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.

Ghanaians warned against silent heart disease
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National Cardiothoracic Centre Warns of Rising Cardiovascular Deaths in Ghana

The National Cardiothoracic Centre (NCC) has issued a stark warning to the Ghanaian public regarding the escalating threat of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), which now account for an estimated 43 to 50 percent of deaths across the country. Speaking at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital during the launch of World Heart Day 2026, health experts highlighted the "silent" nature of these conditions, urging citizens to prioritize regular screenings to detect life-threatening issues before they become fatal. The call to action comes as the medical community seeks to address the growing burden of non-communicable diseases in the sub-region. Dr. Kow Entsua-Mensah, Director of the NCC, emphasized that major risks such as hypertension and diabetes often develop without any outward symptoms, making them particularly dangerous. He cautioned the public against ignoring minor signs like unusual chest discomfort or breathlessness, noting that these are frequently the only warnings a patient might receive. Dr. Entsua-Mensah called for a multi-sectoral collaboration to combat the rising tide of heart-related ailments, stressing that public awareness and early intervention are the most effective tools in reducing mortality rates. Adding to the urgency, Professor Alfred Doku pointed out that hypertension affects a significant portion of the Ghanaian population, many of whom remain unaware of their condition until it leads to a crisis. Under this year’s theme, "Heart Disease Can Hide in Plain Sight, Don’t Miss a Beat," the medical experts underscored the necessity of lifestyle modifications. These include improved dietary habits, regular physical activity, and avoiding tobacco, alongside the need for increased national investment in both preventive measures and advanced treatment facilities. The NCC's advocacy serves as a critical reminder of the shifting health landscape in Ghana, where non-communicable diseases are increasingly overshadowing infectious diseases in terms of mortality. Moving forward, the centre aims to work with various stakeholders to ensure better access to cardiovascular care and to foster a culture of health consciousness that encourages every Ghanaian to "know their numbers" through frequent medical check-ups.

Health workers who accept postings to deprived areas to get 20 per cent basic salary as incentive - Mahama
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President Mahama Announces 20% Salary Incentive for Rural Health Workers and Telemedicine Kiosks for Markets

President John Mahama has activated a major health sector incentive package, offering a 20% basic salary bonus to health professionals who accept postings to deprived communities. Announced during his 'Resetting Ghana Tour' in the Upper West Region, the initiative is part of a broader strategy to address the historical reluctance of professionals to serve in underserved areas. This Deprived Area Incentive package aims to rectify the uneven distribution of healthcare personnel and ensure that every Ghanaian, regardless of geographical location, has access to quality medical services. The President also noted that this effort coincides with a significant rise in National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) coverage, which has grown from 60% to 76%. In a parallel move to decentralize care, the government is set to establish health kiosks at major markets and lorry stations across the country. These kiosks are designed to provide basic outpatient services, including health screenings and telemedicine consultations, directly linked to district hospitals. A primary focus of this initiative is a partnership with the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) to screen commercial drivers for non-communicable diseases like hypertension, which can pose significant risks on the road. By bringing healthcare to high-traffic areas, the government hopes to catch undetected conditions among traders, commuters, and drivers who may lack the time to visit traditional hospitals. These initiatives form the core of the government’s Free Primary Healthcare (FPHC) programme, which is currently operational in 135 districts. According to the Director-General of the Ghana Health Service, Dr. Samuel Kaba Akoriyea, the selection of these districts is strictly data-driven, focusing on areas with high maternal mortality, limited hospital availability, and significant travel distances to care, such as the Afram Plains. Dr. Akoriyea emphasized that the program relies heavily on community health workers and the deployment of over 25,000 new pieces of medical equipment to ensure that the services provided are both preventive and curative. Looking forward, the Mahama administration plans to expand the Free Primary Healthcare programme to cover all 261 districts by 2028. This expansion will include home-based health screenings and enhanced transportation aids for health workers to facilitate outreach in the most remote regions. By shifting the focus toward preventive care and early disease detection, the government aims to create a sustainable healthcare legacy that reduces the burden on tertiary hospitals and improves the overall life expectancy of the Ghanaian population.

