadership highlighted several critical concerns affecting the profession. Primary among these were the rising rates of healthcare workforce migration—often referred to as the 'brain drain'—significant disparities in remuneration, and the urgent need for improved medical infrastructure. The GMA also raised specific concerns regarding proposed changes to licensing examinations for locally trained doctors, expressing the potential impact such changes could have on the profession's stability and the certification process. In response, Dr. Bawumia stressed that improving the conditions for medical professionals is essential to strengthening the overall healthcare system. He noted that the proposed policy shift must prioritize collaborative efforts between the government and healthcare stakeholders to ensure that practitioners are adequately supported and incentivized to remain in Ghana. This vision includes exploring an expanded role for the private sector in healthcare delivery and ensuring that underserved communities receive more equitable access to essential services. This strategic meeting underscores the ongoing efforts by the former Vice President to refine his party’s developmental platform. By engaging directly with the GMA, Dr. Bawumia signaled a commitment to evidence-based policy-making that incorporates the direct feedback of frontline health workers. The outcome of these consultations is expected to inform a comprehensive healthcare strategy aimed at enhancing the quality of medical care across the nation while ensuring the long-term sustainability of the health workforce.

A newly constructed health facility building, identified as a CHPS Compound in Kokoago, Bono East. The structure features a prominent red metal roof and a light green and white perimeter wall, situated on reddish earth under a cloudy sky.
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Bono East Regional Minister Francis Owusu Antwi Commissions New Health Facilities in Techiman North and Sene West

The Bono East Regional Minister, Francis Owusu Antwi, has expressed high satisfaction following the completion of two major healthcare projects in the Techiman North and Sene West districts. During an inspection of the new facilities, the Minister commended local authorities for their dedication to improving primary healthcare access. The projects include a state-of-the-art Community-Based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) compound in Kokoago and a larger ultramodern health facility in Mempaasem. These developments are part of a broader regional effort to align with President John Mahama’s free primary healthcare policy, which seeks to eliminate financial barriers to basic medical services for all Ghanaians. In Techiman North, the Kokoago CHPS compound is now fully furnished and ready for commissioning. The facility features an Out-Patient Department (OPD), consulting rooms, and staff bungalows to ensure healthcare workers can reside within the community. To support operational efficiency, the local assembly has equipped the facility with a motorbike for outreach and a refrigerator for drug and vaccine storage. Minister Owusu Antwi particularly praised District Chief Executive Johnson Adom for the judicious use of the District Assemblies Common Fund, noting that the high quality of construction and equipment management in Techiman North should serve as a model for other assemblies across the region. In the Sene West District, the new health facility at Mempaasem is designed to significantly alleviate the pressure on the Kwame Danso District Hospital. Although initially planned as a CHPS compound, district officials, including DCE Khaari Fuseini and District Health Director Alhaji Mohammed Tahiru, confirmed that the facility will operate as a full health center due to the area's growing population. The center includes specialized delivery rooms, consultation suites, and modern sanitation facilities. A physician assistant and a midwife have already been allocated to the center, and essential medical supplies have been delivered in anticipation of the official opening. These infrastructure milestones represent a significant shift toward localized healthcare delivery in the Bono East Region. Beyond the physical buildings, the Regional Coordinating Council is investigating the performance of other local assemblies to ensure all government funds are directed toward high-impact community projects. Future plans include the establishment of a health kiosk at Adjokrom, further expanding the reach of the free primary healthcare initiative. For residents of the five communities surrounding Kokoago and the suburbs of Kwame Danso, these facilities mark the end of long-distance travel for essential medical care.

