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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.

John Dramani Mahama Commissions Ohiaba CHPS Compound, Advocates for Regular Blood Pressure Monitoring
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John Dramani Mahama Commissions Ohiaba CHPS Compound, Advocates for Regular Blood Pressure Monitoring

Former President John Dramani Mahama has urged the residents of Ohiaba and surrounding communities to prioritize their cardiovascular health by regularly monitoring their blood pressure. Speaking at the official commissioning of a new Community-based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) compound in the area, he emphasized that such simple preventative measures are critical in averting avoidable deaths. The commissioning of this facility marks a significant step in expanding healthcare access to rural and underserved populations, bringing essential services closer to the doorsteps of the people to improve general health outcomes. The newly inaugurated CHPS compound is fully equipped and staffed to provide a range of essential medical services, with a specific focus on enhancing maternal and childcare. During the ceremony, Mahama highlighted the importance of primary healthcare (PHC) as the foundation of a robust national health system. He further discussed the Free Primary Healthcare policy, an initiative designed to ensure that all Ghanaians can access basic medical services without the financial burden of out-of-pocket expenses. By strengthening these frontline facilities, the goal is to create a more equitable healthcare landscape that protects the most vulnerable citizens from health crises. Adding a local perspective to the event, community leader Mr. Daniel Mensah Wardy called upon the residents of Ohiaba to take full ownership of the new facility. He urged the community to maintain the infrastructure and support the healthcare workers assigned to the post to ensure its long-term sustainability and effectiveness. This emphasis on primary healthcare interventions aligns with World Health Organization (WHO) data, which suggests that such localized services are vital for reducing health-related poverty and improving national life expectancy. The Ohiaba CHPS compound stands as a testament to ongoing efforts to decentralize healthcare and improve the quality of life for all Ghanaians.

Dr Benjamin Dzoboku ( right), Managing Director of Republic Bank, being supported by Braimah Seidu (middle), District Chief Executive for Tolon, to unveil the borehole
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Republic Bank Commissions Solar-Powered Borehole to Address Water Crisis in Dingoni

Republic Bank (Ghana) PLC has officially commissioned a solar-powered mechanized borehole for the residents of Dingoni in the Tolon District, marking a significant milestone in improving local access to potable water. This initiative, launched under the bank’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program, is specifically designed to alleviate the chronic water shortage that has historically plagued the community. By transitioning to a sustainable, mechanized system, the project aims to drastically reduce the prevalence of waterborne diseases and enhance the general health and sanitation outcomes for hundreds of residents in the Northern Region. During the inauguration ceremony, the Managing Director of Republic Bank emphasized that the provision of clean water is a fundamental pillar of human development. He noted that the bank’s investment in the Dingoni community is part of a strategic commitment to support rural development and ensure that basic necessities reach underserved populations. The choice of solar power for the borehole reflects a modern approach to infrastructure, ensuring that the facility remains operational with minimal energy costs and a lower environmental footprint, which is essential for the long-term viability of rural water projects. Local leaders and community members expressed their deep appreciation for the bank's intervention, highlighting how the new facility would ease the daily burden on women and children who previously traveled long distances to fetch water. Traditional authorities in Dingoni pledged to establish a robust maintenance committee to oversee the facility, ensuring it remains in good working condition for future generations. As Ghana continues to strive toward universal water access, this partnership between Republic Bank and the Tolon District serves as a model for how corporate entities can effectively supplement government efforts to improve public health and community well-being.

Executives of Red Cross Ghana and directors of the Ghana Health Service after the launch
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Ghana Health Service and Red Cross Launch REACH Programme to Deploy 2,300 Community Health Workers Across Four Regions

