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.

Northern Stakeholders and Dr. Peter Amadu Urge Government to Complete Stalled Agenda 111 Psychiatric Facility
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Northern Stakeholders and Dr. Peter Amadu Urge Government to Complete Stalled Agenda 111 Psychiatric Facility

Mental health stakeholders in the Northern Region have intensified calls for the government to expedite the completion of the region's first dedicated psychiatric facility under the Agenda 111 initiative. Speaking at a community dialogue, experts highlighted the critical gap in mental healthcare services in the region, which currently lacks a specialized government-run institution to manage the escalating cases of psychological distress and substance-related disorders. The urgency of this demand stems from a noticeable surge in mental health challenges among the youth, necessitating immediate infrastructural intervention to provide accessible and professional care. Dr. Peter Mintir Amadu, a Clinical Psychologist at the University for Development Studies (UDS), articulated the gravity of the situation during the event organized by the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection. He noted that the absence of a rehabilitation center and specialized psychiatric hospital significantly hampers the delivery of mental health services to the local population. According to Dr. Amadu, the lack of such facilities often forces families to seek help through unofficial channels or travel long distances, which can delay critical treatment and worsen the prognosis for those suffering from severe mental health conditions and substance abuse. Beyond the physical infrastructure, stakeholders are advocating for a holistic approach to mental health that includes increased investment in human capital. Dr. Amadu emphasized the necessity of training healthcare workers at the community level to enhance early detection and support. By equipping frontline medical personnel with the skills to identify mental health symptoms early, the region can transition from reactive treatment to proactive management. This investment in training, coupled with the completion of the Agenda 111 facility, is seen as vital for creating a robust support network that reaches even the most remote parts of the Northern Region. The completion of the psychiatric facility is expected to serve as a cornerstone for mental health reform in northern Ghana. As the government continues its rollout of the Agenda 111 projects nationwide, the people of the Northern Region are looking for concrete timelines and the resumption of works to address this long-standing healthcare disparity. Ensuring that mental health is prioritized alongside physical health remains a key goal for advocates, who believe that a fully functional specialized facility will not only provide treatment but also serve as a hub for community education and the reduction of stigma surrounding mental illness.

Marigold Foundation Boosts Menstrual Hygiene with Sanitary Pad Distribution to 1,500 Girls in Agona East
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Marigold Foundation Boosts Menstrual Hygiene with Sanitary Pad Distribution to 1,500 Girls in Agona East

The Marigold Foundation has reached a significant milestone in its commitment to girls' education and health by distributing sanitary pads to 1,500 young girls across the Agona East District in the Central Region. This initiative, organized as part of the foundation’s annual Menstrual Hygiene and Advocacy Drive, aims to tackle the persistent challenges of period poverty that often hinder the academic progress of school-aged girls. By providing these essential supplies, the foundation seeks to ensure that no girl is forced to stay home from school due to a lack of menstrual products, thereby promoting equity in the classroom. Speaking during the distribution exercise, the Founder of the Marigold Foundation, Mrs. Justina Marigold Assan, emphasized that the drive goes beyond the mere provision of sanitary products. She highlighted the necessity of a holistic approach that includes mentorship, awareness, and robust support systems. Mrs. Assan called for greater community involvement in menstrual health education, urging stakeholders to empower young girls through guidance on personal hygiene and responsible behavior. This comprehensive strategy is designed to build the girls' self-esteem and provide them with the knowledge required to navigate adolescence with dignity. Beneficiaries and local families have described the intervention as timely and life-changing, noting that the cost of sanitary pads has become a significant financial burden for many households. The distribution has not only provided immediate relief but has also boosted the confidence of the recipients, allowing them to focus on their studies without the fear of social stigma. The Marigold Foundation has reaffirmed its dedication to enhancing community development through such health and educational initiatives, signaling a long-term commitment to improving the welfare of vulnerable populations in the region.