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Jerry John Yenabi Foundation Saves 99 Lives with Free Anti-Snake Venom Initiative in Oti Region

In a significant boost to rural healthcare, the Jerry John Yenabi Foundation has announced that its free anti-snake venom initiative has successfully saved the lives of 99 individuals in the Krachi Nchurmuru District of the Oti Region. This targeted intervention addresses a critical health crisis in the predominantly agricultural district, where snakebite incidents often lead to fatalities due to the scarcity and high cost of emergency treatment. By providing immediate access to life-saving medication at no cost, the foundation has bridged a dangerous gap in the region's medical response system. Before the foundation’s intervention, residents of Krachi Nchurmuru faced harrowing challenges when seeking treatment for venomous bites. The rural nature of the district frequently meant long travel distances to health facilities that might not have had the expensive anti-venom in stock, resulting in tragic and avoidable deaths. Jerry John Yenabi, the CEO of the foundation, emphasized that the initiative was born out of a necessity to protect the livelihoods of the local farming population. He noted that early treatment is the single most important factor in surviving a venomous bite, and the foundation remains committed to ensuring that financial barriers do not continue to cost lives in the district. Beyond the provision of medication, the initiative has integrated a robust public education campaign into its mission. Local health professionals working alongside the foundation have strongly cautioned residents against relying on unverified traditional remedies, which often exacerbate a victim's condition and delay necessary clinical care. They stress that prompt medical intervention is the only proven method to counteract the effects of snake venom. As the foundation moves forward, it aims to sustain its support and continue partnering with health authorities to foster a better-informed community, ensuring that the Oti Region's farming heartland remains safer for its residents.

Understanding Domestic Cockroach Infestations: Why Presence Does Not Always Equal Poor Hygiene
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Understanding Domestic Cockroach Infestations: Why Presence Does Not Always Equal Poor Hygiene

The sight of a cockroach scuttling across a kitchen floor or wall often triggers an immediate sense of alarm and social embarrassment for homeowners. In many Ghanaian households, these pests are traditionally viewed as a direct indictment of the resident's personal hygiene and household sanitation standards. However, recent insights into pest behavior suggest that the relationship between cleanliness and infestation is far more complex than commonly assumed, challenging the long-held stigma associated with these resilient insects. While cockroach sightings naturally prompt significant concerns regarding domestic hygiene and food safety, their presence does not automatically imply that a living space is dirty or poorly maintained. These insects are opportunistic survivors that can be introduced into even the most pristine environments through various means, including grocery bags, cardboard packaging, or shared infrastructure in multi-residential buildings. Once they have gained entry, they prioritize basic biological needs such as warmth and moisture—elements that are present in any inhabited structure, regardless of how frequently the surfaces are cleaned. This distinction highlights a critical need for a deeper public understanding regarding pest presence and the factors that lead to home invasions. Rather than focusing solely on the perceived shame of an infestation, it is more productive to acknowledge that cockroaches are driven by biological imperatives that transcend simple housekeeping. By moving away from the reflexive assumption that pests are a sign of neglect, homeowners and residents can better focus on comprehensive, science-based approaches to pest management and long-term prevention in their living spaces.

CMLAG and The Max Foundation officials, health professionals, patients and other participants after the World CML Day celebration at the Bukom Boxing Arena in Accra.
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Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia Advocates Ghana Demand Fast-Tracked Duty Waivers for Lifesaving Medications

Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia Advocates Ghana (CMLAG) has issued an urgent call to the government to expedite the processing of duty waivers for donated medications, which are essential for treating cancer patients. These drugs, provided at no cost by The Max Foundation, are frequently delayed at the port due to administrative bottlenecks within the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Finance. Dr. Amma Benneh-Akwasi Kuma, a physician at Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, emphasized that these delays directly impact patient health, as previous holdups have forced many to go without their required treatments for extended periods. The financial implications for patients unable to access these donated drugs are severe. A single month’s supply of CML medication is valued at approximately GH¢34,000, a cost that is prohibitive for the vast majority of Ghanaian families. Advocates argue that while the legal framework for granting duty exemptions for medical donations is already in place, the current bureaucratic process is inefficient. They are calling for a more streamlined approach that recognizes the time-sensitive nature of cancer treatment and ensures that donations reach those in need without unnecessary hurdles. In addition to seeking policy improvements, CMLAG is advocating for broader public awareness and support for those living with cancer. The organization is encouraging Ghanaians to undergo regular health screenings, noting that early detection is vital for managing Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia effectively. By resolving the logistics of duty waivers, the advocates believe the government can better support the healthcare system and maximize the impact of international medical aid, ultimately saving lives and improving the quality of care for cancer patients across the nation.

