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.

Indo-Ghana Industries Launches Local Liquid Medical Oxygen Production to Bolster Healthcare Supply
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Indo-Ghana Industries Launches Local Liquid Medical Oxygen Production to Bolster Healthcare Supply

Indo-Ghana Industries has officially commenced the supply of locally produced liquid medical oxygen to Ghanaian healthcare facilities, marking a significant shift in the country's medical infrastructure. The initiative kicked off with a successful delivery to Lekma Hospital, which has been equipped with a modern cryogenic storage system. This transition from traditional, labor-intensive cylinder-based distribution to liquid oxygen storage is designed to eliminate chronic logistical delays and high transportation costs that have historically hampered emergency medical care. The facility currently produces approximately 10 tonnes of liquid oxygen daily, providing a much-needed domestic alternative to imported supplies. The new cryogenic setup at Lekma Hospital serves as a blueprint for a nationwide rollout, featuring a storage tank with a capacity equivalent to 1,000 cylinders of gaseous oxygen. This system allows hospitals to maintain a reliable three-month reserve of high-purity oxygen, a critical improvement over the frequent shortages experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic. Supported by development partners including USAID and the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI), storage tanks have already been installed in approximately 15 hospitals across Ghana. The company aims to implement a "hub-and-spoke" distribution model to ensure that even smaller facilities can benefit from this streamlined supply chain. Despite the operational success, Indo-Ghana Industries and hospital officials have highlighted several systemic challenges that threaten the sustainability of local production. High electricity costs and significant delays in payments from hospitals remain primary obstacles. To mitigate these risks, the company is advocating for medical oxygen producers to be granted "critical service status," which would protect production lines from power outages. Furthermore, there is a growing call for a comprehensive national medical oxygen policy to better manage distribution and ensure that the healthcare system remains resilient against future respiratory health crises.

FoSCel Foundation Calls for School Curriculum Reforms as 18,000 Ghanaian Babies Are Born with Sickle Cell Disease Annually
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FoSCel Foundation Calls for School Curriculum Reforms as 18,000 Ghanaian Babies Are Born with Sickle Cell Disease Annually

Ghana faces a significant public health challenge, with an estimated 18,000 babies born with sickle cell disease (SCD) every year. Addressing this issue, Amos Andoh, the Founder and Executive Director of the Focus on Sickle Cell Foundation (FoSCel), is championing a nationwide call for structural changes in how the country approaches the condition. Speaking on the GTV Breakfast Show, Andoh—himself a "sickle cell warrior"—emphasized that the high birth rate of affected children is largely fueled by a lack of awareness and the persistence of societal myths surrounding genotype compatibility. A primary pillar of Andoh’s advocacy is the integration of sickle cell education into the national school curriculum. He argues that formal education is the most effective tool to empower the younger generation, helping them make informed health and relationship choices long before they reach reproductive age. By teaching students about the biological realities of the disease, the education system can systematically dismantle the stigma and discrimination that often plague individuals living with SCD. Andoh believes that accurate, early-stage information will transform how future parents approach family planning, ultimately reducing the incidence of the disease. Beyond the classroom, Andoh is urging young adults, particularly women, to take immediate personal responsibility by prioritizing genotype awareness in their romantic lives. He advised that a partner's genotype should be one of the first topics of discussion in a new relationship, rather than focusing on trivial matters. According to Andoh, many parents only discover their genotype incompatibility after the birth of a child with SCD, a situation that often leads to emotional distress and financial strain due to frequent pain crises and healthcare costs. He stressed that early inquiry is not about discrimination but about making informed reproductive choices. To support these awareness efforts, the FoSCel Foundation is actively engaging in public outreach, particularly during Sickle Cell Awareness Month. These initiatives include providing free genotype testing at various events and organizing health screenings to bridge the gap in public knowledge. By combining grassroots activism with calls for policy change, Andoh and his foundation aim to foster a more empathetic and informed society where genotype compatibility is standard knowledge, ensuring a healthier future for the next generation of Ghanaians.

