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.

Gold Fields Ghana Foundation Invests GH¢452,000 in HEAL Outreach to Expand Healthcare Access in Awudua
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Gold Fields Ghana Foundation Invests GH¢452,000 in HEAL Outreach to Expand Healthcare Access in Awudua

The Gold Fields Ghana Foundation (GFGF) has significantly enhanced healthcare accessibility for over 260 residents of Awudua and its surrounding communities through its Health Engagement Access Link (HEAL) Programme. This comprehensive outreach initiative, which represented a total investment of more than GH¢452,000, was specifically designed to provide essential medical services and remove the financial and administrative barriers that often prevent rural populations from seeking care. By offering a combination of immediate clinical interventions and long-term health insurance support, the foundation continues to demonstrate its commitment to the well-being of its host communities. During the outreach, the foundation partnered with Diagnostic Centre Limited and Unilever Ghana to deliver a wide array of medical services. Residents received free screenings for various conditions, including Hepatitis B, HIV, and tuberculosis, alongside more specialized diagnostics such as ultrasound scans and blood tests. In addition to these screenings, the program provided free medications and essential hygiene products donated by Unilever Ghana. This collaborative approach allowed the HEAL Programme to address both clinical needs and the underlying hygiene factors that contribute to public health in the region. A critical component of the outreach was the renewal of National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) cards for the beneficiaries. By facilitating these renewals, the Gold Fields Ghana Foundation ensured that residents have continued, affordable access to the formal healthcare system long after the outreach event concluded. This focus on administrative sustainability is part of a broader strategy to promote preventive healthcare, encouraging community members to seek early medical attention for conditions that might otherwise become life-threatening if left unmanaged. The Foundation has reiterated the importance of these initiatives in reducing the healthcare burden on local families and improving the overall quality of life in mining-impacted areas. As part of its long-term vision, the Gold Fields Ghana Foundation aims to maintain these partnerships to bridge the infrastructure gap in rural healthcare. By prioritizing preventive care and diagnostic accuracy, the HEAL Programme serves as a model for corporate social responsibility in Ghana’s health sector, fostering a healthier and more resilient population.

Traditional Medicine Practice Council Shuts Down 30 Facilities in Ashanti Region Over Regulatory Breaches
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Traditional Medicine Practice Council Shuts Down 30 Facilities in Ashanti Region Over Regulatory Breaches

The Traditional Medicine Practice Council (TMPC) has taken decisive action against regulatory non-compliance by shutting down 30 traditional medicine facilities across the Ashanti Region. This enforcement exercise followed a rigorous 10-day assessment of 55 facilities, where inspectors identified various serious breaches of national health standards. The crackdown is part of a strategic effort to sanitize the traditional medicine sector and ensure that all practitioners operate within the legal framework to safeguard the health of the Ghanaian public. During the operation, the Council uncovered numerous instances of illegal practices being conducted by unqualified practitioners. Many of the shuttered facilities were found to be operating without the requisite licenses or had failed to renew their documentation, a direct violation of the Traditional Medicine Practice Act. Michael Lawson, the Head of Compliance at the TMPC, emphasized that these closures were necessary to prevent the distribution of unsafe treatments and to uphold the integrity of healthcare delivery. He noted that the exercise revealed a worrying trend of operators disregarding essential safety protocols. Beyond the immediate closures, the TMPC has warned that violators will face significant legal consequences. Mr. Lawson stated that the affected practitioners would be subject to administrative sanctions, and in cases involving extreme negligence or criminal conduct, the Council would pursue prosecution through the court system. This stance signals a heightened level of accountability for the traditional medicine sector, which remains a primary source of healthcare for many Ghanaians. By removing unlicensed operators, the Council aims to protect the reputation of ethical practitioners. This regional operation is a precursor to a broader national strategy as the TMPC prepares to extend its enforcement actions across the country. Under the current administration of President John Mahama, there is a renewed focus on strengthening health regulatory bodies to ensure quality service delivery at all levels of the healthcare system. The TMPC has urged the public to be vigilant and only patronize facilities that display valid licenses, while further inspections are planned to ensure that every provider of traditional medicine meets the high standards required by law.