WHO Urges Greater Investment in Sickle Cell Care as Ghana Records 18,000 New Cases Annually
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WHO Urges Greater Investment in Sickle Cell Care as Ghana Records 18,000 New Cases Annually

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has issued a critical call to action for the Ghanaian government to increase investment in Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) management, as the country continues to record approximately 18,000 new cases in children every year. Dr. Pascal Kingsley Mwin, representing the WHO, emphasized that while Ghana has made strides in general health reform, SCD remains a formidable public health challenge. The organization is advocating for a multi-faceted approach that prioritizes early diagnosis, comprehensive care models, robust surveillance systems, and dedicated research to improve outcomes for those living with the condition. Adding a layer of complexity to the national health landscape, medical experts are highlighting the stark contrast between emerging medical breakthroughs and their accessibility to the average Ghanaian. Dr. Lawrence Osei Tutu, a specialist at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH), recently revealed that while a gene therapy cure for sickle cell disease now exists, its staggering cost of approximately $3 million makes it an impossible option for the vast majority of patients. This therapy works by correcting the genetic defect responsible for the sickle-shaped cells that block blood vessels, yet it remains a symbol of the widening gap between global medical innovation and local patient reality. For most Ghanaian families, the daily reality of Sickle Cell Disease is defined not by high-tech cures, but by a relentless cycle of hospital visits, high medical expenses, and significant disruptions to education and employment. The emotional and financial toll of managing the disease's painful complications continues to be a heavy burden on households. Moving forward, the WHO and local health specialists agree that a sustained national focus is required to bridge the gap between basic management and advanced treatment, ensuring that the 18,000 children born with the condition each year have a path toward a better quality of life.

DR Congo Records 896 Ebola Cases as Nigeria Releases Emergency Preparedness Funds to States
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DR Congo Records 896 Ebola Cases as Nigeria Releases Emergency Preparedness Funds to States

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is currently grappling with a significant escalation in its 17th Ebola outbreak, with health authorities reporting a total of 896 confirmed cases and 232 deaths as of June 2023. The outbreak, which was officially declared on May 15, has spread across 33 health zones in three provinces, notably affecting Ituri and North Kivu. Recent data highlights the volatile nature of the situation, with 21 new cases and six deaths recorded in a single update. This current surge is attributed to the Bundibugyo ebolavirus strain, necessitating a rigorous and rapid public health response to contain further transmission. In the DRC, the scale of the challenge is underscored by the intensive surveillance efforts currently underway. Health officials are monitoring 6,367 individuals who have come into contact with infected patients, warning that the potential for rapid spread remains high if public health measures are not strictly implemented and maintained. The involvement of provinces such as North Kivu, which have historically struggled with the virus, adds a layer of complexity to the containment efforts, as local health systems work to manage the influx of patients while preventing cross-border transmission into neighboring regions. Recognizing the regional threat posed by the virus, the Nigerian Federal Government has taken proactive steps to safeguard its population and enhance its public health infrastructure. Mr. Ado Bako, the Assistant Director of Information and Public Relations at the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, announced that the government has approved the release of N21.2 million to each of Nigeria’s states. This funding is specifically earmarked for outbreak investigation and response funds, serving as a critical financial cushion to bolster the country’s preparedness against the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) and other emerging public health threats. The allocation of these funds reflects a broader strategy of decentralized preparedness, ensuring that each state has the resources to identify, track, and manage potential cases before they can escalate into a national crisis. By prioritizing early detection and localized response capacities, Nigeria aims to avoid the devastating impacts seen in previous years across the continent. As health authorities in both the DRC and Nigeria navigate these challenges, the situation serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing vulnerability to zoonotic diseases and the necessity of sustained investment in African public health systems to ensure regional security.