Dr De-Gaulle Moses Dogbatsey, CEO of the Medi-Moses Group of Companies
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Medi-Moses Clinic and Dorothy’s Hope Foundation Lead Strategic Health Advocacy for Prostate and Breast Cancer Awareness

Major health advocacy initiatives are taking center stage this September as organizations ramp up efforts to address critical wellness issues affecting both men and women. In Ghana, the Medi-Moses Clinic and Prostate Centre has dedicated the month to intensive prostate health education, while on the international front, the Dorothy’s Hope Foundation (DHF) is preparing to host a series of high-level women’s health forums in New York. These concurrent campaigns underscore a growing global commitment to preventive care, early detection, and the mobilization of strategic partnerships to improve long-term health outcomes. The Medi-Moses Clinic and Prostate Centre’s initiative, themed "Something Exciting Is Coming This September," is specifically designed to mark Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. The campaign aims to demystify prostate conditions and encourage men to take a proactive role in their health management. Key activities include free prostate screening sessions, public education seminars, and the wide distribution of health tips and information. By focusing on early detection and proactive management, the clinic seeks to enhance public understanding and improve access to essential services for prostate-related issues. Simultaneously, the Dorothy’s Hope Foundation is expanding the scope of health advocacy to the global stage with two landmark events scheduled in New York. On September 24, 2026, the foundation will host the "Health is Wealth Forum" in conjunction with the 81st United Nations General Assembly. Under the theme "Empowering Women through Leadership and Global Impact," the forum will convene global leaders to discuss breast cancer awareness and healthcare access. This will be followed on October 23, 2026, by the "Brushes of Strength Fundraising Gala," an event dedicated to honoring breast cancer survivors and fostering Africa-Diaspora engagement in women’s health outcomes. These initiatives represent a comprehensive approach to public health, bridging the gap between local clinical interventions and high-level international policy discussion. While the Medi-Moses Clinic provides essential direct services and screening locally, the Dorothy’s Hope Foundation works to secure the strategic partnerships necessary for sustainable health equity on a global scale. Together, these efforts highlight the critical importance of awareness month observances in fostering a culture of health consciousness and ensuring that life-saving information and care are accessible to all demographics.

Doctors Without Borders Warns of Imminent Collapse of Sudan’s Healthcare System Amid Funding Shortfall
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Doctors Without Borders Warns of Imminent Collapse of Sudan’s Healthcare System Amid Funding Shortfall

Sudan's healthcare infrastructure is teetering on the edge of total collapse as the nation's internal conflict continues to devastate the medical sector. Doctors Without Borders (MSF) has issued an urgent warning, highlighting that the convergence of escalating violence, mass displacement, and a sharp decline in international aid funding has created a humanitarian catastrophe. The medical charity emphasized that the situation has reached a critical tipping point, with millions of lives hanging in the balance as the ability to provide basic health services evaporates. The impact of the conflict is multifaceted, combining physical destruction of infrastructure with a brain drain of medical professionals. Many doctors and nurses have been forced to flee the country or have been displaced internally, leaving the remaining facilities struggling to cope with the influx of trauma cases. MSF reports that the shrinking number of operational medical centers is creating a "medical desert" in many parts of Sudan. This crisis is compounded by the fact that international donors have diverted focus and funds elsewhere, leaving a massive gap in the resources required to sustain life-saving interventions. Looking forward, the outlook remains bleak unless there is a significant shift in international policy and humanitarian prioritization. The breakdown of routine immunization programs and maternal health services poses a long-term threat to the Sudanese population. Humanitarian actors are urging the international community to decouple aid from political considerations and to prioritize the protection of health workers and facilities. The collapse of the healthcare system is not just a domestic issue for Sudan; it is a regional humanitarian emergency that demands a swift and well-funded global response to prevent further loss of life.