Cecilia Senoo (4th from right), Executive Director, HFFG, with stakeholders and participants after the meeting
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Hope for Future Generations and LifeCare Foundation Lead Major Health Interventions Targeting HIV Prevention and Drug Abuse

Over 32,000 adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) in Ghana have been empowered through innovative HIV prevention initiatives as non-governmental organizations and health agencies ramp up public health outreach across the country. These efforts, which span from large-scale HIV education programs to localized anti-drug campaigns in Accra’s suburbs, highlight a concerted drive to address the diverse health challenges facing the nation’s youth. By combining peer-led education with community-level direct engagement, stakeholders are aiming to reduce infection rates and promote healthier lifestyle choices among the most vulnerable demographics. The AGYW Project, a collaborative effort between Hope for Future Generations (HFFG) and the Ghana Health Service, has made significant strides across the Greater Accra, Eastern, and Ashanti regions. By utilizing a mix of peer education, social media outreach, and community-based services, the initiative has successfully disseminated tailored sexual and reproductive health information to a demographic often missed by traditional medical outreach. Leadership from both HFFG and the National AIDS Control Programme have emphasized that while the 32,000-person milestone is a substantial achievement, sustained community engagement and increased HIV testing uptake remain critical to the ultimate goal of eliminating HIV among teenagers and young adults. Complementing these sexual health efforts, the LifeCare Foundation recently launched a targeted drug abuse awareness campaign in the Accra suburbs of Nima and Mamobi. On August 28, 2026, the foundation engaged residents in open discussions regarding the systemic pressures that lead to substance abuse and the severe health risks associated with it. The campaign underscored the importance of community involvement in recognizing the value of young people's lives and advocating for their future well-being. Organizers noted a high level of active participation from the local population, suggesting a growing community readiness to tackle the social and psychological factors that contribute to addiction. Beyond these structured institutional programs, broader public discourse in Ghana is increasingly focusing on the foundational role of personal health and hygiene in maintaining overall wellness. Recent public inquiries into personal care and its impact on interpersonal relationships suggest that health education must extend into all facets of daily life and behavioral habits to be truly effective. Moving forward, the success of these diverse health initiatives—ranging from national HIV prevention to grassroots drug awareness and personal wellness—will depend on continued funding, tailored communication strategies, and the active participation of youth to ensure a healthier future for the next generation of Ghanaians.

Akosua Manu Urges Sustained National Action and Bipartisan Inquiry to Combat Maternal Mortality
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Akosua Manu Urges Sustained National Action and Bipartisan Inquiry to Combat Maternal Mortality

Akosua Manu, Advisor on Gender and Social Protection to Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has called for a definitive and sustained national strategy to combat Ghana's high maternal mortality rates. Speaking ahead of the launch of the Presidential Initiative on Maternal Health Emergency Response (PRIMER), Manu highlighted the stark reality of the nation's healthcare system, where the maternal mortality ratio remains alarmingly high. She emphasized that the time for mere announcements has passed, and Ghana must now transition into a phase of consistent, life-saving interventions that prioritize the safety of expectant mothers. The gravity of the situation is underscored by data showing that Ghana records approximately 801 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births. Manu contrasted this figure with developed nations like Germany, which records only four deaths per 100,000 live births, to illustrate the vast gap in emergency obstetric care. This disparity, she argued, indicates that many deaths are preventable if the right systems, infrastructure, and accountability measures are in place. The focus of the PRIMER initiative is intended to bridge this gap by prioritizing emergency responses during childbirth and ensuring that healthcare facilities are equipped to handle complications. Beyond technical medical interventions, Manu is advocating for a structural shift in how the state handles maternal health. She has proposed a bipartisan parliamentary inquiry to investigate systemic failures within the health sector that contribute to these fatalities. By involving multiple stakeholders and ensuring legislative oversight, the goal is to create a culture of accountability where every maternal death is scrutinized to prevent future occurrences. She warned that without such a rigorous approach, new initiatives risk becoming temporary measures rather than catalysts for permanent change. As Ghana prepares to implement the PRIMER initiative, the call for collective action remains central. Manu stressed that eliminating preventable maternal deaths requires the involvement of not just the government, but health professionals, civil society, and the private sector. The success of these efforts will ultimately be measured not by the launch of new programs, but by the measurable reduction of deaths and the strengthening of the nation's healthcare resilience for all women across the country.