DR Congo Ebola Outbreak Becomes World's Second-Largest with Over 3,500 Confirmed Cases
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DR Congo Ebola Outbreak Becomes World's Second-Largest with Over 3,500 Confirmed Cases

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is currently grappling with a severe health crisis as its ongoing Ebola epidemic has been officially designated the second-largest outbreak in global history. According to reports from the DRC Ministry of Communication and Media, the number of confirmed cases has now surpassed the 3,500 mark. This surge in infections highlights the significant challenges facing health authorities and international partners as they work to contain the spread of the virus in a region often affected by logistical and security complexities. Specific data reveals that confirmed cases have reached 3,532, a figure that surpasses the country's previous major record. The DRC’s 10th Ebola outbreak, which spanned from August 2018 to June 2020, previously held the record for the nation’s largest epidemic with approximately 3,470 cases. By exceeding this milestone, the current outbreak demonstrates the persistent threat of the virus and the difficulty of maintaining effective surveillance and response mechanisms over prolonged periods. The scale of this epidemic now trails only the 2014–2016 West Africa outbreak, making it a priority for global health monitoring. As health officials continue to respond to the crisis, the focus remains on enhancing contact tracing, improving community trust, and ensuring that medical resources are distributed to the most vulnerable zones. The Ministry of Communication and Media remains the primary source for updates as the nation seeks to bring the transmission numbers under control and prevent further loss of life.

UNICEF and Ghana Health Service Scale Up Safety Net Program for Pregnant Adolescents in Central Region
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UNICEF and Ghana Health Service Scale Up Safety Net Program for Pregnant Adolescents in Central Region

The Ghana Health Service (GHS), in partnership with UNICEF, has significantly bolstered its support for young mothers by expanding the Safety Net Intervention to 44 additional health facilities across the Central Region. As part of this strategic expansion, approximately 100 health service providers—including midwives, community health nurses, and health information officers—have completed intensive training aimed at improving maternal and child health services specifically tailored for pregnant adolescents. This initiative marks a critical step in integrating adolescent-friendly care into the mainstream healthcare delivery system, ensuring that one of the most vulnerable demographics receives specialized and dignified medical attention. Led by Emma Delali Foli, the Central Regional Adolescent Focal Person, the training sessions focused on equipping frontline workers with the clinical and interpersonal skills necessary to handle the unique challenges faced by adolescent mothers. Since its inception in 2020, the Safety Net Intervention has seen remarkable growth, evolving from a pilot in six districts to a robust program now covering 16 districts and 176 health facilities. Participants were briefed on specific program objectives and rigorous reporting requirements, which are essential for monitoring health outcomes and ensuring that the quality of care remains consistent as the program scales up across the region. The program has already demonstrated a substantial impact, with more than 5,000 pregnant adolescents benefiting from its services to date. By prioritizing sustainability, the GHS and UNICEF aim to create a lasting framework where health facilities are not only equipped with the right tools but also foster an environment free from the stigma often associated with teenage pregnancy. Moving forward, the recently trained providers are expected to act as mentors within their respective facilities, cascading their knowledge to colleagues to ensure the long-term success and accessibility of maternal healthcare for the youth in the Central Region.