UK Coroner Attributes Death of Nigerian-British Influencer Igho Ubiribo to Post-Surgery Pulmonary Embolism in Thailand
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UK Coroner Attributes Death of Nigerian-British Influencer Igho Ubiribo to Post-Surgery Pulmonary Embolism in Thailand

A 43-year-old Nigerian-British businessman and social media influencer, Igho Ubiribo, has tragically passed away following complications from a cosmetic procedure in Thailand. A UK coroner's investigation recently confirmed that the cause of death was a pulmonary embolism, which was directly linked to a penis enlargement surgery he had undergone. The case has sent shockwaves through his community and raised urgent questions about the safety and regulation of medical tourism for elective cosmetic enhancements. Mr. Ubiribo, who was well-regarded for his business ventures and active social media presence, traveled to Thailand specifically to seek the procedure. However, the post-operative period was marked by the fatal development of a pulmonary embolism. This condition occurs when a blood clot, often originating in the legs during or after surgery as deep vein thrombosis, travels to the lungs and blocks blood flow. The coroner's finding underscores the inherent physical toll such surgeries can take on the body, particularly when compounded by the stresses of long-distance travel and the recovery environment in a foreign jurisdiction. This incident highlights a growing and dangerous trend in medical tourism, where individuals travel across international borders to access cheaper or more specialized cosmetic surgeries. While Thailand is a global hub for medical procedures, the lack of immediate proximity to a patient's primary healthcare providers and the physical strain of international flights shortly after surgery significantly increase the risk of post-operative complications. Health experts frequently warn that procedures sought outside of strictly regulated home environments can lead to life-threatening emergencies that are difficult to manage once the patient is in transit or has returned home. The death of Igho Ubiribo serves as a sobering reminder of the potential consequences associated with elective cosmetic surgery. As the popularity of body modification and enhancement procedures continues to rise globally, health officials are urging the public to prioritize medical safety over cost or convenience. The UK coroner’s report emphasizes the necessity for thorough medical consultations and a comprehensive understanding of the risks involved, particularly the danger of blood clots, before committing to surgical interventions in foreign countries.

Grindr Agrees to £26 Million Settlement Over Allegations of Sharing Users' HIV Status with Third Parties
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Grindr Agrees to £26 Million Settlement Over Allegations of Sharing Users' HIV Status with Third Parties

Grindr, the prominent social networking app for the LGBTQ+ community, has agreed to a £26 million settlement to resolve a class action lawsuit centered on the alleged misuse of sensitive user information. The legal action claimed that the platform improperly shared deeply personal data, including users' HIV status and last test dates, with third-party analytics services. The settlement, which will be paid out in two installments of £13 million, marks a significant conclusion to a long-standing legal dispute regarding privacy rights and the commercialization of sensitive health data. The allegations at the heart of the lawsuit primarily concern the period before 2020, during which the application was owned by the Chinese firm Kunlun. During this era, the platform was accused of transmitting highly sensitive user metrics to third-party data analytics firms for commercial purposes. This practice reportedly continued until significant public backlash and intensifying regulatory pressure forced a shift in the company's operations. The lawsuit emphasized the vulnerability of users who shared intimate health details under the expectation of privacy, only to have that data potentially utilized for targeted advertising or data profiling. While Grindr has consistently disputed the legal allegations of wrongdoing, the company acknowledged the significant distress these claims caused to its global user base. Since transitioning to new ownership in 2020, the company maintains that it has implemented rigorous improvements to its data handling practices and privacy protocols. This settlement follows a history of regulatory scrutiny for the app; Grindr has previously faced substantial fines from data protection authorities in both Norway and the United Kingdom for similar lapses in data security and consent management. The resolution of this case underscores the increasing legal and financial risks tech companies face when handling sensitive health and personal information. For the users involved, the settlement provides a measure of accountability for the alleged breach of trust. As data privacy regulations tighten globally, this case serves as a landmark reminder of the necessity for digital platforms to prioritize user confidentiality over commercial data-sharing agreements, particularly when dealing with information as sensitive as an individual's medical status.

