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.

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Traditional Medicine Practice Council Shuts Down Three Chinese-Operated Spas in Kumasi for Licensing Violations

The Traditional Medicine Practice Council (TMPC) has shut down three body massage spas in the Ashanti Regional capital, Kumasi, for operating without valid licenses. The enforcement action, which targeted facilities in the Ahodwo and Daban suburbs, primarily affected businesses run by Chinese nationals who had failed to comply with the regulatory standards set by the Council. This move highlights a tightening of oversight in the regional wellness and traditional medicine sector as authorities seek to ensure public safety and professional compliance. This crackdown is grounded in the Traditional Medicine Practice Council Act 2000 (Act 575), which mandates that all practitioners and facilities offering massage and related traditional therapies must obtain the necessary permits and credentials before starting operations. Divine Azraku, the TMPC’s Ashanti Regional Regulation Officer, noted that the affected facilities had previously been granted an opportunity to rectify their licensing status and comply with regulatory requirements. However, following their failure to do so, the Council moved to cease their operations to prevent the unauthorized provision of health-related services. The Kumasi closures are part of a broader, intensified enforcement campaign across Ghana. The TMPC reported that it has inspected more than 500 facilities nationwide this year alone. This proactive approach has already yielded significant results in other regions; similar operations in Accra have led to the closure of eight herbal shops and six spas for various regulatory infractions during the same period. The Council remains focused on ensuring that all wellness and herbal medicine providers meet national safety and professional standards to protect the public from substandard practices. Moving forward, the TMPC has signaled that these inspections will continue as part of a sustained effort to sanitize the traditional medicine and wellness industry. Mr. Azraku emphasized that operators must strictly adhere to the legal framework or face further sanctions. As the demand for massage and traditional therapies grows, the regulator is urging the public to patronize only licensed facilities and to verify that practitioners hold the required credentials to operate in Ghana.

Atule Awuni sharing his ordeal with Gilbert Azeem Tiroog, Upper East Regional Correspondent of the Daily Graphic
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Upper East Region Youths Face Crisis as Tramadol Addiction Destroys Academic and Professional Aspirations

The Upper East Region of Ghana is grappling with a growing crisis as drug misuse, particularly the abuse of tramadol, threatens to derail the futures of its most promising young citizens. Recent reports highlight a disturbing trend where academic success is being replaced by dependency and despair, leaving many students unable to complete their education. This surge in substance abuse has prompted urgent calls from regional officials and community leaders for a concerted effort to dismantle drug trafficking networks and provide better support systems for vulnerable youth. The human cost of this epidemic is exemplified by the story of Cynthia Nyaaba, a once-brilliant student whose academic journey took a tragic turn. Despite achieving remarkable success in her earlier studies, the immense pressure of her environment led her to misuse tramadol. The consequences were devastating: Cynthia failed her final examinations and suffered severe, life-altering health complications. Her experience is not isolated; others like Atule Awuni and Samson Aniah share similar narratives of crushed dreams, illustrating a recurring pattern of how drug addiction can dismantle years of hard work and potential in a matter of months. Statistical data reinforces these personal tragedies, with a recent survey indicating a significant rise in tramadol usage among the youth across the Upper East Region. This synthetic opioid, often used for pain management, is being illicitly distributed and consumed in dosages far exceeding medical recommendations. Local authorities are increasingly concerned about the ease of access to these substances and the lack of awareness regarding their long-term neurological and physical effects. The survey's findings have sounded an alarm for health officials who warn that without immediate intervention, the region faces a lost generation of talent. In response to this escalating situation, regional officials are advocating for a multi-faceted approach involving community action, stricter law enforcement against traffickers, and robust public awareness campaigns. There is a critical need for intervention programs that address the underlying socio-economic pressures that drive students toward drug use. As the community looks for ways to protect its youth, the focus remains on restoring the educational aspirations that have been buried by addiction, ensuring that the next generation can contribute meaningfully to the nation's development.