Michael Harry Yamson (extreme right), the Administrator of the District Assemblies Common Fund, Dr Frank Owusu-Sekyere (3rd from left), Director, Medical Affairs of Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, and Prof. Catherine Segbefia (4th from right), Head of Department of Child Health, at the launch of the 100 X 100 Child Health Campaign by the Department of Child Health of the KBTH
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Korle Bu Child Health Department Launches GH¢10 Million '100 X 100' Fundraising Campaign

The Department of Child Health at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH) has officially launched the "100 X 100 Child Health Campaign," a strategic fundraising initiative aimed at raising GH¢10 million. This ambitious project seeks to mobilize 100,000 individuals to donate a minimum of GH¢100 each to modernize the hospital's pediatric facilities. The funds are earmarked for critical infrastructure upgrades and the procurement of modern medical equipment to ensure the highest standards of care for the nation’s youngest patients. During the launch event, key hospital officials, including Professor Catherine Segbefia, highlighted the urgent need for investment in the department. The primary focus of the campaign includes strengthening the babies unit and revitalizing the outpatient environments to create a more supportive atmosphere for both children and their caregivers. Much of the current infrastructure is considered outdated, posing challenges to effective healthcare delivery. By leveraging community support through this "power in numbers" approach, the hospital aims to bridge the funding gap required for these essential clinical improvements. To ensure public trust, the Chief Executive Officer of Korle Bu Teaching Hospital emphasized a strict commitment to accountability and transparency in the management of the donated funds. The campaign represents a proactive shift toward community-based healthcare financing, inviting the public to take an active stake in the health and well-being of Ghanaian children. As the initiative gains momentum, the hospital administration hopes the upgraded facilities will significantly reduce neonatal and child mortality rates while providing a more dignified experience for families seeking specialized pediatric services.

Winnie Byanyima — Executive Director, Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS)
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UNAIDS Executive Director Winnie Byanyima Urges African Nations to Increase Domestic Health Financing to Secure Gains Against HIV

Winnie Byanyima, the Executive Director of UNAIDS, has issued a powerful call to action for African nations to significantly increase domestic health financing to sustain the continent's fight against HIV/AIDS. Speaking at the Extraordinary Session of the African Union (AU) Assembly on Health in Accra, Byanyima emphasized that while Africa has made substantial progress in reducing new infections, these gains are increasingly fragile. She warned that a combination of dwindling external donor support and mounting national debt burdens across the continent poses a severe risk to the long-term goal of ending the AIDS epidemic. The UNAIDS chief highlighted the urgency of aligning national budgets with the UN Political Declaration on HIV/AIDS, which sets a target to end the public health threat of AIDS by 2030. Byanyima noted that relying on international aid is no longer a sustainable strategy for Africa's health security in an era of global economic shifts. Instead, she urged governments to prioritize local health investments and enhance their internal research and manufacturing capacities to ensure a steady supply of essential medicines and diagnostic tools. During her address, Byanyima specifically lauded Ghana’s decision to remove the financing cap on the National Health Insurance Fund, describing it as a benchmark for other nations to follow in ensuring sustainable health resource allocation. This move is seen as a vital step in maintaining the momentum of health service delivery without total reliance on fluctuating external budgets. She advocated for similar fiscal reforms across the continent to create more resilient health systems capable of weathering economic shocks. Beyond financial structures, Byanyima stressed that the success of the HIV response requires a frontal assault on the social and systemic inequalities that drive new infections. She argued that vulnerable populations often remain underserved due to deep-seated social disparities and limited access to essential services. To achieve the 2030 agenda, she concluded that African nations must not only bolster domestic resources but also ensure equitable distribution and confront the social barriers that prevent marginalized groups from accessing life-saving care.

Dr Fred Adomako-Boateng (hand stretched), Ashanti Regional Director of Health Services together with Charles Kofi Ogbeh (2nd from right) while interacting with some patients waiting to go through the screening exercise
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Dr. Fred Adomako-Boateng Calls for Hepatitis B Birth-Dose Vaccine to Curb Transmission in Ghana