Dr David Wilfred Ochan (seated middle), the United Nations Population Fund Country Representative in Ghana, with Prof. Yaw Asante Awuku (3rd from right), Founding Head of Physician Assistant Studies, School of Allied Health Sciences in the University of Health and Allied Sciences, Patience Afulani (2nd from right), University of California, San Francisco, and other officials after the event. Picture: CALEB VANDERPUYE
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UNFPA Urges Ghana to Develop Comprehensive Emergency Preparedness Plan at 15th Medical Knowledge Fiesta

The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has called on Ghana to prioritize the development of a comprehensive emergency preparedness plan to bolster the nation's resilience against future health crises. Speaking at the 15th Medical Knowledge Fiesta in Accra, Dr. David Wilfred Ochan, the UNFPA Country Representative, underscored that the lessons learned from global outbreaks like COVID-19 and Ebola necessitate a proactive rather than reactive approach to medical emergencies. He emphasized that the efficacy of the country's response depends heavily on the pillars of planning, practice, and partnerships established well before a disaster strikes. Dr. Ochan outlined several critical components for an effective national framework, including the clear definition of leadership structures and the strategic pre-positioning of essential medical supplies across the country. A central theme of his address was the necessity of moving beyond theoretical plans toward active readiness through regular simulation exercises. By practicing emergency protocols, healthcare providers and administrative bodies can identify systemic gaps and refine their coordination. This technical focus is designed to ensure that when a crisis occurs, the transition from routine healthcare operations to emergency response is seamless and efficient. Supporting these calls, Professor Yaw Asante Awuku highlighted that emergency preparedness is a shared responsibility that transcends the health sector alone. He advocated for a tripartite collaboration involving the government, frontline health workers, and local communities to ensure a holistic defense against health threats. The Medical Knowledge Fiesta served as a vital platform for stakeholders to share insights and strengthen healthcare delivery mechanisms. Ultimately, the consensus from the gathering was that Ghana must invest in these preventative structures today to mitigate the impact of future health emergencies on its population and national stability.

Legal Aid Director Francis Yensu Appiah Organizes Free Health Screening for Nyankamam Residents
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Legal Aid Director Francis Yensu Appiah Organizes Free Health Screening for Nyankamam Residents

Hundreds of residents in Nyankamam, located within the Aowin Municipality, have benefited from a comprehensive free healthcare outreach program designed to improve medical access for underserved populations. Organized by Lawyer Francis Yensu Appiah, the Regional Director of the Legal Aid Commission, the initiative focused on providing essential health services to vulnerable groups who often face significant barriers to quality care. The event served as a critical intervention for the community, highlighting the role of public servants in driving local welfare and social support. During the outreach, a team of medical professionals conducted screenings for various prevalent conditions, including hypertension, diabetes, and malaria. Beyond diagnostic tests, the program offered one-on-one medical consultations and health education sessions to help residents manage their long-term well-being. Participants also received free essential medicines to treat identified ailments. Dr. Prince Ackah, who participated in the exercise, emphasized the vital importance of preventive healthcare in rural areas, noting that early detection and lifestyle management are key to reducing the burden of chronic diseases in such communities. Lawyer Francis Yensu Appiah framed the initiative as an extension of his commitment to human rights, asserting that the right to health is fundamental to the pursuit of justice. He explained that individuals cannot fully realize their legal or social rights if they are incapacitated by preventable illnesses. By bridging the gap between legal advocacy and health services, Appiah aimed to address the holistic needs of the Nyankamam people, demonstrating a unique connection between physical health and the ability to seek and maintain justice within society. The outreach was met with profound gratitude from the local population, many of whom expressed relief at receiving medical attention without the typical financial burdens associated with healthcare. The success of the program underscores the ongoing need for targeted medical interventions in Ghana's rural districts to supplement existing health infrastructure. As the municipality reflects on the impact of this event, it serves as a reminder of how collaborative efforts between professional bodies and local leaders can foster significant improvements in community health and awareness.