The Ghana Health Service (GHS), in a strategic partnership with the Ghana Red Cross Society and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), has officially launched the Resilient and Empowered African Community Health (REACH) programme. This initiative is set to significantly bolster the nation's primary healthcare infrastructure by recruiting and training over 2,300 community health workers. Designed to bridge the gap between rural communities and clinical facilities, the programme represents a major step toward decentralizing health services and ensuring that essential care reaches the most vulnerable populations in Ghana. The implementation of the REACH programme will focus on four key regions: Volta, Western, Northern, and Ashanti. These areas will benefit from an influx of trained health workers who will be integrated into the national health system to improve disease detection and enhance the accuracy of health data collection. By empowering local communities, the initiative aims to increase the uptake of health services and foster a culture of proactive wellness. Dr. Samuel Kaba Akoriyea, speaking on the programme's significance, emphasized that the initiative is meticulously aligned with Ghana’s broader free primary healthcare goals, serving as a critical pillar in the ongoing effort to improve nationwide healthcare delivery. Set to be implemented over a two-year period, the REACH programme directly supports the President’s agenda for achieving universal health coverage (UHC). By investing in human resources at the grassroots level, the GHS and its partners are not only addressing immediate health needs but also building a resilient system capable of responding to future public health challenges. The successful deployment of these 2,300 workers is expected to serve as a blueprint for future community-based health interventions, ensuring that medical care is accessible to all citizens regardless of their geographical location.

Nandom Hospital Receives 17 Dialysis Machines from Ghana Medical Help, Faces Personnel Shortage
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Nandom Hospital Receives 17 Dialysis Machines from Ghana Medical Help, Faces Personnel Shortage

Kidney patients in the Nandom Municipality and surrounding areas in Northern Ghana have received a significant boost in healthcare delivery following the donation of 17 Fresenius 5008 dialysis machines and advanced imaging systems. The donation, facilitated by the Canadian-Ghanaian charity Ghana Medical Help (GMH), marks a pivotal shift in managing chronic kidney disease in the region. Previously, patients were forced to undertake arduous journeys to the regional capital, Wa, for life-saving dialysis sessions. This new equipment is expected to drastically reduce waiting times, lower travel costs for families, and improve the quality of life for those suffering from renal conditions in the local community. The intervention by GMH comes at a critical time as kidney disease becomes increasingly prevalent across Ghana. Dr. Akaateba, representing Ghana Medical Help, emphasized that while the donation provides immediate relief, the responsibility now shifts to local health authorities to ensure the machines are utilized effectively. He stressed that the equipment must be properly maintained and that local leaders must act decisively to serve the community’s health needs. Beyond the dialysis units, the provision of imaging systems further enhances the hospital's diagnostic capabilities, allowing for earlier detection and better management of kidney-related complications. Despite the arrival of this advanced medical technology, hospital administrators in Nandom have raised urgent concerns regarding the sustainability of the center. There is a pressing shortage of specialized personnel and logistical funding required to operationalize the new facility. Administrators warn that without a dedicated team of nurses, technicians, and nephrologists, the state-of-the-art machines risk sitting idle. There is a growing call for medical professionals to accept postings to rural areas to bridge this gap, as the lack of human resources remains a significant barrier to healthcare equity in northern Ghana. The successful operationalization of the Nandom dialysis center relies on a collaborative effort between the government, local health directorates, and the private sector. An appeal has been made for logistical funding to support the day-to-day running of the facility and to incentivize healthcare workers to remain in the region. As the demand for dialysis services continues to grow, the Nandom center stands as a beacon of hope, but only if the systemic challenges of staffing and funding are addressed. The local community and health advocates remain hopeful that this donation will catalyze further investment into rural healthcare infrastructure across the country.

Europe’s Record-Breaking Heatwave Sparks Public Health Crisis Across Germany, Denmark, and Czech Republic
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Europe’s Record-Breaking Heatwave Sparks Public Health Crisis Across Germany, Denmark, and Czech Republic