Dr. Fred Adomako-Boateng, the Ashanti Regional Director of Health Services, has issued a powerful call for the removal of systemic barriers to hepatitis prevention and treatment in Ghana. Speaking at an event commemorating World Hepatitis Day, Dr. Adomako-Boateng revealed the staggering scale of the health crisis, noting that over three million Ghanaians are currently living with chronic Hepatitis B and C. He emphasized that without collective and immediate action, the nation risks missing its goal of eliminating viral hepatitis as a significant public health threat by the year 2030. Central to the proposed strategy is the nationwide introduction of the Hepatitis B birth-dose vaccine. This intervention is specifically targeted at preventing mother-to-child transmission, a critical pathway for the spread of the virus. Dr. Adomako-Boateng argued that integrating this vaccine into the standard neonatal care package is essential for safeguarding future generations. Furthermore, he highlighted the necessity of dismantling the stigma associated with the disease, which often prevents individuals from seeking testing or adhering to treatment regimens. By increasing public awareness and improving access to affordable vaccinations and diagnostics, health officials hope to normalize hepatitis care across all regions. The health director also urged medical professionals to integrate hepatitis screening into their routine clinical practices, ensuring that every patient encounter is an opportunity for early detection. This sentiment was echoed by Dr. Abena Konadu Yawson, who stressed the importance of early screening to prevent the long-term complications of chronic infection. Dr. Yawson also cautioned the public against behaviors that increase the risk of exposure, advocating for proactive lifestyle choices. Both speakers underscored that community support and education are indispensable components of the fight, as informed citizens are more likely to participate in screening programs and support those living with the condition. As Ghana moves toward the 2030 elimination target, the call for improved infrastructure and policy support remains urgent. The Ashanti Regional Health Directorate's push for routine screening and better access to treatment reflects a broader national need to prioritize liver health within the public health agenda. With millions already affected, the success of these initiatives will depend on sustained funding, political will, and the effective implementation of the birth-dose vaccine program to break the cycle of infection and ensure a healthier future for all Ghanaians.

Access Bank Ghana and UNFPA Renew Strategic Partnership to Combat Obstetric Fistula and Restore Women's Health
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Access Bank Ghana and UNFPA Renew Strategic Partnership to Combat Obstetric Fistula and Restore Women's Health

Access Bank Ghana PLC and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) have officially renewed their long-standing partnership aimed at eliminating obstetric fistula, a debilitating condition that affects hundreds of women across the country each year. This collaboration, which has been active since 2018, focuses on providing life-changing corrective surgeries, intensive advocacy, and public awareness campaigns to restore the health and dignity of survivors. By combining corporate social responsibility with international development expertise, the initiative seeks to bridge the significant gap in maternal healthcare services for vulnerable women. Regarding the bank’s ongoing commitment, Eugene Ocansey, the Executive Director for Retail and SME Banking at Access Bank, emphasized the institution’s dedication to supporting women who suffer from this preventable and treatable condition. Since the partnership's inception, the joint effort has successfully funded surgeries for over 300 women, allowing them to reintegrate into their communities without the stigma often associated with the ailment. The bank’s involvement extends beyond financial support, actively participating in advocacy to ensure that more women are aware that medical help is available and accessible. The scale of the challenge remains significant, as highlighted by Dr. Emily Naphambo, Deputy Representative of the UNFPA. Current data indicates that Ghana records between 700 and 1,200 new cases of obstetric fistula annually. Dr. Naphambo underscored the vital role of private sector intervention, noting that the current goal is to perform at least 200 surgical repairs every year. This target is part of a broader strategy to expand treatment access and significantly reduce the prevalence of the condition by 2030, ensuring that no woman is left to suffer in isolation. The renewal of this partnership represents a critical step toward achieving Ghana’s maternal health goals and upholding the reproductive rights of women. Beyond the operating room, the initiative fosters a supportive environment where survivors can regain their confidence and economic independence. As Access Bank and the UNFPA look toward 2030, their continued cooperation serves as a model for how public-private partnerships can effectively address deep-seated public health challenges and improve the lives of the most marginalized populations in society.