Veteran Actress Mavis Yeboah 'Maame Gyanwaa' Pleads for Financial Aid to Prevent Total Blindness
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Veteran Actress Mavis Yeboah 'Maame Gyanwaa' Pleads for Financial Aid to Prevent Total Blindness

Veteran Ghanaian actress Mavis Yeboah, popularly known as Maame Gyanwaa, has issued a desperate plea for financial assistance as she battles a debilitating eye condition that threatens her sight. Diagnosed with retinal artery occlusion, the beloved screen icon revealed that her vision has been severely impaired, leaving her in a precarious state where total blindness is a looming possibility. Her emotional appeal, made during a recent television appearance, highlights the intersection of health crises and financial instability often faced by veteran entertainers in Ghana. Speaking on Nayas’ ‘Experience in Life’ show, a tearful Maame Gyanwaa shared the harrowing details of her medical journey. She explained that despite her years of hard work in the Ghanaian film industry, the costs associated with treating retinal artery occlusion—a condition caused by a blockage in the blood supply to the retina—have become overwhelming. The actress lamented that her lifelong efforts have not been enough to cover the specialized medical care required to save her remaining vision, prompting her to turn to the public for support to fund her ongoing treatment. The plight of Maame Gyanwaa is not an isolated incident but rather reflective of a broader challenge within the creative arts sector, where veteran performers frequently find themselves without adequate health insurance or retirement buffers. Her case underscores the urgent need for sustainable support systems for aging creatives who have dedicated their lives to national culture but struggle to afford life-altering medical treatments. As she continues her fight against permanent blindness, her story serves as a call to action for both government stakeholders and the general public to contribute toward her medical fund and address the welfare of veteran artists.

FDA Seizes 4 Million Counterfeit Baby Diapers as GNFS Launches Fire Safety Drive for Artisans
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FDA Seizes 4 Million Counterfeit Baby Diapers as GNFS Launches Fire Safety Drive for Artisans

Public safety authorities in Ghana have initiated significant enforcement and educational campaigns to protect citizens from hazardous consumer products and workplace accidents. In a major health and safety operation, the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) and the Consumer Protection Agency (CPA) have confiscated over four million pieces of counterfeit, unregistered, or non-compliant baby diapers across the country. Simultaneously, the Bono East Regional Command of the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) has launched a grassroots fire safety drive in Techiman, targeting master artisans to curb workplace hazards. The FDA’s nationwide market surveillance exercise specifically targeted unbranded and improperly packaged diapers that pose substantial health risks to infants, such as skin infections and poor hygiene. This operation, which has been ongoing since the beginning of the year, saw major seizures in the Western Region, particularly in Takoradi and Tarkwa. Authorities noted that these counterfeit products often bypass mandatory quality standards. The FDA and CPA have reaffirmed their commitment to extending this crackdown across all regions to ensure that only certified, safe products are available to consumers. Complementing these regulatory actions, the GNFS engagement in Techiman on September 8, 2026, focused on equipping community leaders with essential fire safety knowledge. ACFO I Rev. Naomi Ofori-Adubea Sarpong met with 55 leaders of artisan groups, emphasizing that fire prevention and continuous education are critical to the Service's mandate. The session allowed master craftsmen and apprentices to discuss workplace safety, with participants hailing the dialogue as a vital step in protecting their trades from fire-related disasters. These combined efforts by the FDA and GNFS highlight a proactive national approach to safeguarding public health and safety. While the seizure of millions of unsafe diapers addresses immediate risks to children, the fire safety drive aims to build long-term resilience within the informal economic sector. Moving forward, both agencies have urged the public to remain vigilant and comply with safety regulations to ensure a safer environment in homes and workplaces across Ghana.

Nearly Three Billion People Globally Exposed to Secondhand Smoke as Health Crisis Persists, Lancet Study Finds
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Nearly Three Billion People Globally Exposed to Secondhand Smoke as Health Crisis Persists, Lancet Study Finds