A historic heatwave is sweeping across Europe, shattering temperature records and posing a significant public health threat to millions. Germany has recorded a staggering new high of 41.5°C, a figure that surpassed a record established only 24 hours prior, while the Czech Republic and Denmark have also seen unprecedented peaks of 40.8°C and 37°C, respectively. As an estimated 150 million people face temperatures exceeding 35°C, the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has issued urgent warnings regarding the severe ecological and physiological impacts of this early summer surge, which has already been linked to hundreds of fatalities across the continent. The intensity of this weather event has overwhelmed local infrastructure and prompted emergency health measures. Experts note that the speed at which records are being broken—exemplified by Germany’s back-to-back record highs—highlights a dangerous shift in climatic patterns. In the Czech Republic, the 40.8°C mark represents a critical threshold for heat-related illnesses, while Denmark's 37°C peak is highly unusual for the region. These conditions have placed immense pressure on healthcare systems as authorities scramble to mitigate the risks of heatstroke and dehydration among vulnerable populations, particularly the elderly and those with underlying health conditions. Climate scientists are sounding the alarm, attributing the severity and frequency of these heatwaves directly to human-induced climate change. Research suggests that such extreme conditions would have been statistically impossible 50 years ago, underscoring the rapid warming of the European continent. The WMO emphasizes that these events are no longer isolated anomalies but are becoming a new, hazardous normal that requires robust long-term adaptation strategies. Beyond the immediate health toll, the heatwave is also causing significant ecological stress, affecting water supplies and agricultural stability across Central and Northern Europe. While cooler weather is expected to provide some reprieve later this week, the long-term implications of this heatwave remain a primary concern for policymakers and health officials. The event serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for comprehensive climate action and the strengthening of public health infrastructure to protect citizens from increasingly volatile weather extremes. As temperatures fluctuate, the focus remains on recovery and the integration of heat-mitigation strategies into urban planning and emergency response protocols to safeguard the lives of the millions still at risk.

Charles Darko Prempeh (3rd from left), Managing Partner at Sika Pe Adjuma, briefing Adwoa Wiafe (4th from right), Chief Corporate Services and Sustainability Officer, MTN Ghana; Nana Kwamena Ansah I (right), Nsawamhene, and other dignitaries on some of the refurbished works during the ceremony. Picture: EDNA SALVO KOTEY
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MTN Ghana Combats ‘No Bed Syndrome’ with Massive Donation of 3,888 Hospital Beds

MTN Ghana has significantly bolstered the country's healthcare infrastructure by donating 3,888 hospital beds and essential medical accessories to seven public health facilities. This initiative, part of the telecommunications giant's '21 Days of Y’ello Care' program, is specifically designed to combat the persistent 'No Bed Syndrome' that has long plagued Ghanaian hospitals. By exceeding its initial target of 3,000 beds, MTN aims to alleviate the distress of patients who are often turned away or treated in sub-optimal conditions due to the lack of admission facilities in major medical centers. The donation forms a central part of MTN’s 30th-anniversary celebrations, reflecting a long-term commitment to corporate social responsibility and national development. The beneficiary institutions include key healthcare hubs such as the Achimota Hospital, Mamprobi General Hospital, and the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH). This large-scale distribution ensures that both primary and tertiary healthcare levels benefit from improved ward capacity, allowing medical staff to manage patient flow more effectively during peak periods. Speaking on the motivation behind the project, MTN Ghana’s Chief Corporate Services Officer, Adwoa Wiafe, emphasized that the initiative is rooted in the company's core mission to improve the quality of life for Ghanaians through tangible interventions. This sentiment was echoed by frontline health professionals who received the equipment. Dr. Jackline Anita Sowah, the Medical Superintendent of Achimota Hospital, highlighted the timeliness of the donation, noting that the new beds will directly enhance the hospital's capacity to provide dignified care and reduce the instances where patients must wait long hours for admission. In addition to the hospital beds, the '21 Days of Y’ello Care' initiative has expanded its scope to include broader public health and hygiene measures. MTN has installed 30 handwashing facilities in various schools to promote preventive health, conducted extensive community health outreaches, and trained local 'health champions' to lead awareness campaigns. These multi-faceted efforts signal a comprehensive approach to health, moving beyond immediate crisis intervention toward sustainable community well-being and improved healthcare access across the nation.