Franklin Owusu Ansah, General Secretary of HSWU, with other executives and members addressing the media
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Health Sector Under Pressure: HSWU Demands Wage Reform Amid Financial Scrutiny at Korle Bu

Ghana's healthcare sector is currently grappling with a dual crisis of worker welfare and administrative transparency, as labor unions demand urgent wage reforms while major institutions face scrutiny over revenue management. The Health Services Workers’ Union (HSWU) has raised an alarm over the dire economic conditions of approximately 15,000 public health sector workers who are reportedly earning an average of just GH¢600 per month. This call for reform comes at a time when administrative oversight at the nation’s premier health facility, Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, is also being questioned following reporting lapses during financial reviews. According to HSWU General Secretary Franklin Owusu Ansah, the current wage structure is unsustainable, with some casual staff receiving as little as GH¢500 monthly. Ansah emphasized that these low wages do not only affect the immediate livelihood of health workers but also severely diminish their future pension benefits. The union is advocating for a collaborative effort between labor groups, civil society, and government stakeholders to ensure that those providing essential services receive a decent salary that reflects the current economic reality. The union also highlighted the personal risks faced by staff, citing a recent case of a health worker injured on duty who requires additional support. Parallel to these labor concerns, the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital has come under intense scrutiny following a mid-year performance review. The hospital’s Director of Finance, Emmanuel Coffie, has faced criticism for failing to report on revenue generated from private specialist services—a controversial pay-to-jump-the-queue arrangement. This omission has sparked confusion among hospital staff and raised serious questions regarding the financial management of high-demand services. The lack of transparency regarding these funds has fueled internal tensions and intensified calls for greater accountability within the hospital’s leadership. The combination of stagnant wages and administrative opacity highlights a systemic challenge within the Ghanaian healthcare system. As President John Mahama’s administration navigates these complexities, the HSWU continues to push for a more equitable pay structure to prevent a further decline in worker morale and service delivery. Stakeholders warn that without addressing both the wage gap for frontline workers and the financial reporting lapses at major hospitals, the sector risks losing its most valuable personnel to migration or alternate industries, ultimately compromising the quality of care for all Ghanaians.

GCB Bank Staff Enhance Healthcare Delivery with Major Equipment Donations to Kpando and Aflao Hospitals
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GCB Bank Staff Enhance Healthcare Delivery with Major Equipment Donations to Kpando and Aflao Hospitals

Employees of GCB Bank PLC have intensified their support for Ghana's healthcare sector through significant donations to the Margaret Marquart Catholic Hospital in Kpando and the Ketu South Municipal Hospital in Aflao. These contributions, delivered under the bank’s 2026 Staff Community Impact Programme (SCIP), aim to address critical infrastructure gaps and improve service delivery for thousands of patients across the Volta and Oti regions. By leveraging internal resources and employee initiative, the bank is targeting specific clinical needs identified by hospital administrators. In Aflao, the bank's staff focused their efforts on the maternity ward of the Ketu South Municipal Hospital, a facility that serves between 250 and 270 expectant mothers every month. Recognizing the pressure on the ward's resources, the employees provided essential maternity equipment, including delivery beds, drip stands, and bedside lockers. This intervention is expected to enhance the quality of care for both mothers and newborns, ensuring a safer and more comfortable environment for childbirth in one of the region's busiest municipal hospitals. The Margaret Marquart Catholic Hospital in Kpando also received a vital boost to its operational and clinical capacity. In response to a direct request for assistance with patient movement and administrative bottlenecks, GCB staff donated wheelchairs and stretchers alongside laptops. These items are designed to improve the efficiency of healthcare delivery by streamlining data management and reducing the physical burden on medical staff when transporting patients within the hospital premises. These donations are part of a broader national effort by GCB Bank, involving over 4,500 employees organized into 95 distinct groups working on various community projects. The 2026 SCIP emphasizes direct employee engagement with local communities to identify and solve pressing needs. By empowering staff to lead these initiatives, GCB Bank continues to demonstrate its commitment to corporate social responsibility while fostering a culture of service that extends beyond financial banking into the fundamental well-being of the Ghanaian populace.