A groundbreaking study published in The Lancet Public Health reveals that approximately three billion people were exposed to the dangers of secondhand smoke (SHS) globally in 2023. Despite significant international efforts to curb tobacco use over the last three decades, the absolute number of people affected by passive smoking has remained largely unchanged since 1990. This exposure is linked to a staggering 1.66 million deaths annually and 44.8 million disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs), underscoring a persistent and severe public health challenge that transcends borders. The global prevalence rate of exposure currently stands at 33.9%, highlighting the massive scale of this environmental health risk. The demographics of those affected are particularly concerning, with women and children bearing the brunt of the exposure. According to the research, 1.49 billion women and 767 million children under the age of 15 lived in environments where they were regularly exposed to tobacco smoke. Geographically, the crisis is most acute in Southeast Asia, East Asia, and Oceania, where exposure rates reach as high as 48.4%. Notably, China, India, and Indonesia alone account for nearly half of the world's total exposed population, indicating that tobacco control in these highly populated nations is central to solving the global issue. In sub-Saharan Africa, the situation has taken an alarming turn, with exposure levels nearly doubling since 1990. The health consequences for these populations are dire; for adults, ischemic heart disease has been identified as the leading cause of health loss attributable to secondhand smoke. For children, the impact is frequently manifested through severe lower respiratory infections. These findings highlight a shifting landscape where tobacco-related health burdens are increasingly concentrated in regions where rapid population growth and limited tobacco control measures create a significant risk to public health. Addressing this global health emergency requires a renewed commitment to comprehensive tobacco control measures and the implementation of voluntary smoking restrictions in private spaces. Public health experts emphasize that while legislative progress has been made in many nations, the lack of decline in absolute numbers indicates that current strategies are being outpaced by population expansion. To protect the billions currently at risk, international health bodies are calling for more aggressive interventions, including enhanced public education and stricter enforcement of smoke-free environments to mitigate the long-term impact on global health systems.

Report health workers who collect illegal charges for them to be sanctioned - Akandoh
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Health Minister Akandoh Warns Against Illegal Fees for Free Primary Healthcare as NHIA Disburses GH¢281m in Claims

Minister for Health Kwabena Mintah Akandoh has issued a stern warning to health workers across the country, cautioning against the solicitation of illegal payments for services under the government’s Free Primary Healthcare (FPHC) programme. This directive comes as the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) announces a significant disbursement of GH¢281.66 million in claims to service providers for August 2026, reinforcing the administration’s commitment to achieving universal health coverage under the leadership of President John Mahama. The payments represent a critical step in maintaining the stability of the healthcare sector while the government expands access to essential medical services at the community level. Speaking at a recent press conference, Minister Akandoh emphasized that the FPHC initiative is designed to remove financial barriers, allowing Ghanaians to access care for common illnesses and preventive services without the need for a National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) card in 135 currently active districts. The Minister highlighted that any health worker found demanding payment for these mandated free services will face rigorous investigation and potential sanctions. To protect citizens, the Ministry is establishing a formal reporting mechanism to allow patients to flag informal charges at health facilities, ensuring that the promise of free care is upheld at the point of service and that providers remain accountable to the public. Supporting the sustainability of these health services, the NHIA’s Chief Executive, Dr. Victor Asare Bampoe, detailed the latest financial injections into the sector. The August payment of GH¢281.66 million brings the total claims settled in 2026 to GH¢1.64 billion. This funding was distributed across various sectors, with public health facilities receiving the largest share at 43.58%, followed by private facilities at 37.1%, and mission health facilities at 19.32%. Dr. Bampoe underscored that timely reimbursements are critical for providers to maintain the high standards of care expected by NHIS members and FPHC beneficiaries alike, particularly as the demand for services increases under the new policy framework. The Free Primary Healthcare programme is currently operational in 135 of the 150 targeted districts, with the government aiming for full nationwide coverage by the end of the year. Minister Akandoh clarified that the initiative is intended to complement, rather than replace, the NHIS by strengthening community-based prevention and primary care. As the government continues to reconcile claims and expand access, the focus remains on ensuring that no Ghanaian is denied essential medical attention due to illegal cost barriers or administrative delays. The Ministry's proactive stance on sanctions and the NHIA's consistent payment schedule signal a robust effort to secure the nation's health future under the current administration.