Ministry of Health Defends Labour Exchange Programme as 47 Nurses Depart for Saint Kitts and Nevis
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Ministry of Health Defends Labour Exchange Programme as 47 Nurses Depart for Saint Kitts and Nevis

The Government of Ghana has officially deployed 47 health professionals to Saint Kitts and Nevis under the Ghana Labour Exchange Programme (GLEP), marking a significant milestone in the nation's strategy to manage labor mobility within the health sector. This inaugural cohort, consisting of 15 Community Health Nurses and 32 General Nurses, recently departed as part of a bilateral initiative designed to provide structured and legal pathways for Ghanaian health workers to gain international experience. The program is a direct response to the burgeoning unemployment crisis among trained professionals, offering a temporary solution for those currently unable to find placement within the local health system. Defending the initiative against potential critics, Tony Goodman, the Spokesperson for the Ministry of Health, described the exchange as a pragmatic approach to a pressing domestic challenge. He revealed that since 2019, more than 105,000 trained health workers have remained unemployed in Ghana. By facilitating these organized departures, the government aims to ensure that migration occurs under safe, dignified, and ethical conditions, rather than leaving professionals to seek opportunities through unregulated or high-risk channels. Goodman emphasized that the skills and international exposure gained by these nurses are intended to eventually benefit the Ghanaian healthcare system through a structured return process. Adding to the official government stance, Deputy Chief of Staff Nana Oye Bampoe Addo highlighted the importance of maintaining high professional standards, urging the departing nurses to uphold Ghana's reputation abroad. She noted that this deployment is part of a broader effort to strengthen global health cooperation and establish Ghana as a key contributor to the global medical workforce. The GLEP serves as a strategic framework to manage the country's employment surplus while fostering a circular migration model, where expertise acquired in foreign healthcare systems is eventually reinvested back into Ghana's local medical infrastructure.

Former GRIDCo CEO Jonathan Amoako-Baah Advocates for Enhanced HESS Legislation to Curb Workplace Injuries
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Former GRIDCo CEO Jonathan Amoako-Baah Advocates for Enhanced HESS Legislation to Curb Workplace Injuries

Mr. Jonathan Amoako-Baah, the former Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Grid Company (GRIDCo), has issued a strong call for more robust health, environment, safety, and security (HESS) legislation to address the persistent issue of workplace injuries and preventable deaths in Ghana. Speaking at the eighth edition of the HESS Awards held in Accra, Mr. Amoako-Baah emphasized that despite significant technological and operational advancements within the extractive and energy sectors, industrial accidents continue to pose a serious threat to the Ghanaian workforce. He argued that current legal frameworks require strengthening to ensure that safety standards keep pace with industrial growth. During his address, the former CEO urged corporate entities to re-evaluate their operational priorities, stressing that the well-being of employees must take precedence over profit margins. He noted that while many companies have adopted basic safety protocols, the frequency of industrial accidents suggests a need for more stringent legal mandates that compel organizations to invest heavily in modern safety infrastructure. Mr. Amoako-Baah highlighted that investing in worker safety is not just a moral obligation but a strategic necessity that ultimately protects the long-term viability of the business itself. The HESS Awards served as a platform to celebrate organizations that have demonstrated exceptional commitment to safety standards over the past year. Notable winners included Fidelity Bank, which was recognized for Best Customer and Safety Practices, and AngloGold Ashanti, which received the award for Best Health and Safety Campaigns. Other distinguished companies, such as SONAPACK Ghana and Vivo Energy, were also honored for their excellence in HESS compliance, showcasing that high safety standards are achievable across diverse sectors including finance, manufacturing, and energy. In his concluding remarks, Mr. Amoako-Baah underscored the importance of fostering a proactive safety culture through collaboration between employers and employees. The event's organizers echoed this sentiment, advocating for a shift in perception where workplace safety is viewed as a shared cultural value rather than a mere compliance requirement. By strengthening HESS legislation and encouraging mutual accountability, stakeholders believe Ghana can significantly reduce industrial fatalities and establish a higher standard for occupational health and safety across the sub-region.

Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II and PSGH Call for Higher Professional Standards and 70% Local Medicine Production
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Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II and PSGH Call for Higher Professional Standards and 70% Local Medicine Production

The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has called on the Pharmaceutical Society of Ghana (PSGH) to prioritize the quality of pharmacy education and professional practice over the sheer number of practitioners. Speaking at a ceremony at the Manhyia Palace to mark the Society's 90th anniversary, the Asantehene emphasized that the future of pharmacy in Ghana must be measured by the competence and expertise of its professionals. He underscored the indispensable role pharmacists play in the national healthcare system and urged the government to prioritize the training and strategic deployment of these professionals to ensure a robust pharmaceutical workforce capable of delivering high-quality healthcare. Parallel to these calls for professional excellence, the President of the PSGH, Pharm. Paul Owusu Donkor, advocated for a significant shift in Ghana's pharmaceutical supply chain, urging the government to increase local medicine manufacturing to meet at least 70% of the country's needs. Currently, Ghana produces only about 30% of its medicines locally, a situation Pharm. Donkor described as a national security risk. By investing in manufacturing infrastructure and technology, the Society aims to bolster health security and reduce the country's heavy reliance on imported pharmaceutical products. In addition to infrastructure and education, the 90th-anniversary discussions highlighted the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and the proliferation of counterfeit medicines, particularly in underserved communities. The PSGH called for stricter enforcement of regulations to combat falsified products that thrive where oversight is weak. Pharm. Donkor emphasized that ensuring patient safety and managing medicine resistance are critical responsibilities for modern pharmacists, requiring constant vigilance and a patient-centered approach to care. The landmark anniversary event also served as a platform to recognize distinguished contributions within the field, including honors for Professor Rita Akosua Dickson, Vice-Chancellor of KNUST. As the Pharmaceutical Society of Ghana looks toward the future, the dual focus on elevating professional standards and achieving self-sufficiency in medicine production remains central to their strategy. The Society maintains that a well-utilized pharmaceutical workforce and a strong local manufacturing sector are the essential pillars for a resilient and effective national health system.

The Northern Regional office of the Motor Transport and Traffic Directorate has intensified checks on unapproved headlights
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National Road Safety Authority Unveils Radical Reforms and 'Traffic Tech' System to Combat Rising Road Fatalities

The National Road Safety Authority (NRSA) has declared a major policy shift to address Ghana's escalating road safety crisis, which officials describe as a public health emergency with fatalities now exceeding those recorded during the COVID-19 pandemic. Director-General Abraham Amaliba announced a series of aggressive reforms aimed at curbing road carnage, headlined by the introduction of 'Traffic Tech,' an automated technology-driven enforcement system designed to monitor speed violations and traffic law compliance. Speaking during a visit to the Upper East Region, Mr. Amaliba also confirmed the implementation of Legislative Instrument (LI) 2519, which will mandate vehicle owners to subscribe to towing services to eliminate the hazard of stationary vehicles on highways. These reforms, set for a strategic rollout beginning in 2024 with full automation anticipated by 2027, represent a transition from simple public education to technology-led enforcement. While national figures remain a concern, recent data from the Upper East Region offers a glimmer of hope, showing a significant decline in road traffic casualties during early 2026. Reports indicate a 26.67% reduction in deaths and a remarkable 81.08% drop in injuries. However, the region continues to grapple with a disproportionate number of motorcycle-related fatalities, which account for a staggering 86.36% of all road deaths. Regional Minister Akamugri Donatus Atanga has expressed strong support for the NRSA's innovations but emphasized that technology must be matched by proactive local measures, particularly in enforcing helmet use and addressing the dangerous rise of unapproved high-intensity headlights. In the Northern Region, drivers and pedestrians are increasingly endangered by these illegal, excessively bright headlights, which impair night visibility and force hazardous maneuvers on roads already plagued by potholes and poor lane markings. Experts and safety advocates are calling for Ghana to move beyond blaming individual driver error and instead adopt a 'Safe System' approach. This philosophy prioritizes human life over vehicle movement by designing 'forgiving' infrastructure and implementing speed limits aligned with human survivability. As the nation moves toward a 24-hour economy, the NRSA is appointing Regional Ministers and local leaders as Road Safety Ambassadors to foster a culture of collective responsibility. The goal is to integrate better road design, unified agency cooperation, and strict enforcement to ensure that road users—particularly vulnerable motorcyclists and pedestrians—are protected by a system that accounts for human fallibility. The success of these reforms will ultimately depend on the seamless integration of the new Traffic Tech system and the public’s willingness to embrace a more disciplined road culture.