Children happily seated in the hub. Picture: ESTHER ADJORKOR ADJEI
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Provident Insurance and Lifeline Ghana Partner to Enhance Cancer Care and Awareness at Korle Bu

Major strides in cancer advocacy and patient care have been made at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH) following the launch of the 2026 Prostate Cancer Awareness Month and the inauguration of a new learning facility for pediatric patients. Provident Insurance Limited has spearheaded these efforts through strategic partnerships with the Urology and Nephrology Centre of Excellence and the Ghana Association of Urological Surgeons (GAUS), alongside significant support for Lifeline for Childhood Cancer Ghana (LCCG). These initiatives reflect a growing commitment to improving health outcomes through both preventative education and enhanced patient support systems. The 2026 awareness campaign, themed "Prostate Cancer: Early Detection Saves Lives," seeks to address the critical need for proactive screening among Ghanaian men. By collaborating with GAUS and KBTH experts, Provident Insurance aims to demystify the disease and provide a platform for men to seek medical advice without delay. The initiative emphasizes that early diagnosis is the most effective tool for improving survival rates, highlighting the company's dedication to providing essential support to families and communities across the country while advocating for compassionate clinical care. Parallel to the adult health campaign, Lifeline Childhood Cancer Ghana has officially opened "Awo’s Nest Learning Hub" at the KBTH childhood cancer unit. Named in honor of Professor Lorna Awo Renner, the hub is designed to offer a child-friendly environment where young patients can read, play, and interact outside of their clinical routines. The facility, which includes a library, play areas, and outdoor spaces, was made possible through the support of various organizations, including Provident Insurance. The hub's primary goal is to foster emotional well-being and social interaction, ensuring that children can maintain aspects of a normal childhood while receiving intensive medical treatment. These dual initiatives represent a holistic approach to cancer management in Ghana, bridging the gap between clinical treatment and social support. By focusing on both adult awareness and the emotional needs of children, the partners involved are reinforcing a community-centered health model. Moving forward, the success of these programs will depend on sustained public engagement and continued investment in the infrastructure required to support families navigating the challenges of a cancer diagnosis.

Predictive AI Adoption in Hospitals Hits 71% Amid Growing Concerns Over Data Integrity
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Predictive AI Adoption in Hospitals Hits 71% Amid Growing Concerns Over Data Integrity

The integration of predictive Artificial Intelligence (AI) into hospital workflows has reached a significant milestone, with 71% of U.S. non-federal acute care hospitals now utilizing these systems alongside Electronic Health Records (EHRs). This marks a notable increase from 66% in 2023, reflecting a rapid global shift toward data-driven clinical decision-making. However, as the reliance on AI grows, industry experts warn that the efficacy of these tools is entirely dependent on the quality and reliability of the underlying data pipelines. Flaws in data collection or processing can lead to critical misinterpretations, directly impacting patient care and safety. Two of the most pressing challenges facing the healthcare sector are data quality and interoperability. Interoperability remains a significant hurdle, as disparate systems often struggle to share information without losing context or accuracy. When shared data is misinterpreted by an AI algorithm, it can lead to erroneous diagnoses or treatment recommendations. Furthermore, the presence of bias in population health algorithms poses a serious risk, potentially worsening healthcare disparities if the data used to train and run these systems is not representative or is fundamentally flawed. To mitigate these risks, there is an urgent call for the implementation of 'trustworthy AI' frameworks. Essential capabilities for these frameworks include automated quality monitoring, meticulous source documentation, and ongoing validation of algorithmic outputs. Despite the surge in AI adoption, many healthcare organizations currently lack the consistent oversight and infrastructure necessary to manage these systems responsibly. Transitioning from simple implementation to robust, integrated data governance is now seen as a prerequisite for any institution looking to modernize its healthcare delivery. Ultimately, the future of healthcare AI depends on creating a symbiotic relationship between advanced technology and rigorous data management. For AI to truly optimize patient outcomes, systems must be continuously monitored and evaluated to ensure they meet the practical needs of both medical professionals and patients. Addressing the technical debt in data infrastructure and prioritizing interoperability will be the defining factors in whether predictive AI becomes a reliable cornerstone of modern medicine or a source of systemic clinical risk.