GTBank MD Thomas Attah John Champions Inclusion for Children with Autism Ahead of National Workshop
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GTBank MD Thomas Attah John Champions Inclusion for Children with Autism Ahead of National Workshop

The Managing Director of Guaranty Trust Bank (Ghana), Thomas Attah John, has issued a powerful call for greater social inclusion and practical support for individuals living with autism. Emphasizing that mere awareness campaigns are no longer sufficient to address the challenges faced by the autistic community, Mr. John advocated for tangible actions that integrate neurodivergent children into every facet of Ghanaian society. This advocacy comes ahead of the upcoming GTBank Autism Workshop, a flagship initiative designed to provide comprehensive support and specialized resources to families and caregivers. Scheduled to take place from August 4 to August 8 at the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA), the workshop is themed 'Acceptance in Action.' The five-day event aims to serve as a hub for parents, educators, and healthcare professionals to access vital information and specialist services. According to organizers, the program will feature a range of developmental experts and clinicians, offering a rare opportunity for families to consult with multiple specialists under one roof. Participation is free for the public, though prior registration is encouraged to ensure effective management of resources. Mavis Opoku Asantewaa, the Founder of the ROBB Foundation, has echoed these sentiments, highlighting the transformative impact such programs have on the lives of children with developmental disabilities. She noted that the workshop addresses a critical gap in the healthcare system by bringing together various specialist services that are often difficult for families to access individually. Ms. Asantewaa further advocated for the expansion of the program in the future to meet the growing demand for autism-related services across the country, stressing that early intervention and specialized care are fundamental to improving life outcomes for affected children. By moving the conversation from 'awareness' to 'action,' GTBank and its partners are seeking to dismantle the stigma and barriers that often marginalize autistic individuals in Ghana. The initiative underscores a growing trend of corporate social responsibility focusing on neurodiversity and mental health within the national health framework. As the workshop approaches, the call remains clear: the success of social change depends on the collective commitment of society to ensure that no child is left behind due to developmental differences.

Nursing and Midwifery Council Awaits Official Ministry Report to Discipline Nurses in Charles Amissah Case
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Nursing and Midwifery Council Awaits Official Ministry Report to Discipline Nurses in Charles Amissah Case

The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) has clarified that it is currently unable to initiate formal disciplinary proceedings against two nurses implicated in the death of Charles Amissah. Despite internal recommendations for sanctions, the regulatory body remains at a standstill due to the absence of an official investigative report from the Ministry of Health. Philomina Woolley, the Registrar of the NMC, emphasized that the council's hands are tied until the administrative documentation is formally handed over to them, as the council must follow strict legal protocols to ensure any sanctions are defensible under the law. The case involves nurses Akosua Turkson and Joy Daisy Nelson, whose conduct came under intense scrutiny following a committee investigation into the circumstances surrounding Mr. Amissah's passing. While the investigative committee has already proposed specific sanctions against the two health professionals, the NMC lacks the legal and administrative mandate to act on hearsay or informal findings. The Registrar noted that the council requires the definitive Ministry of Health report to serve as the basis for any professional misconduct charges or license revocations, a step necessary to maintain the integrity of the profession and protect the rights of the practitioners involved. Addressing the delay, the Chairman of the Parliamentary Select Committee on Health, Dr. Mark Kurt Nawaane, expressed optimism regarding the resolution of the procedural deadlock. He indicated that efforts are underway to ensure the necessary documentation reaches the NMC shortly. Dr. Nawaane’s involvement highlights the legislative oversight being applied to ensure accountability within the healthcare sector, particularly in high-profile cases of alleged negligence or procedural failure that result in patient fatalities. He assured the public that the legislative body is committed to seeing that justice is served and that the health delivery system remains robust. This situation underscores the complex bureaucratic processes governing medical accountability in Ghana. As the public awaits justice for the family of Charles Amissah, the spotlight remains on the Ministry of Health to expedite the transfer of the report. The eventual outcome of this case will serve as a significant indicator of how the Mahama administration's health authorities intend to enforce standards and discipline within the nursing and midwifery profession, ensuring that professional lapses are met with appropriate regulatory consequences and that public confidence in the healthcare system is restored.