Ada Constituency Restores Emergency Ambulance Service Following Six-Month Engine Breakdown
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Ada Constituency Restores Emergency Ambulance Service Following Six-Month Engine Breakdown

The National Ambulance Service (NAS) has officially resumed emergency operations in the Ada constituency, ending a six-month period during which residents were left without critical medical transport. The ambulance, which had been grounded since December 13, 2025, due to a severe engine breakdown, returned to active service on June 16, 2026. This restoration follows a collaborative effort between local political leadership and district authorities to address a mounting healthcare crisis in the region that had left the community vulnerable for half a year. The repair of the vehicle was made possible through the combined financial support and intervention of the Member of Parliament for Ada, Madam Comfort Doyoe Cudjoe, and the Ada East District Assembly. Mr. Adams Awudu Jakpa, the Ada East District Director of the National Ambulance Service, confirmed that while the ambulance is now fully operational for emergency responses, the vehicle's air conditioning system remains non-functional. Despite this technical limitation, the NAS has cleared the vehicle to resume its life-saving duties to ensure that residents in the district have immediate access to hospital transfers during critical health episodes. The prolonged absence of the ambulance had sparked significant tension within the community, culminating in demonstrations by local youth who advocated for immediate government action. Residents expressed grave concerns over the risks associated with transporting critically ill patients in private vehicles or commercial transport, which are often ill-equipped for medical emergencies. The return of the service has been met with widespread relief, particularly for those living in remote parts of the constituency where travel times to major health facilities are significant and professional pre-hospital care is a necessity. While the resumption of service is seen as a vital step forward, it has also reignited calls for a more robust emergency infrastructure in the Ada East District. Community members and health advocates are now urging the government to provide additional ambulances to keep pace with the area's growing population. They argue that relying on a single vehicle—which remains prone to mechanical wear—is insufficient for the long-term health needs of the district, emphasizing that consistent and reliable emergency transport is a fundamental component of the right to health.

Tema Metropolitan Assembly Alerts Public to Disease Risks from Contaminated Floodwaters
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Tema Metropolitan Assembly Alerts Public to Disease Risks from Contaminated Floodwaters

The Tema Metropolitan Assembly (TMA) Environmental Health Unit has issued an urgent public health warning to residents following recent flooding in the metropolis. Residents are strongly cautioned against walking through or standing in floodwaters, as exposure poses a severe risk of contracting life-threatening waterborne diseases. According to the TMA, urban floodwaters in the area are heavily contaminated with raw sewage, chemical runoff, and solid waste, creating a breeding ground for pathogens that cause cholera, typhoid, and malaria. Benjamin Kwame Opare, an Environmental Health Officer with the TMA, highlighted that the apparent calmness of floodwaters often masks significant biological and physical dangers. Mr. Opare noted that urban runoff frequently carries toxic chemicals and refuse, which significantly increases the likelihood of infection for those who come into contact with it. Despite these hazards, many residents have been observed wading through the deluge to retrieve personal belongings or navigate the city. Officials emphasize that any contact with these contaminated waters should be strictly avoided unless absolutely necessary, and in such instances, individuals must use appropriate protective gear. In response to the crisis, the Assembly is collaborating closely with the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) to intensify public education campaigns across the metropolis. Beyond immediate health advice, the TMA is also focusing on long-term prevention by enforcing the removal of illegal structures that obstruct drainage systems and exacerbate flooding. For those displaced by the floods, emergency health measures have been implemented in temporary shelters, including mosquito control protocols and dedicated hygiene education to prevent the spread of disease in crowded settings. Health officials are urging the public to take proactive steps to protect themselves as they manage the aftermath of the floods. Residents are advised to boil all drinking water or use purification tablets to ensure safety. Additionally, the TMA recommends maintaining strict personal hygiene and thoroughly disinfecting homes and belongings that may have been exposed to floodwaters. By adhering to these safety guidelines, the assembly aims to mitigate the risk of a secondary health crisis following the environmental disaster.