Infographic about the Ebola virus after the World Health Organisation declared an outbreak in DR Congo and Uganda as an international health emergency on May 17. By Jonathan WALTER, Valentina BRESCHI (AFP)
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DR Congo’s Deadliest Ebola Outbreak Expands to South-Ubangi Province

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is grappling with its most severe Ebola crisis to date as health authorities confirm the virus has spread to a seventh province. The detection of a case in South-Ubangi marks a significant escalation in the ongoing outbreak, which has already claimed thousands of lives since mid-May. Local officials and international health monitors are now on high alert as the virus reaches deeper into the country’s territory, threatening to destabilize an already fragile health system. Acting Governor Jean-Rene Galekwa Vundawe officially announced the arrival of the virus in South-Ubangi on Friday following positive laboratory tests on a suspected case. The emergence of Ebola in this specific province is particularly concerning due to its strategic location bordering the Central African Republic and Congo-Brazzaville. Health experts fear that the virus could cross international borders if containment measures are not rapidly scaled up, given the high volume of movement across these frontiers. Current data underscores the unprecedented lethality of this current wave. Since its detection earlier this year, the outbreak has resulted in 3,310 deaths out of 6,843 confirmed cases, reflecting a staggering mortality rate. The spread to South-Ubangi was traced back to an infected patient who traveled across several regions before succumbing to the disease. This mobility highlights the immense difficulty health workers face in tracking contacts and isolating cases in a country where internal travel is frequent but monitoring infrastructure remains limited. Managing the crisis is further complicated by the DRC's historical challenges, including localized conflicts and a severely under-resourced medical infrastructure. While health authorities are intensifying efforts to monitor and isolate new cases, they have expressed an urgent need for additional personnel and medical supplies. Without a surge in international support and local resources, the risk of the virus spreading to even more provinces—or becoming a cross-border regional disaster—remains a looming threat for Central Africa.

GMTF Signs Deals to Build Cardiac Centres, Cancer Facility and US$10m Diagnostic Centre
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Ghana Medical Trust Fund and Africa’s Brain Bank Launch Landmark Healthcare Infrastructure Projects Nationwide

Ghana is set for a significant transformation in its healthcare landscape as both the Ghana Medical Trust Fund (GMTF) and Africa’s Brain Bank Global initiate major infrastructure projects aimed at reducing specialized care gaps. In a strategic shift, the GMTF is moving away from its traditional role of primarily settling individual patient bills to investing directly in specialized medical facilities. Meanwhile, a multi-billion-dollar "Global Medical City" has been launched in Ada, signaling a private-sector push to establish Ghana as a premier destination for medical tourism and advanced research on the continent. The GMTF’s new roadmap, led by Administrator Adjoa Obuobia Darko-Opoku, includes the establishment of cardiac catheterization centers at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital in Kumasi and the Tamale Teaching Hospital. Additionally, the Fund is financing a US$10 million Diagnostic and Imaging Centre at the Greater Accra Regional Hospital and a dedicated Oncology and Nuclear Medicine Center at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital. Mrs. Darko-Opoku emphasized that financial aid alone cannot solve the nation's health crisis; rather, the focus must shift toward providing the equipment and specialist training necessary to handle chronic diseases locally. The Fund aims to place at least 10 specialists in every region and will take an active role in maintaining the efficiency of the new equipment. Complementing these public initiatives, Africa’s Brain Bank Global has broken ground on a 3,000-acre Global Medical City in Ada. This ambitious project, described by CEO Rev. Dr. Pam Fomunung, is designed to feature state-of-the-art hospitals, research centers, and digital health services. By creating a world-class environment for medical education and practice, the initiative seeks to reverse the trend of Africans seeking complex treatments abroad and instead retain medical expertise within the continent. The project will be developed in phases, with the first structures expected to be operational within three to five years. Together, these developments represent a dual-front approach to modernizing Ghanaian healthcare through infrastructure and human resource development. While the GMTF focuses on immediate regional gaps in cardiac and cancer care, the Ada Medical City looks toward long-term sustainability through research and diaspora investment. These initiatives are expected to create significant job opportunities, improve patient access to affordable specialized treatment, and ultimately position Ghana as a regional leader in the African healthcare sector.