Speakers and members of the National Viral Hepatitis Technical Working Group at the event
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Ghana Confronts Hepatitis Crisis as Only 1% of Chronic Hepatitis B Patients Receive Diagnosis

Health officials in Ghana have issued a stark warning regarding the nation's hepatitis burden, revealing that a staggering 99% of Ghanaians living with chronic hepatitis B remain undiagnosed. During the World Hepatitis Day 2026 commemorations held in Accra, experts disclosed that less than 1% of those affected are currently receiving the necessary treatment. The situation for hepatitis C is similarly concerning, with only a 9% diagnosis rate. These figures highlight a massive gap in the national healthcare response as the country faces an uphill battle to meet the World Health Organization’s (WHO) 2030 elimination targets. Dr. John Gerald Adiiboka, speaking at the event, emphasized that a lack of affordable screening and sustainable financing remains the primary barrier to controlling the virus. To address these systemic failures, the government has inaugurated a National Viral Hepatitis Technical Working Group. This body is tasked with developing a comprehensive national elimination plan that focuses on integrating screening services into primary healthcare and securing the political will necessary to prioritize viral hepatitis within the national health agenda under President John Mahama's administration. In a strategic move to bolster public awareness and reduce the stigma associated with the disease, the Ghana Health Service has appointed the renowned musician Okyeame Kwame as the National Hepatitis Ambassador. Health officials stressed that while hepatitis B is preventable through vaccination, the focus must also shift toward managing existing cases of hepatitis C effectively through improved access to antiviral medications. The appointment of an influential public figure is intended to drive a national conversation on the importance of testing and early intervention. The path toward the 2030 elimination goal requires an immediate and massive scale-up of diagnostic services across all levels of care. Officials warned that without significant financial investment and active public participation in screening exercises, the goal of eliminating viral hepatitis as a public health threat will remain unachievable. The transition toward a more structured elimination strategy signals a renewed commitment to ensuring that life-saving treatments become accessible and affordable for the thousands of Ghanaians currently living with the disease.

Tema Seaside Open Defecation Incident Ignites Urgent Demands for Stricter Sanitation Enforcement
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Tema Seaside Open Defecation Incident Ignites Urgent Demands for Stricter Sanitation Enforcement

A recent incident involving a man caught engaging in open defecation at the Tema seaside has reignited a national conversation regarding sanitation standards and environmental protection in Ghana’s coastal communities. The event, which was captured and widely shared, highlights the persistent challenge of open defecation despite years of public education efforts. Residents and environmental advocates are now pointing to this incident as a symptom of a larger systemic failure in urban waste management and public hygiene enforcement, calling for more than just verbal warnings to address the menace. Public health experts have warned that such activities at the seaside pose significant risks to the local ecosystem and the health of the community. Coastal areas are particularly vulnerable to pollution, which can contaminate water sources and lead to the spread of waterborne diseases like cholera and typhoid. Experts argue that while awareness campaigns are necessary, they have proven insufficient on their own to deter the practice. The degradation of the environment not only affects the aesthetic value of the coastline but also threatens the livelihoods of those dependent on the sea for fishing and tourism. The incident has sparked intense debate across social media platforms, with many Ghanaians calling for the strict enforcement of existing sanitation laws. There is a growing consensus that without tangible consequences, such as heavy fines or community service, the status quo is unlikely to change. Critics of the current situation emphasize that the lack of accessible public toilet facilities in high-traffic urban and coastal areas contributes significantly to the problem, suggesting a dual approach of infrastructure development and legal deterrence is urgently required. As the administration of President John Mahama continues its work following the 2025 inauguration, stakeholders are looking toward the Ministry of Sanitation and Water Resources and local municipal assemblies to prioritize the national sanitation agenda. The Tema incident serves as a stark reminder that achieving a truly hygienic environment requires a combination of behavioral change, robust public infrastructure, and unwavering law enforcement. Addressing these issues will be critical for protecting the nation's public health and ensuring the long-term sustainability of Ghana’s natural resources.