The facility at Sandema
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ADDRO and Builsa North Assembly Inaugurate Safe Space Centre for Adolescent Mothers in Sandema

The Anglican Diocesan Development and Relief Organisation (ADDRO), in collaboration with the Builsa North Municipal Assembly, has officially inaugurated an Early Childhood Safe Space Centre in Sandema. This dedicated facility is designed specifically to serve as a haven for adolescent mothers and their children, providing a crucial safety net for young women navigating the challenges of early parenthood in the Upper East Region. By offering a structured environment for both mother and child, the initiative seeks to bridge the gap between social vulnerability and economic empowerment. Funded by Episcopal Relief & Development (USA), the centre offers a comprehensive suite of services tailored to the needs of the local community. It caters to children up to 36 months of age, providing high-quality childcare that allows their young mothers the freedom to pursue education or vocational training. Beyond daycare, the facility integrates nutrition support, psychosocial counseling, and structured home visits to ensure that the developmental milestones of the children are met while the mothers receive the emotional and practical support required to rebuild their lives. Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, ADDRO’s Executive Director, Emmanuel Tia Nabila, emphasized that the project’s core mission is to restore hope and dignity to adolescent mothers who often face social stigma and economic hardship. He noted that the initiative is not just about physical infrastructure but about creating a supportive ecosystem where young mothers can acquire essential life skills. By focusing on skills development, the centre aims to break the cycle of poverty and provide these young women with the tools necessary for long-term self-sufficiency. The success and sustainability of the Safe Space Centre will rely heavily on the active participation of the Sandema community and local authorities. During the launch, various speakers highlighted the importance of collective ownership, urging community members to support the facility and the young families it serves. As the centre begins its operations, it stands as a model for community-based intervention, aiming to foster a more inclusive environment that prioritizes the health, education, and dignity of the next generation and their caregivers.

Ghana's Healthcare Infrastructure: Dormaa Hospital Expands Services While Katamanso Health Centre Faces Critical Neglect
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Ghana's Healthcare Infrastructure: Dormaa Hospital Expands Services While Katamanso Health Centre Faces Critical Neglect

Ghana’s healthcare landscape is currently witnessing a sharp contrast between proactive service expansion and critical infrastructure neglect. While the Dormaa Presbyterian Hospital is aggressively boosting its capacity to meet rising patient demands, concerns are mounting over the deteriorating state of the Katamanso Health Centre in the Kpone-Katamanso Constituency. These developments highlight the ongoing struggle to balance the need for specialized medical growth with the basic requirement of maintaining safe and functional primary health facilities for the population. In the Bono Region, the Dormaa Presbyterian Hospital has initiated a major expansion of its emergency services and Out-Patient Department (OPD) following a significant surge in cases throughout 2025. The hospital’s General Manager, Prosper Apati, noted that the facility is increasingly burdened by non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as hypertension and diabetes. To support this growth, ASA Savings and Loans Ltd recently donated essential healthcare equipment to the hospital. Mr. Apati emphasized that the facility serves not only the local community but also cross-border patients from neighbouring Côte d’Ivoire, making the expansion—and a proposed geriatric care facility for the elderly—a regional priority. Conversely, the Katamanso Health Centre is currently under fire for failing to meet basic safety and sanitation standards. Abraham Aidoo, an aspiring independent parliamentary candidate, has raised alarms over the facility’s overgrown surroundings, which have reportedly become grazing grounds for livestock. Beyond the sanitation risks, the health centre is operating without a functional ambulance, leaving residents to rely on taxis for emergency medical transportation. Mr. Aidoo described the situation as a significant security and health threat to the large population dependent on the centre, calling for immediate intervention to restore reliable healthcare delivery. These two scenarios underscore the broader challenges within the Ghanaian health sector: the vital role of private-sector support in bolstering infrastructure and the urgent need for consistent maintenance of existing facilities. While the progress at Dormaa provides a blueprint for community and corporate partnership, the crisis at Katamanso serves as a reminder that without functional emergency logistics and basic environmental upkeep, the safety of patients remains at risk. Addressing these disparities will be crucial for the health authorities as they work to ensure equitable access to quality care across both urban and rural districts.