Mfantsiman Old Girls Association Hosts Annual National Health Walk to Promote Preventive Wellness
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Mfantsiman Old Girls Association Hosts Annual National Health Walk to Promote Preventive Wellness

The Mfantsiman Old Girls Association (MOGA) has been highly commended for its commitment to public wellness following the successful hosting of its annual National Health Walk at the University of Ghana. Mr. Gilbert Abeiku Santana Aggrey, Deputy Chief Executive of the Ghana Tourism Authority, praised the association for initiating the event, which drew over 500 participants including alumni from various educational institutions. He highlighted the critical role such initiatives play in fostering social cohesion and providing a necessary outlet for physical activity in an era where busy lifestyles and limited recreational spaces often lead to sedentary health challenges. The event featured a comprehensive health program including specialized screenings and aerobic sessions. These activities were designed not only to improve physical fitness but also to provide a platform for networking and community engagement among graduates. By integrating professional health checks with physical exercise, MOGA successfully promoted a proactive approach to wellness that extends beyond its immediate membership to the wider public. Mrs. Henrietta Opoku Amissah, the National President of MOGA, expressed her gratitude to the supporters and members whose involvement ensures the association's sustainability. She emphasized the association’s ongoing mission to uplift their alma mater and urged current students to embody the values of discipline and hard work. As MOGA continues to champion these health initiatives, the annual walk stands as a testament to the power of alumni networks in driving positive social change and promoting a healthier lifestyle for all Ghanaians.

The blinding headlights pose a risk to motorists and other road users
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Northern Regional MTTD Cracks Down on Illegal High-Intensity Headlights Linked to Rising Road Crashes

The Northern Regional Transport and Traffic Directorate (MTTD) has raised alarms over the proliferation of unapproved and excessively bright headlights on vehicles, which are significantly contributing to a spike in road accidents across the region. These high-intensity discharge (HID) and LED lights, often installed as aftermarket modifications, are causing severe visibility issues for oncoming motorists and pedestrians alike. Recent data indicates a worrying trend in road-related injuries and fatalities, turning what should be a safety feature into a public health hazard on northern Ghana’s major transit corridors. Authorities have noted that the inability of road users to clearly see lane markings and obstacles due to blinding glare is a primary factor in the recent surge of nocturnal collisions. Motorists in the region argue that the shift toward brighter, non-standard lighting is a defensive response to the deteriorating state of local infrastructure. Many drivers contend that standard vehicle headlights are insufficient for navigating roads characterized by deep potholes and faded lane markings, especially during the night. However, the resulting blinding glare often forces other drivers to perform dangerous maneuvers or come to a complete halt, creating a chaotic environment that has led to several documented collisions and pedestrian strikes. This cycle of unsafe lighting modifications highlights a critical tension between individual driver visibility and collective road safety standards. In response to the growing danger, the MTTD is intensifying its enforcement operations to identify and penalize vehicle owners who violate lighting regulations. Officials emphasize that while road conditions are a concern, the use of illegal headlights is not a viable solution and instead exacerbates the risks for all road users. The directorate is expected to conduct more frequent road checks and educational campaigns to sensitize drivers on the legal specifications for vehicle lighting and the lethal consequences of non-compliance. These measures aim to restore order to the region's highways and protect vulnerable pedestrians who are often the most impacted by impaired driver vision. The situation underscores a broader intersection between infrastructural maintenance and road safety regulation. While immediate enforcement may curb the use of illegal lights, experts suggest that long-term improvements to road visibility—such as better street lighting and clear road markings—are essential to addressing the root causes of the problem. Until such upgrades are realized, the Northern Region remains on high alert as authorities struggle to balance driver visibility with the safety of the general public. The outcome of these enforcement efforts will be a critical indicator of the region's ability to reduce preventable traffic-related deaths and injuries.