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.

ADB Ghana Medical Systems to maintain new Korle Bu cardiac lab for one year
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ADB Ghana Medical Systems to maintain new Korle Bu cardiac lab for one year

ADB Ghana Medical Systems Group has committed to a one-year maintenance contract for the new Cardiac Catheterisation Laboratory and Cardiac Interventional Centre at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH). This agreement, which began following the facility's commissioning in June, ensures that the specialised centre remains in peak condition as it provides critical heart care services. The facility was established to replace a previous laboratory that was destroyed by fire, restoring a vital resource to the nation’s largest teaching hospital. Project Manager Abraham Fiscian confirmed that the laboratory is now fully operational and ready to serve patients. Under the terms of the maintenance agreement, ADB Ghana Medical Systems will handle all repairs and technical issues involving the building and its specialised equipment for the initial year. This period serves as a transition phase, allowing the hospital’s own technical staff to prepare for the eventual handover of full maintenance responsibilities. This arrangement is intended to guarantee the reliability of the high-tech equipment during its early operational life. The Parliamentary Select Committee on Health recently visited the Korle Bu facility to inspect the installation and verify its readiness for public use. The committee's oversight is part of a national strategy to bolster the capacity of Ghana's teaching hospitals to handle complex medical cases locally. During the visit, members expressed satisfaction with the state of the laboratory, noting that such infrastructure is essential for improving cardiac care outcomes and reducing the financial burden on patients who might otherwise seek treatment abroad. The initiative at Korle Bu is one of two major cardiac infrastructure projects currently under parliamentary scrutiny. A similar facility is being developed at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital in Kumasi, with completion expected by December 2026. Together, these laboratories represent a significant investment in Ghana's healthcare infrastructure, aiming to provide sustainable and advanced cardiac interventional services to the population.

A young African woman, appearing to be a teenager, sits outdoors while breastfeeding an infant. The setting features a dirt ground and rustic environment, reflecting a rural or low-income urban context often associated with discussions on social health.
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Ghana Health Service records 53,000 adolescent pregnancies in first half of 2026

The Ghana Health Service (GHS) has reported that more than 53,000 adolescent pregnancies were recorded across the country during the first six months of 2026. This alarming data, released to coincide with the International Day of the Girl Child on October 11, underscores a persistent challenge to the health, education, and general well-being of young girls in Ghana. The figures highlight an urgent need for multi-sectoral intervention to address the root causes of teenage pregnancy and provide better protective frameworks for minors. The gravity of the situation was recently illustrated by the tragic death of 14-year-old Keziah Mirekua. According to reports, the young girl took her own life by setting herself on fire after her boyfriend denied responsibility for her pregnancy. This incident has sparked renewed calls for stronger support systems that can protect vulnerable girls from social isolation and physical harm. Health advocates emphasize that the 53,000 recorded cases are not merely statistics but represent thousands of individual lives whose educational and economic prospects are now at significant risk. Beyond the immediate health implications, the GHS data has reignited a national conversation regarding societal attitudes toward teenage mothers. Experts argue that the stigma associated with adolescent pregnancy often forces girls out of the school system, further entrenching cycles of poverty. There is a growing consensus that the government and civil society must move beyond symbolic celebrations to implement practical measures. These include enhancing access to reproductive health information, strengthening legal protections for minors, and ensuring that teenage mothers are integrated back into schools without facing discrimination or harassment. As Ghana joins the global community to mark the International Day of the Girl Child, the focus remains on transforming policy into tangible outcomes. The GHS findings serve as a reminder that safeguarding the rights of the girl child requires more than commemorative speeches. Stakeholders are calling for a sustained commitment to creating a safe environment where every girl can pursue her potential and access the support necessary to overcome the barriers posed by early pregnancy and societal neglect.