Ghana Health Service and Municipal Authorities Intensify National WASH Advocacy and Sanitation Efforts
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Ghana Health Service and Municipal Authorities Intensify National WASH Advocacy and Sanitation Efforts

In a coordinated push to improve public health outcomes across Ghana, the Ghana Health Service (GHS) and local municipal assemblies are intensifying efforts to elevate Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) standards. From policy advocacy in the Upper East Region to hands-on clean-up exercises in Kintampo, health officials and local leaders are calling for a united front to combat sanitation-related diseases. These initiatives highlight the critical link between environmental cleanliness and broader health metrics, particularly maternal and child well-being. Speaking at the fifth Upper East Regional Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) Awards, Dr. Braimah Baba Abubakari, the Regional Director of Health Services, urged the media to adopt WASH as a permanent fixture on the national news agenda. Dr. Abubakari emphasized that consistent media coverage is essential to addressing less visible challenges that directly impact maternal and child health. He advocated for a deeper collaboration between health professionals and journalists, specifically suggesting the use of local languages in reporting to ensure that vital hygiene education reaches all segments of the population effectively. Parallel to these calls for advocacy, the Kintampo Municipal Assembly recently observed National Sanitation Day with a rigorous six-hour clean-up exercise. Led by the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), the initiative brought together local government departments, security personnel, and community volunteers to clear streets and marketplaces. The MCE reaffirmed the government's dedication to enhancing waste management systems as a proactive measure against disease outbreaks. While the exercise demonstrated strong institutional support and earned praise from local police commanders, officials noted that community participation at the market level remained a challenge that requires further engagement. These dual efforts underscore the multifaceted approach needed to resolve Ghana's sanitation hurdles. While regional health directorates focus on the strategic communication and advocacy required to change public behavior, municipal assemblies continue to lead the physical maintenance of public spaces. Moving forward, the success of these health interventions will likely depend on the media's ability to sustain public interest and the government's capacity to mobilize consistent community involvement in national sanitation initiatives.

Students from the University of Cape Coast’s Department of Nutrition and Dietetics interact with market women at the Kotokuraba Market in Cape Coast as part of the activities of the proposed mandatory front of package warning label
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Ministry of Health Seeks Legislative Review to Ban Trans Fats Amid Growing Calls for Mandatory Food Labeling

The Ministry of Health is intensifying efforts to safeguard public health by proposing a strategic review of the Public Health Act, 2012, to eliminate industrial trans fatty acids (TFA) from Ghana’s food supply. Rather than drafting a standalone law, health officials believe that amending the existing legislation will expedite the process of banning partially hydrogenated oils (PHO)—the primary source of industrial TFAs. This move comes as stakeholders reveal that approximately 10 percent of packaged foods in Ghana currently contain these harmful fats, which are significantly linked to the rise of non-communicable diseases across the country. During a recent stakeholder forum in Accra, Dr. Hafiz Adam explained that incorporating TFA regulations into the Public Health Act would streamline the legislative journey, which often involves complex negotiations across multiple government agencies. The proposed National Strategy for the Elimination of Trans Fatty Acids is projected to cost approximately GH¢11 million, focusing on improving monitoring, securing sustainable financing, and strengthening enforcement capacity. While many oils in the Ghanaian market currently fall within the World Health Organization’s recommended limits, high concentrations of PHO remain prevalent in baked goods and processed items, prompting a consensus to achieve full elimination by 2030. Complementing this legislative push, a robust advocacy campaign has launched in the Central Region, where nutrition experts and students are calling for mandatory front-of-package warning labels. Led by the University of Cape Coast (UCC) in partnership with SEND Ghana and the Ghana Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (GAND), the initiative aims to empower consumers to identify products high in sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats. Advocates argue that standard nutrition labels are often too complex for the average consumer, making clear, visible warnings essential for informed dietary choices. The urgency of these regulatory and advocacy efforts is underscored by broader regional concerns regarding the safety of consumer products. While Ghana focuses on ingredient transparency and fat elimination, voices across the West African sub-region have recently raised alarms over the proliferation of counterfeit foods, medicines, and cosmetics. These collective concerns highlight a critical turning point for regulatory bodies like Ghana’s Ministry of Health, as they face increasing pressure to modernize safety standards and protect citizens from the health risks posed by both hidden ingredients and fraudulent products.