KNUST Researchers Identify Potential Prostate Cancer Treatment in Local Ghanaian Medicinal Plant "Bokum"
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KNUST Researchers Identify Potential Prostate Cancer Treatment in Local Ghanaian Medicinal Plant "Bokum"

Researchers at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) have uncovered significant evidence that Croton membranaceus, a traditional Ghanaian medicinal plant popularly known as "Bokum," may inhibit the growth of prostate cancer tumors. The study, published in the journal Cancer Cell International, suggests that the plant’s root extract has the potential to "starve" tumors by blocking angiogenesis—the biological process where tumors create new blood vessels to supply themselves with oxygen and nutrients. This breakthrough offers a scientific basis for the plant's long-standing use in traditional medicine for prostate disorders. Led by Dr. Kofi Oduro Yeboah, the research team focused on the hydroethanolic root extract of the plant. Through laboratory models involving rat and chick subjects, the scientists observed that the extract significantly reduced blood vessel density within prostate cancer tissues and disrupted the development of vascular networks. Crucially, the extract was found to suppress the expression of PDGFR̢, a protein heavily associated with tumor progression. These findings indicate that the plant may provide therapeutic benefits that go beyond mere symptom management, directly interfering with the tumor's ability to survive and expand. While Croton membranaceus has been a staple in Ghanaian herbal medicine for decades, this research provides a critical mechanistic understanding of its anti-cancer properties. By demonstrating how the plant interacts with cellular proteins to inhibit blood supply to tumors, the study bridges the gap between indigenous knowledge and modern oncological science. It highlights the vast potential of Ghana’s local flora in contributing to global medical solutions for one of the most prevalent cancers among men. Despite the promising results, the research team has cautioned that the findings are currently limited to laboratory and animal models. Further clinical trials in humans are necessary to determine the safety, proper dosage, and long-term effectiveness of the extract as a formal treatment. Nevertheless, the study represents a significant milestone for Ghanaian medical research, paving the way for potential new, locally-sourced therapies in the fight against prostate cancer.

Australia Confirms First Case of H5N1 Bird Flu as Virus Now Reaches Every Continent
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Australia Confirms First Case of H5N1 Bird Flu as Virus Now Reaches Every Continent

Australia has officially confirmed its first case of the H5N1 avian influenza strain, marking a significant milestone in the global spread of the virus. Agriculture Minister Julie Collins announced the detection of the highly contagious strain in a migratory brown skua seabird found at Cape Le Grand National Park in Western Australia. Until this discovery, Australia was the only continent to remain free of this specific H5N1 variant, which has caused widespread devastation to wildlife and poultry populations across the globe since its emergence in the late 1990s. In addition to the confirmed case in the brown skua, authorities are investigating a second suspected case involving a southern petrel. While Agriculture Minister Collins noted that no mass mortalities have been reported on the Australian mainland thus far, the government remains on high alert. Officials are expected to determine within the coming days whether the virus has begun to affect other local animal populations. The detection at Cape Le Grand National Park highlights the vulnerability of migratory bird routes and the potential for the virus to establish itself within Australia’s unique ecosystem. The arrival of H5N1 on the Australian mainland follows earlier catastrophic reports from Australian external territories. On the remote Heard and McDonald Islands, the virus was previously linked to the deaths of approximately 13,000 baby seals, illustrating its lethal potential beyond bird populations. While the H5N1 strain is notoriously deadly for avian species and certain marine mammals, health experts emphasize that it rarely infects humans. However, its presence on every continent underscores the persistent challenge zoonotic diseases pose to global biodiversity and the agricultural sector. As Australia enters this new phase of wildlife disease management, environmental and agricultural authorities are ramping up monitoring efforts to mitigate potential outbreaks. The focus remains on early detection and understanding the transmission dynamics between migratory species and local wildlife. For now, the Australian government is working closely with scientific experts to ensure that both the public and the agricultural industry are informed of the risks as they continue to track the movement of the virus across the Western Australian coastline.