Korle Bu seeks more doctors, nurses to ease pressure on Emergency Centre
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Korle Bu Teaching Hospital requests permanent staff for 64-bed emergency centre

Management at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH) has issued an urgent appeal for the recruitment of permanent doctors and nurses to bolster its overstretched Accident and Emergency Centre. Dr. Yakubu Seidu Adam, the hospital’s Chief Executive Officer, highlighted that the facility is currently facing significant operational strain due to a critical shortage of permanent medical personnel. This shortage has forced the hospital to rely heavily on trainee doctors who depart once their programs conclude, leaving persistent gaps in service delivery. The 64-bed Accident and Emergency Centre serves as a primary destination for referral cases from across the country. According to Dr. Adam, the high volume of incoming patients often exceeds the centre's capacity to provide optimal care. He explained that while the hospital appears to have a substantial number of doctors on paper, the majority are in training phases. This temporary workforce creates a revolving door effect, which hinders the hospital’s ability to maintain a consistent and experienced team for emergency and intensive care services. During a meeting with Parliament’s Health Committee and the Minister of Health, Dr. Adam emphasized that the hospital requires its own permanent medical officers and a reinforced nursing staff to ensure timely and effective patient interventions. The management argued that securing a dedicated workforce is essential for stabilizing the facility's operations and reducing the pressure on existing staff who are currently managing an unsustainable workload. Beyond the immediate need for human resources, the hospital management is also calling for broader improvements in healthcare infrastructure. The ongoing dialogue with government officials focuses on enhancing the hospital’s capacity to handle complex emergency cases and improving its intensive care capabilities. By securing permanent staff, Korle Bu aims to transition from a reliance on transient trainees to a more robust, long-term healthcare delivery model that can meet the needs of patients referred from all regions of the country.

Kenya Ministry of Health confirms second case of Ebola
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Kenya Ministry of Health confirms second case of Ebola

Kenya’s Ministry of Health has confirmed a second case of Ebola, involving a 39-year-old man who was already under medical surveillance. This development follows the death of the country’s first case on October 5. Health officials emphasized that while the new case is concerning, the patient was a known close contact and relative of the initial victim. He was already in quarantine when symptoms emerged, which officials say has significantly reduced the risk of further spread to the general public. The initial case involved a Kenyan national who had recently traveled from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and died shortly after receiving medical attention. According to health authorities, the early diagnosis of this second case has allowed for immediate supportive care, which improves the patient’s chances of recovery. The ministry has reassured the public that there is currently no evidence of widespread community transmission, though they urged citizens to remain vigilant. Extensive contact tracing efforts are currently underway to contain the virus. Health workers have identified a total of 128 contacts who may have been exposed through the initial victim. Of these, 108 individuals are being held in quarantine for close monitoring. Despite these containment measures, some health experts have raised concerns regarding the initial response, noting that several opportunities for early detection were missed during the first patient’s treatment. The situation in Kenya occurs amidst a severe Ebola outbreak in the neighboring DRC, which has resulted in over 4,000 deaths this year. While national mobilization in Nairobi has been swift, the emergence of suspected cases in remote regions like Wajir County has highlighted challenges in healthcare preparedness. Experts suggest that response measures must be strengthened in communities distant from major medical facilities to ensure the virus is contained effectively across the entire country.

GHS begins Yellow Fever vaccination campaign in three Upper West districts
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Ghana Health Service targets 244,869 for yellow fever vaccination