Bel-Aqua Marks 15th Anniversary with Mental Well-being Campaign and Ayi Mensah Health Walk
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Bel-Aqua Marks 15th Anniversary with Mental Well-being Campaign and Ayi Mensah Health Walk

Bel-Aqua Mineral Water has launched a comprehensive mental well-being initiative to commemorate its 15th anniversary, officially marked on October 10. The campaign commenced with a high-profile health walk from Ayi Mensah to Peduase, aimed at highlighting the critical link between physical activity and mental health. This initiative represents a strategic shift for the brand, as it seeks to integrate wellness advocacy into its corporate identity while celebrating its decade-and-a-half milestone in the Ghanaian market. Participants in the health walk engaged in a variety of physical exercises and recreational games designed to foster community spirit and stress relief. Beyond the physical exertion, the event served as a mobile clinic, providing attendees with access to health screenings and professional consultations. Brand Manager Maxine Akyiama Opoku-Ababio emphasized the importance of self-awareness in health management, urging Ghanaians to recognize their limits and "take a break when it's necessary." This message was reinforced by the presence of psychologists and psychiatrists who were available to offer guidance to participants throughout the event. A central goal of the campaign is the de-stigmatization of mental health discussions, particularly within the corporate environment. Chris Addo Sarkodie, Bel-Aqua’s Head of Marketing, revealed that the initiative would expand into workplaces to provide employees with direct access to mental health experts. By normalizing these conversations, the company hopes to create a more supportive atmosphere for workers across the country. To ensure long-term impact, the company also announced the upcoming launch of a dedicated helpline, which will provide a permanent channel for professional psychological support. This anniversary initiative reflects a growing recognition of mental health as a vital pillar of public health in Ghana. By combining traditional physical fitness events with clinical mental health resources and corporate outreach, Bel-Aqua is positioning itself as a key advocate for holistic wellness. As the campaign continues, the planned helpline and corporate engagement sessions are expected to provide a sustainable framework for mental health awareness that extends well beyond the anniversary celebrations.

Government Launches 2026 National Breast Cancer Awareness Month in Ho, Emphasizing Male Support and Early Detection
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Government Launches 2026 National Breast Cancer Awareness Month in Ho, Emphasizing Male Support and Early Detection

The 2026 National Breast Cancer Awareness Month has been officially launched in Ho, under the theme "Every Story is Unique, Every Journey Matters," drawing urgent attention to a disease that claims approximately 2,000 lives in Ghana annually. With 5,000 new cases reported each year, government officials and health advocates are intensifying efforts to promote early detection as the primary defense against the condition. This year's campaign places a particular emphasis on the role of men in the healthcare journey, urging them to move beyond symbolic support and take an active interest in the health of their partners and family members. Speaking at the national launch, Minister Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey highlighted that breast cancer is a collective challenge that requires a robust support system. She underscored the importance of men encouraging their loved ones to seek professional medical care at the first sign of unusual changes. This sentiment was echoed by the Vice President, who called for a nationwide expansion of screening access to ensure that women in rural and underserved areas can benefit from early diagnostic services. Local leaders, including the Volta Regional Minister, also pledged their commitment to localized outreach programs to ensure the message of early detection reaches every corner of the region. In a parallel event at the International Maritime Hospital (IMaH) in Tema, the Member of Parliament for Tema East, Isaac Ashai Odamtten, further championed the cause for male involvement. He argued that breast cancer is fundamentally a family and community issue rather than a private medical concern for women alone. Mr. Odamtten advocated for the normalization of breast health discussions throughout the year, rather than limiting the conversation to the month of October. To support this cause practically, the MP committed to sponsoring the Manhean Breast Cancer Month activities, urging Ghanaians to go beyond simply wearing pink ribbons by actively facilitating medical check-ups and monitoring. The 2026 campaign aims to dismantle the stigma and misinformation that often prevent patients from seeking timely clinical intervention. Health experts and policymakers are unified in the view that public education must be continuous and aggressive to overcome cultural barriers. As the month progresses, the focus remains on ensuring that every patient's unique journey is met with the necessary medical and emotional support, ultimately aiming to reduce the mortality rate through a combination of expanded screening infrastructure, community-led advocacy, and increased male participation in the fight against the disease.