Tema Metropolitan Assembly Intensifies School Sanitation Education and Food Safety Monitoring to Combat Disease
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Tema Metropolitan Assembly Intensifies School Sanitation Education and Food Safety Monitoring to Combat Disease

The Tema Metropolitan Assembly (TMA) has launched an intensive sanitation education and clean-up campaign across public schools within the metropolis to combat the spread of food-borne diseases. Spearheaded by the Metropolitan Director of Public Health, Mrs. Bridget Seyram Diapim, the initiative combines environmental maintenance with behavioral education. By targeting public schools that face significant sanitation challenges, the TMA seeks to establish a higher standard of hygiene that protects students and creates a healthier learning atmosphere during the academic year. A core pillar of the program involves educating students on the fundamentals of waste disposal, personal hygiene, and the critical practice of regular handwashing. To complement this, the TMA is conducting rigorous monitoring of food vendors operating within and around school premises. Mrs. Diapim underscored that vendors must comply with strict health standards for food preparation and handling. The assembly is not only providing educational guidance but is also actively supporting physical clean-up exercises to ensure that school environments remain free of filth and potential breeding grounds for pathogens. This intensified effort is particularly vital during the rainy season, when the risk of water-borne and food-borne illnesses typically surges. Mrs. Diapim emphasized that sanitation is a shared legal responsibility and warned that the assembly will pursue legal action against those who fail to comply with sanitation directives. Moving beyond the routine monthly National Sanitation Day exercises, the TMA aims to foster lifelong hygiene habits among children, ensuring that the principles of cleanliness are carried from the classroom back into their respective communities for long-term public health benefits.

Heal Komfo Anokye Project Leadership to Issue Comprehensive Response Following Governance and Accountability Allegations
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Heal Komfo Anokye Project Leadership to Issue Comprehensive Response Following Governance and Accountability Allegations

The leadership of the Heal Komfo Anokye Project (HeKAP) has officially announced its intention to provide a detailed response to recent allegations regarding the project’s governance and financial accountability. In a statement issued by the HeKAP Chairman, Samuel Adu-Boakye, the project acknowledged the claims circulating in various publications but maintained that many of these assertions do not accurately reflect the operational realities of the initiative. This development follows reports alleging mismanagement and questioning the transparency of the project, which is a major philanthropic effort aimed at renovating and modernizing the aging infrastructure of the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) in Kumasi. Chairman Samuel Adu-Boakye emphasized that the project team is committed to maintaining the highest standards of professionalism and transparency. Rather than offering piecemeal reactions to individual claims, HeKAP intends to deliver a unified and exhaustive statement that addresses all concerns raised by stakeholders and the public. The leadership has indicated that this comprehensive response is currently being prepared in consultation with key project leaders. This measured approach is intended to ensure that the facts are presented clearly and that the integrity of the project remains untarnished by misinformation. A critical factor in the timing of the full disclosure is the return of the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, who is the principal patron and visionary behind the HeKAP initiative. The project was launched under the Asantehene’s leadership to tackle the deteriorating state of the hospital, which serves as a vital referral center for the middle and northern belts of Ghana. Because the initiative is deeply tied to the Manhyia Palace and the King's personal commitment to healthcare, the HeKAP team believes it is imperative to consult with the project's high-level leadership before finalizing and releasing the official response to the governance claims. Despite the current controversy, the Heal Komfo Anokye Project remains focused on its primary objective of transforming KATH into a world-class medical facility. The project is seen as a crucial intervention in Ghana’s healthcare sector, mobilizing private and public resources to upgrade facilities that have seen little renovation in decades. As the public awaits the detailed statement, HeKAP has reassured its donors and the Ghanaian public that it remains dedicated to its mission of infrastructure improvement while adhering to the principles of accountability that have guided the project since its inception.