MoFFA Issues 14-Day Ultimatum to Battor Catholic Hospital Mortuary Over Missing Body of 53-Year-Old Woman
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MoFFA Issues 14-Day Ultimatum to Battor Catholic Hospital Mortuary Over Missing Body of 53-Year-Old Woman

The Mortuaries and Funeral Facilities Agency (MoFFA) has issued a stern 14-day ultimatum to the management of the Battor Catholic Hospital Mortuary Annex to account for the missing body of 53-year-old Madam Georgina Tsiakie Agbasi. The directive follows reports that the remains of the deceased had disappeared from the facility, sparking outrage and distress among her relatives. MoFFA’s intervention comes after preliminary assessments by the agency identified significant lapses and procedural gaps within the mortuary's operations that may have contributed to the disappearance. Dr. Phillip Sarpong, representing MoFFA, confirmed that an investigation into the matter is underway and assured the bereaved family that every effort is being made to locate the remains. However, the regulatory body’s findings have already pointed toward systemic failures in how the facility handles bodies. While MoFFA has engaged with the mortuary's management to rectify these issues, the family of Madam Agbasi remains frustrated. Reverend Ebenezer Ogbe, the family head, expressed disappointment that they were not directly briefed on the agency’s ultimatum, noting that the lack of direct communication has added to their confusion. The emotional toll on the family has been profound, particularly for the deceased’s husband, who is reportedly struggling to cope with the uncertainty surrounding his wife's remains. The family had been in the process of preparing for final burial rites, which have now been suspended indefinitely. Rev. Ogbe highlighted that the family’s subsequent actions, including the nature and timing of the burial, will depend entirely on whether the body is recovered and the physical condition of the remains upon discovery. As the 14-day window begins, the management of the Battor Catholic Hospital Mortuary Annex faces intense pressure to provide answers and rectify the administrative "gaps" identified by regulators. This incident raises broader concerns regarding the oversight of mortuary facilities in Ghana and the necessity for more rigorous tracking systems to prevent such traumatic occurrences. For now, the Agbasi family remains in a state of mourning compounded by a desperate search for answers, waiting to see if the facility can produce the body before the deadline expires.

WHO Reports 3.8% of Ghanaian Adults Contemplate Suicide as Nation Shifts Toward Compassionate Care
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WHO Reports 3.8% of Ghanaian Adults Contemplate Suicide as Nation Shifts Toward Compassionate Care

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has sounded an alarm over the mental health landscape in Ghana, revealing that 3.8% of the adult population has considered suicide. Speaking at the launch of activities for World Suicide Prevention Day in Accra, WHO Country Representative Dr. Fiona Braka disclosed that approximately 2.3% of adults have gone as far as attempting to take their own lives. These figures underscore a pressing public health challenge that requires immediate and coordinated national attention to prevent further loss of life. The data, largely drawn from the 2023 Ghana STEPS Survey, highlights a particularly worrying trend among the nation's youth. Dr. Braka noted that suicidal thoughts are increasingly prevalent among young people, necessitating the development of targeted interventions specifically designed for this demographic. The WHO representative emphasized the profound and tragic implications suicide has on families and entire communities, advocating for a holistic approach to address the underlying causes and provide a safety net for those in distress. A significant turning point in Ghana's approach to this crisis was the landmark decision in March 2023 to decriminalize attempted suicide. Dr. Braka lauded the Ghanaian government for this legislative shift, describing it as a transition toward a more compassionate and medicalized framework for mental health. By removing the threat of prosecution, the government has cleared a path for individuals in crisis to seek help without fear, allowing health professionals to focus on care and rehabilitation rather than legal repercussions. Looking forward, the WHO is calling for the urgent strengthening of national support systems to protect vulnerable populations. Dr. Braka urged all stakeholders—including healthcare providers, community leaders, and policymakers—to enhance prevention efforts and ensure that mental health services are accessible to those at risk. The goal of the upcoming World Suicide Prevention Day activities is to foster a societal environment where mental health is prioritized and every individual has access to the life-saving support they need.