President John Dramani Mahama speaking at the Alamein Africa Forum in El Alamein in Egypt.
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President Mahama Advocates for Health Sovereignty and Launches H-Enabler Platform at Alamein Africa Forum

President John Dramani Mahama has called for a fundamental shift in how African nations approach healthcare, urging leaders to prioritize "health sovereignty" for the continent’s 1.4 billion people. Speaking at the Health Plenary of the Alamein Africa Forum in Egypt, President Mahama unveiled the Health Investment and National Gateway Enabler (H-Enabler), a digital platform designed to streamline health investments across Africa. Developed in collaboration with the African Medicines Agency, Institut Pasteur, and Afrochampions, the H-Enabler aims to simplify complex regulatory landscapes, clinical validation, and commercialization processes for health innovators and private investors. Central to the President's address was the argument that healthcare should be viewed as a vital, investable economic sector rather than a mere social cost or budgetary burden. Mahama criticized the traditional perspective held by many finance ministers and global investors who see health spending solely as an expenditure. He presented evidence that strategic investment in the health sector yields significant economic returns, including job creation, macroeconomic stability, and industrial growth. By reframing health as an economic driver, Mahama argued that African nations can better attract the private sector involvement necessary to bolster regional value chains. The President highlighted the urgent need for this transition, noting that Africa currently imports over 70% of its pharmaceuticals and vaccines. With traditional donor assistance on the decline, he stressed that local manufacturing is essential for the continent's self-sufficiency and economic resilience. He identified four key market opportunities for local pharmaceutical production, suggesting that African countries must leverage the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to create a unified, robust market for locally produced medical supplies. This strategy seeks to transform Africa from a passive consumer of foreign medical products into a proactive producer. Closing his address, President Mahama detailed Ghana’s ongoing efforts to enhance its own health systems and transition toward becoming a regional hub for health manufacturing. He emphasized that the H-Enabler platform would be instrumental in reducing regulatory barriers that have historically stifled innovation. By harmonizing frameworks and fostering better coordination between nations, Mahama believes Africa can achieve true health sovereignty, ensuring that the continent is prepared to meet its own medical needs while driving broader economic transformation.

Former First Lady of Ghana, Lordina Mahama, is captured at a formal event seated behind a placard that reads 'GHANA'. She is wearing a vibrant blue and red patterned dress, large-framed glasses, and is holding a second pair of spectacles while looking toward the side.
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First Lady Lordina Mahama Urges National Action and Early Screening for Breast Cancer Awareness Month

First Lady Lordina Dramani Mahama has called on Ghanaians to prioritize breast health and regular screenings as the nation joins the global community in observing Breast Cancer Awareness Month this October. Emphasizing that early detection remains the most effective tool in improving survival rates, the First Lady advocated for a proactive approach to healthcare, urging citizens to take full advantage of available screening services across the country. Her message serves as a rallying cry to reduce the mortality rate of the disease through vigilance and timely medical intervention. Under the theme "Every story is unique, every journey matters," the First Lady highlighted the deeply personal nature of the disease and the diverse experiences of those it affects. She noted that while every diagnosis presents a different challenge, the need for high-quality medical care and emotional support remains a universal priority. By focusing on the uniqueness of every survivor and patient's journey, she aims to foster a more empathetic and supportive environment for those navigating the complexities of treatment and recovery. Beyond medical intervention, Mrs. Mahama, who also serves as the founder of the Lordina Foundation, emphasized the critical need to dismantle the social barriers that often hinder effective treatment. She urged communities to actively combat the stigma and misinformation surrounding breast cancer, which frequently prevents individuals from seeking help until it is too late. "No one should face breast cancer alone," she stated, calling for collective community action to ensure that compassion and factual information lead the fight against the disease. The First Lady concluded her message by reiterating that beating breast cancer is a shared responsibility involving families, healthcare providers, and the wider public. By encouraging regular self-examinations and professional check-ups, she believes Ghana can significantly improve health outcomes for women across the nation. As the month-long awareness campaign continues, her call serves as a vital reminder that through unity, awareness, and early action, the nation can better protect the health and well-being of its citizens.