The Ghana Health Service (GHS) has officially launched a Yellow Fever Reactive Vaccination Campaign across three districts in the Upper West Region. Starting on October 14, 2026, the five-day initiative aims to immunize approximately 244,869 residents against the viral disease. The campaign specifically targets the Wa West, Sissala East, and Sissala West districts, where health authorities are working to curb a recent outbreak and prevent further transmission within the communities. Health officials have designed a comprehensive distribution strategy to ensure the vaccination reaches the widest possible audience. The exercise focuses on individuals aged between nine months and 60 years. To achieve this, trained health workers have been deployed to established public health facilities and strategically located temporary vaccination posts in high-traffic public areas. For residents in more isolated locations, mobile teams are traversing remote communities to ensure that geographical barriers do not prevent access to the life-saving vaccine. As part of the protocol, every person who receives the vaccine will be issued a yellow vaccination card to serve as official proof of immunization. The GHS has emphasized that this documentation is vital for health records and potential travel requirements. Public health officials are urging all eligible residents to participate fully in the exercise, noting that high vaccination coverage is the most effective way to establish herd immunity and protect the broader regional population from the dangers of yellow fever. The campaign, which concludes on October 18, represents a critical reactive measure in Ghana’s public health strategy. By focusing resources on these three specific districts, the Ghana Health Service aims to contain the current outbreak before it spreads to neighboring regions. This proactive approach underscores the government's commitment to disease surveillance and rapid response in the face of infectious disease threats, ensuring that community health remains a top priority.

Titus Kofi Beyuo reports 80 successful cardiac procedures at Korle Bu
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Titus Kofi Beyuo reports 80 successful cardiac procedures at Korle Bu

Professor Titus Kofi Beyuo, the Board Chairman of the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH), has announced that over 80 Ghanaians have successfully undergone complex cardiac procedures at the National Cardiothoracic Centre. This landmark achievement highlights a significant upgrade in the nation's medical capacity, as these patients—including more than 30 children—received specialized heart treatments that were previously unavailable within the country's borders. The successful execution of these surgeries marks a pivotal shift for the National Cardiothoracic Centre, which has been working to enhance its service delivery. Historically, patients requiring these complex heart procedures often had to seek medical care outside of the country. By localizing these interventions, Korle Bu is demonstrating that its medical teams now possess the specialized skills and capacity to handle delicate cardiac cases locally. Addressing the specific needs of children was a key highlight of this achievement. Of the 80 beneficiaries, over 30 were children who faced life-threatening heart conditions. Providing these surgeries within Ghana significantly improves the accessibility of care for families, ensuring that young patients can receive life-saving treatments and follow-up care without the logistical and financial challenges associated with international travel. This development is seen as a major step toward strengthening Ghana's healthcare system and expanding the reach of specialized tertiary services. Professor Beyuo emphasized that the hospital continues to focus on providing access to advanced treatments for all citizens. The success of these 80 procedures serves as a testament to the progress being made at Korle Bu in delivering high-quality cardiac care to the Ghanaian population.

Ghana Rugby Football Union hosts breast cancer awareness program
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Ghana Rugby Football Union hosts breast cancer awareness program

The Ghana Rugby Football Union (GRFU), in partnership with the Women’s Commission of the Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC), has organized a health awareness initiative focused on breast cancer for female athletes and community members. The program was designed to educate participants on the critical importance of early detection and the necessity of regular self-examinations in managing health risks. By targeting both athletes and the broader community, the organizers aimed to foster a culture of proactive health monitoring. During the event, the GRFU President emphasized that the health of female athletes is a top priority for the union. The initiative focused on empowering women with the knowledge to recognize potential symptoms and take immediate action, which significantly improves the chances of successful treatment. The program received essential support from Sunda International Ghana Ltd, a partnership that officials highlighted as instrumental in bringing health education to the sports sector. The GRFU leadership expressed gratitude to the company for its commitment to social responsibility and women's health. This collaboration marks a continued effort by the GRFU and the GOC Women’s Commission to integrate wellness and medical advocacy into the Ghanaian sporting landscape. Both organizations reaffirmed their dedication to the long-term well-being of women in sports, noting that such educational programs are vital for building a resilient and healthy athletic community. Moving forward, the partners intend to maintain their focus on health-related outreach to ensure athletes are supported both on and off the field.