Dr Mavis Sakyi (middle), acting Head of Public Health, Ministry of Health, interacting with Kofi Nsiah-Poku (right), President, Association of Ghana Industries, and other dignitaries at the AGI Ghana Roundtable on Low-And No-Calorie Sweeteners
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Health Ministry and AGI Address Ghana's Hypertension Crisis and Nutrition Policy in Accra Roundtable

The Ministry of Health has revealed that one in every five Ghanaians is currently battling elevated blood pressure, a statistic that underscores the growing burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) across the nation. This disclosure was made during a high-level roundtable and workshop in Accra, organized by the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI) in partnership with the International Sweeteners Association (ISA). The event brought together government officials, academia, and industry leaders to address the intersection of nutrition, food policy, and public health outcomes. Health officials noted that while hypertension cases saw a slight decline in 2025, the overall prevalence remains a critical concern, with women being more significantly affected than men. Experts warned that the poor management of elevated blood pressure is directly linked to a higher incidence of life-threatening conditions, such as strokes and heart disease. In response to these trends, the Ministry of Health is rallying support for increased preventive measures, including regular health screenings and the adoption of healthier dietary habits to curb the NCD epidemic. A primary focus of the workshop was the role of low and no-calorie sweeteners within Ghana's evolving food policy framework. Leaders such as Seth Twum-Akwaboah, CEO of AGI, and Laurent Oger of the ISA, emphasized the necessity of science-based policymaking. Discussions centered on the safety and efficacy of sweeteners and the implementation of the Nutrient Profile Model, a tool designed to help consumers make more informed nutritional choices. Stakeholders argued that establishing health policies must be grounded in scientific evidence while remaining sensitive to the local Ghanaian context. This collaborative engagement marks a significant step in the broader effort to enhance nutritional dialogue across Africa. By fostering a partnership between the food industry and health regulators, the AGI and ISA aim to create an environment where healthier food options are both accessible and scientifically validated. Moving forward, the consensus among participants is that a multi-sectoral approach—combining industrial innovation with robust public health surveillance—is essential to reducing the long-term impact of non-communicable diseases in Ghana.

KATH hails GMTF: 'One year feels like 70 years of service'
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KATH Receives GH¢4m Equipment Boost as Upper East Regional Hospital Launches Specialized Childhood Cancer Initiative

Healthcare delivery in Ghana has received a significant boost following substantial equipment donations to the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) and the launch of a dedicated childhood cancer care initiative at the Upper East Regional Hospital. These developments, spanning from Kumasi to Bolgatanga, represent a strategic push to modernize medical infrastructure and improve specialized services for some of the country's most vulnerable patients. The enhancements are expected to bridge the gap in diagnostic capabilities and provide life-saving interventions for both adults and children. At KATH, the Ghana Medical Trust Fund (GMTF) presented medical equipment valued at over GH¢4 million, a gesture the hospital management likened to 70 years of service condensed into a single year. The donation includes a high-tech Olympus endoscopy tower, jaundice meters, and essential respiratory and anaesthesia consumables. KATH CEO Dr. Paa Kwesi Baidoo explained that the new endoscopy machine replaces an outdated unit, allowing the hospital to reallocate scarce resources to other critical services. Adjoa Obuobia Darko-Opoku, Administrator of the GMTF, reiterated the fund’s commitment to equipping national health facilities, noting that the fund is also facilitating the development of a cardiac intervention centre at the hospital. Simultaneously, the Upper East Regional Hospital in Bolgatanga has officially launched its inaugural Childhood Cancer Awareness Month under the theme, ‐Demonstrating Impact: From Challenge to Change.‐ Medical Director Dr. Joseph Kojo Tambil emphasized that the initiative is born out of a commitment to improving life outcomes for children battling cancer in the region. To support this mission, the hospital is working toward establishing a histopathology laboratory to enhance diagnostic accuracy and has already secured weekly visits from a specialist oncologist to provide expert care closer to home for residents of the region. Dr. Tambil highlighted that while cancer care often offers limited financial returns for medical facilities, the hospital’s focus remains squarely on early detection and providing quality care to disadvantaged families. These combined efforts at KATH and the Upper East Regional Hospital signal a growing trend toward specialized medical care within Ghana’s public health sector. By addressing longstanding gaps in diagnostic tools and intervention equipment, these initiatives aim to reduce mortality rates and provide essential relief to families who previously had to travel long distances for specialized treatment.