Atule Awuni sharing his ordeal with Gilbert Azeem Tiroog, Upper East Regional Correspondent of the Daily Graphic
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Cynthia Nyaaba’s Struggle Highlights Escalating Tramadol Crisis Among Youth in Upper East Region

The Upper East Region of Ghana is grappling with a burgeoning health and social crisis as the misuse of tramadol among young people continues to derail academic aspirations and devastate lives. The story of Cynthia Nyaaba, a once-promising student whose remarkable academic trajectory was halted by drug dependency, serves as a stark illustration of this growing epidemic. Despite her previous successes, the immense pressure of her studies led her to seek solace in tramadol, a potent synthetic opioid. This decision ultimately resulted in her failing her final examinations and suffering severe health complications, effectively burying her dreams of higher education. Cynthia’s experience is not an isolated incident but part of a distressing pattern observed throughout the region. Other young individuals, including Atule Awuni and Samson Aniah, have seen their futures compromised by similar cycles of addiction. These personal tragedies are reflected in recent survey data, which indicates an alarming rise in tramadol consumption among the youth. The drug, often used illicitly to boost energy or manage stress, has instead become a catalyst for academic failure and long-term physical and mental health issues. Local officials and health experts are now sounding the alarm, citing the urgent need for a coordinated response to combat the trafficking and misuse of controlled substances. The prevalence of tramadol in the Upper East Region has prompted calls for heightened community vigilance and more robust public awareness campaigns. Stakeholders emphasize that without immediate intervention to curb the availability of these drugs and provide support for those already affected, the region risks losing a significant portion of its future workforce and leadership to the clutches of addiction. Addressing this crisis requires more than just law enforcement; it necessitates a holistic approach that includes educational reform, mental health support, and community-led initiatives to protect the youth. As families and educators witness the toll of drug misuse, the focus has shifted toward creating a safety net that identifies at-risk individuals before they spiral into dependency. The goal is to ensure that the dreams of young people like Cynthia Nyaaba are no longer buried by drugs, but are instead supported by a society committed to their well-being and success.

Dr Florence Koryo Akumiah, a Cardiologist at the Department of Cardiology, Korle Bu Teaching Hospital
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Ghana Enhances Health Systems Through Digital Bed Management and Collaborative Universal Health Coverage Strategies

Ghanaian health experts and stakeholders are intensifying efforts to achieve Universal Health Coverage (UHC) through a combination of digital innovation, institutional collaboration, and targeted public health interventions. At the 6th Biennial Scientific Conference organized by the College of Health Sciences in Accra, speakers emphasized that achieving UHC requires a unified front involving government agencies, universities, and the private sector. Dr. Koku Awoonor-Williams and other keynote speakers called for the practical application of research to strengthen primary healthcare systems and ensure that essential services reach underserved communities across the country. In a major step toward improving emergency care delivery, the National Ambulance Service (NAS) has launched a comprehensive digital initiative to eliminate the perennial "No Bed Syndrome." Through a specialized Train-the-Trainer program, NAS is deploying the Integrated Bed Management and Referral Coordination System (IBMRCS). This digital platform provides real-time updates on hospital bed availability and facility capacities, allowing dispatch personnel to verify space before transporting patients. Initial implementation involves major facilities, including the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, the Greater Accra Regional Hospital (Ridge), and the University of Ghana Medical Centre (UGMC), aiming to drastically reduce delays in emergency referrals. While infrastructure and systems are being upgraded, clinicians are also raising the alarm regarding the growing burden of cardiovascular diseases. Commemorating World Heart Day, Dr. Florence Koryo Akumiah, a cardiologist at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, highlighted that heart disease remains a significant hidden danger, with hypertension now affecting approximately 20% of Ghanaian adults. Data from the WHO Ghana STEPS survey indicates that urban residents and women are particularly at risk, often due to high salt intake and low fruit consumption. Experts are advocating for lifestyle adjustments and initiatives like "Meatless Monday" to mitigate these preventable risks. The path toward a resilient health system is also being supported by private sector contributions and sustainable funding models. For instance, Samir Sadaoui of Promasidor Ghana detailed ongoing initiatives to support patients requiring critical heart surgeries, illustrating the importance of corporate social responsibility in the health sector. As Ghana moves forward, the integration of real-time digital tracking like the IBMRCS, alongside robust social policies and multi-sectoral partnerships, will be essential to ensure that healthcare is both accessible and equitable for all citizens.