Ghana Medical Trust Fund launches health campaign in Volta Region
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Ghana Medical Trust Fund launches health campaign in Volta Region

The Ghana Medical Trust Fund (GMTF) has launched a public education and health campaign in the Volta Region to address the financial challenges associated with chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Speaking at a town hall meeting in Ho, GMTF Administrator Adjoa Obuobia Darko-Opoku emphasized that the fund was established to ensure that patients with high-cost conditions, such as cancer and diabetes, do not face financial ruin. The initiative aims to bridge the gap between existing insurance coverage and the actual cost of specialized treatments through coordinated efforts among local leaders and healthcare providers. \n\nMrs. Darko-Opoku stated that President John Mahama is deeply committed to alleviating the health burdens of Ghanaians, noting that the fund is a direct response to the family crises often caused by catastrophic medical expenses. The GMTF serves as a critical supplement to the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), which often lacks the depth to cover long-term specialist care. Beyond direct patient support, the GMTF is focusing on restoring medical infrastructure and providing funding for research and specialized training for health professionals to improve overall service delivery across the country. \n\nThe campaign also highlights specific regional needs, with Volta Regional Minister James Gunu calling for improved patient navigation and more efficient referral systems within the local healthcare network. To test its systems, the GMTF has initiated a year-long pilot patient-support program involving 50 individuals to identify and address bottlenecks in the delivery of aid. Professor Lydia Aziato from the University of Health and Allied Sciences joined the call for public engagement, urging women in particular to seek early detection services for breast cancer, as early intervention significantly reduces the cost and complexity of treatment. \n\nAs part of its long-term strategy, the GMTF is establishing partnerships to enhance diagnostic services and provide necessary medical equipment to facilities across the region. Mrs. Darko-Opoku urged healthcare workers and community leaders to actively disseminate accurate information about the fund’s services, particularly to those living in remote areas who may be unaware of the financial assistance available to them. The Trust Fund remains committed to expanding its reach to ensure that no Ghanaian is denied life-saving treatment due to their economic status.

KATH Mother and Baby Unit project stalls for 14 months over unpaid debts
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KATH Mother and Baby Unit project stalls for 14 months over unpaid debts

Construction of the long-awaited Mother and Baby Unit (MBU) at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) has been suspended for 14 months, raising serious concerns about the project's viability. The stall is attributed to significant payment arrears owed to the contractor, which has effectively brought all site activities to a standstill. Project officials indicate that the lack of funding is not only delaying the opening of the facility but is also causing structural and material waste. Consultant Project Manager Emmanuel Fobi Asabere has warned that the prolonged inactivity is leading to the deterioration of construction materials currently stored on-site. According to Mr. Asabere, some materials have already become defective due to exposure and neglect during the 14-month hiatus. The project, which was initially planned as an 850-bed facility, has already undergone a substantial redesign, scaling it down to a 509-bed unit to manage costs and technical requirements. These modifications have added layers of complexity and expense to the stalled development. Currently, the physical construction of the facility is estimated to be 56% complete, while the procurement of medical equipment and other essentials has reached 75%. Despite these milestones, the contractor cannot proceed with the final stages of the build without the settlement of outstanding debts. The delay represents a setback for the region's healthcare infrastructure, as the new unit is intended to alleviate congestion and improve outcomes for mothers and newborns at one of Ghana’s most critical teaching hospitals. The project's management emphasizes that the longer the site remains dormant, the more expensive the final completion will become. Beyond the immediate financial costs, the delay impacts the hospital’s ability to provide specialized care in a modern environment. Stakeholders are now calling for the government to prioritize the release of funds to prevent further damage to the existing structure and ensure the project is delivered to the public as soon as possible.

