Ghana’s Health Sector Evolves Through Major Infrastructure Growth, Disease Surveillance, and a Push for Professional Reform

Ghana’s healthcare landscape is undergoing a significant transformation characterized by aggressive infrastructure expansion and heightened public health vigilance. The Korle Bu Teaching Hospital has announced plans for a new 500-bed Children’s Hospital, supported by the Ga Mantse through the "100 by 100" fundraising campaign, which aims to raise GH¢10 million. In tandem, the Ghana Red Cross Society is pushing for a 100-bed humanitarian hospital to strengthen disaster response, while rural access is being bolstered by the new 24-hour Titus Medical Centre in Kumdi—offering free snakebite treatments—and the inauguration of new nurses' quarters at the Adaklu Ahunda-Boso Health Centre.

On the public health front, the Ghana Health Service (GHS) remains on high alert despite a decline in disease transmission rates. As of May 10, 2026, Ghana has recorded six new cases of Mpox, bringing the national total to 1,070 confirmed infections. While surveillance has helped control the outbreak, health officials urge citizens to maintain hygiene and report symptoms promptly. Simultaneously, the GHS has intensified monitoring at all points of entry due to a Hantavirus threat linked to a cruise ship in Cape Verde. Although no cases have been reported in Ghana, emergency response systems and testing capabilities at the Noguchi Memorial Institute have been fully activated.

Beyond physical infrastructure and disease control, there is a renewed focus on professional ethics and the "human element" of healthcare. Prof. Ernest Yorke, President of the Ghana Medical Association (GMA), has called on health professionals to prioritize patient communication to rebuild public trust. He noted that the majority of public complaints stem from poor communication rather than a lack of medical attention. This emphasis on accountability is reflected in the GMA’s handling of the Charles Amissah case, where the association is providing legal and mental health support to staff while ensuring due process following reports of failures in emergency care.

Institutional milestones and philanthropic contributions continue to support these national efforts. The Trust Hospital staff union recently celebrated its 10th anniversary, marking a period where improved internal cooperation helped reduce hospital losses from GH¢24 million to GH¢3 million. Additionally, the Governor of the Bank of Ghana, Dr. Johnson Pandit Kwesi Asiama, marked his birthday by donating essential medical supplies to the Peki Government Hospital. These combined efforts from the government, professional bodies, and private citizens highlight a comprehensive approach to modernizing Ghana's health delivery system and preparing for future medical emergencies.