Ghana Targets Free Sickle Cell Treatment and Nationwide Genotype Screening to Curb Rising Cases
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Ghana Targets Free Sickle Cell Treatment and Nationwide Genotype Screening to Curb Rising Cases

Ghana is intensifying its national response to Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) as policymakers and health advocates push for free treatment and mandatory genotype screening to address the condition's high prevalence. With approximately 18,000 to 20,000 babies born with the disease annually—representing one in every 60 births—stakeholders are calling for a fundamental shift in healthcare financing. During recent World Sickle Cell Awareness Day commemorations, leaders from the Ghana Health Service (GHS), Parliament, and academic institutions emphasized that the social and economic burden of the disease necessitates a more aggressive public health strategy to improve patient outcomes and reduce new infections. Dr. Mark Kurt Nawaane, Chairman of Parliament’s Health Committee, has expressed optimism that Ghana is moving toward fully free treatment for SCD as part of broader healthcare reforms. A critical step in this direction has been the inclusion of hydroxyurea on the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) medication list, which provides life-altering treatment to thousands. Dr. Nawaane also highlighted the 'Mahama Care' initiative, which aims to cover complications related to the disease and integrate screening into primary healthcare. He further advocated for the establishment of specialized, designated hospitals for sickle cell management to ensure continuity of care and eliminate the current high costs faced by families at private facilities. At the institutional level, the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) and the Focus on Sickle-Cell Foundation (FoSCel) are leading the charge for genotype awareness among the youth. Professor Christian Agyare, Vice-Chancellor designate of KNUST, underscored the 'profound impact' of SCD on education and economic productivity, urging young people to make informed reproductive choices. FoSCel founder Amos Andoh noted that by promoting genotype testing and responsible family planning, the foundation aims to significantly reduce new cases by 2030. They are calling for the decentralization of testing services to ensure that rural populations have equal access to screening and counseling. The Ghana Health Service (GHS) continues to prioritize early diagnosis and the eradication of stigma surrounding the disease. Dr. Akosua Gyimah Omari-Sasu of the GHS noted that while roughly 2% of babies are born with sickle cell traits, early detection allows for medical interventions that prevent severe complications and premature death. By combining public-private partnerships with bold national policies, Ghana aims to transition from mere awareness to a comprehensive healthcare model that guarantees quality care for all individuals living with sickle cell disease.

US to Phase Out HIV/AIDS Funding in South Africa Amid Deepening Diplomatic Tensions
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US to Phase Out HIV/AIDS Funding in South Africa Amid Deepening Diplomatic Tensions

The United States government has announced a significant shift in its international health partnership with South Africa, initiating a phased drawdown of financial support for HIV and AIDS programs. This move comes despite South Africa hosting the world’s largest population of people living with HIV, currently estimated at over eight million individuals. The withdrawal of aid marks a major turning point in the decades-long collaboration through the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), raising urgent questions about the future of public health infrastructure in the region. The financial impact of this decision is substantial. PEPFAR allocations, which stood at approximately $456 million in 2024, are projected to plummet to roughly $213 million by 2025. According to reports from GBC Ghana Online, the U.S. State Department’s decision is rooted in South Africa’s failure to align with specific American policy demands. These tensions are multifaceted, involving disagreements over South Africa's land expropriation policies, its diplomatic relations with nations such as Iran, and its legal challenges against Israel at the international level. Some reports also link the shift to broader policy requests regarding U.S. corporate interests that South African officials have reportedly declined to meet. In response to the funding cuts, South African government officials have expressed a commitment to maintaining the country's health programs through increased self-reliance. While the sudden reduction in aid poses a risk of destabilizing progress made over the last two decades, many in the South African health sector view this as a necessary catalyst for "health sovereignty." The sentiment among several leaders is that the continent must move toward self-sustaining health systems that are no longer dependent on the shifting political priorities of foreign donors, even if the transition period presents significant logistical challenges. The withdrawal of U.S. support represents more than just a budgetary change; it signifies a broader evolution in U.S.-Africa relations. As South Africa prepares to manage its public health challenges independently, the transition will be closely watched by other African nations that also rely heavily on international aid. While the immediate focus remains on ensuring the continuity of care for the millions of patients currently receiving treatment, the long-term impact could redefine how health crises are managed across the continent, potentially ushering in a new era of indigenous health governance and financial independence.