Frema Adunyame appeals for corporate support for breast cancer treatment
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Frema Adunyame appeals for corporate support for breast cancer treatment

Frema Adunyame, the founder of the Adunyame Foundation, has called on corporate Ghana and various stakeholders to provide financial assistance for women requiring follow-up medical care after breast cancer screenings. Speaking at an outreach event at Madina Market on October 14, Adunyame addressed the critical gap between early detection and affordable treatment. She highlighted that while awareness of the disease is growing, the financial burden of diagnostic tests and subsequent medical interventions remains a significant barrier for many women. The foundation’s initiative, which was organized in collaboration with the Hadassah Network Outreach, specifically aims to support vulnerable groups including widows and single mothers. During the screenings, several women voiced concerns about their inability to afford medical costs if abnormalities were discovered in their results. Adunyame emphasized that the foundation’s primary objective is to ensure that no woman is left behind due to financial constraints, advocating for a support system that allows those without resources to access necessary care immediately. Throughout the remainder of October, the Adunyame Foundation intends to extend its outreach program to various other markets across Accra to encourage women to prioritize their breast health. Adunyame stressed that preventing breast cancer-related deaths is a collective responsibility that requires the active participation of the private sector and civil society. She extended her gratitude to current partners, including Star Oil and the National Health Insurance Authority, while calling for broader cooperation to enhance healthcare accessibility for the country's most vulnerable citizens.

Victor Asare Bampoe praises completion of Asamankese NHIA office
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Victor Asare Bampoe praises completion of Asamankese NHIA office

Dr. Victor Asare Bampoe, the Chief Executive Officer of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), has commended President John Mahama for overseeing the completion of the new NHIA office in Asamankese. The facility represents a key infrastructure development aimed at bringing health insurance services closer to the residents of the West Akim Municipality. Dr. Bampoe noted that while the project was initiated by the previous administration, it remained unfinished until the current government intervened to ensure its completion and operationalization. During his remarks, the NHIA CEO highlighted that the completion of the office is a testament to the Mahama administration's dedication to improving healthcare access across the country. He linked the project to broader national health initiatives, including the rollout of Free Primary Health Care and the Ghana Medical Trust Fund, also known as "Mahama Cares." These programmes are designed to provide financial relief to patients who are financially distressed, ensuring that the cost of care does not prevent citizens from seeking medical attention. The Chief of Asamankese also expressed his gratitude for the new facility, emphasizing the practical benefits it brings to the local community. Previously, residents were forced to travel long distances to other districts to access National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) services, such as card registration and renewals. The new office is expected to eliminate these travel challenges, making it significantly easier for families in the area to maintain their health insurance coverage and access affordable medical services. Dr. Bampoe concluded by assuring the public that the Asamankese office is part of a larger wave of healthcare projects planned for various regions. He encouraged community members to prioritize health insurance for their families to take full advantage of the government’s expanding healthcare safety nets. The NHIA remains focused on strengthening its infrastructure to support the administration’s goal of achieving universal health coverage for all Ghanaians.

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DR Congo Ebola outbreak surpasses 9,000 confirmed cases

Health authorities in the Democratic Republic of Congo have reported that the ongoing Ebola outbreak has reached a critical milestone, with the total number of confirmed cases surpassing 9,000. This development highlights the persistent nature of the virus in the region, where the death toll has now exceeded 4,000 individuals. The scale of the current crisis has made it one of the most severe outbreaks in the country's history, placing an immense strain on local and national health resources as they attempt to manage the spread. Although the outbreak was officially declared in mid-May, health experts and researchers suggest that the official timeline may not capture the full extent of the virus's early progression. Analysis indicates that the Ebola virus likely began circulating within communities weeks or even months prior to the formal declaration. This lag in official recognition often complicates containment efforts, as it allows the virus to establish multiple chains of transmission before public health interventions, such as contact tracing and isolation protocols, can be fully implemented. Moving forward, health officials are focusing on intensified surveillance and community-based response strategies to bring the outbreak under control. With more than 9,000 cases recorded, the priority remains the rapid identification of new infections and the provision of specialized care to reduce the high mortality rate. International health organizations continue to monitor the situation closely, emphasizing the need for robust support to bolster the Democratic Republic of Congo’s medical infrastructure and prevent the virus from spreading across borders.