AGP Executive Report

Maternal Care Upgrade: Tema General Hospital’s women’s emergency obstetrics and gynaecology ward has been renovated to improve emergency care conditions. Health Access for Hard-to-Reach Communities: Eastern Region commissioned a 22-seater fibre boat to bring NHIS registration and renewal services to island communities in the Afram Plains. Water for Health: Impala Foundation donated 10 reverse osmosis boreholes to Vume community to tackle long-standing unsafe water challenges. Training for Better Care: Accra Technical University launched an HND in Paramedical Trichology to professionalise hair and scalp health management. Public Health & Environment: EPA says the styrofoam food container ban is the first phase of a wider single-use plastics crackdown, citing drain blockage and health risks. Mental Health Law Reform: A call to swiftly ratify decriminalisation of attempted suicide reinforces suicide as a public health issue, not a crime. Food Safety & Diet: A physician assistant links peptic ulcer disease to skipping meals, late eating, spicy foods, carbonated drinks and alcohol. Anti-Trafficking Sweep: Ghana Immigration Service says it rescued 1,055 people, including 662 children, from exploitative street begging networks. Drug Control: NDLEA reports intercepting a N6.2bn drug pipeline, including “Jihadi drug” captagon hidden in Ghanaian soap.

Public Health & Safety: The FDA arrested traders at Accra’s Makola Market over “cigarette-shaped” candy sold to children, warning that tobacco-control rules bar depicting tobacco products at points of sale. Child Protection & Health Risks: Ghana Immigration Service launched an intelligence-led anti-human trafficking operation across Greater Accra and Ashanti, apprehending 1,055 people including 662 children, with officials citing forced begging networks. Gastrointestinal Health: A Physician Assistant at Bomaa Government Hospital linked rising peptic ulcer disease to skipping meals and late eating, especially among drivers, and warned that spicy foods, carbonated drinks and alcohol can worsen symptoms. Women’s Health: Breast Care International urged women to prioritise breast health, stressing that early detection improves outcomes as thousands of cases are still recorded annually. Clinical Care Training: A Ghana study reports that a short, structured training workshop for ICU nurses improved knowledge on preventing ventilator-associated pneumonia—highlighting that bedside prevention also depends on reliable systems. Drug Control: NDLEA reported major seizures in Nigeria, including “Captagon” pills concealed in Ghanaian bathing soap, underscoring cross-border trafficking risks. Community Sanitation: Awutu-Senya District Assembly and Zoomlion led a clean-up ahead of the Awubia Festival, linking sanitation to reduced mosquito breeding and communicable disease spread.

Tobacco control crackdown: Ghana’s FDA, with police and National Security, arrested one person and seized cigarette-shaped lollipop candy at Makola Market after public complaints, saying the product glamorises tobacco and violates Ghana’s tobacco control laws. Maternal health alarm: A call for a parliamentary probe into Ridge Hospital’s rising maternal deaths followed allegations around a C-section death, with lawmakers urging deeper system-wide fixes beyond blaming individual staff. ICU training for safer care: A Ghana study found a single structured three-hour workshop for ICU nurses significantly improved ventilator-associated pneumonia prevention knowledge, while also warning that weak electricity, shortages and missing protocols can still block bedside impact. Community health promotion: Channel One TV and Citi FM’s “Healthy Living Project” is set for September, pushing walking and healthier habits through community support. Public health and environment link: President Mahama charged the newly sworn-in Environment Minister to tackle galamsey firmly, stressing polluted rivers and unsafe air eventually show up in hospitals. Women’s empowerment: A conference in Accra backed by UNFPA and partners focused on women’s leadership, sexual and reproductive health, and support against gender-based violence. Health education via tech: A WhatsApp chatbot (“Kemi”) is being used to help women report or seek support for technology-facilitated gender-based violence, with plans to improve local reporting guidance.

Maternal health & accountability: Akosua Manu is pushing Parliament to launch a bipartisan probe into rising maternal deaths after a Ridge Hospital case where a 31-year-old died following a Caesarean, with allegations of negligence and calls to look at systemic gaps beyond blame on staff. Public health & regulation: Ghanaians are outraged over “cigarette rod” lollipop candy sold to children, saying it glamorises smoking and demanding FDA action. Environment linked to health: President Mahama swore in Dr Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings and charged her to lead science-driven, firm action against galamsey, warning that polluted water, unsafe air and poor sanitation eventually show up in hospitals. Health system safety concerns: A mother says she only learned her son’s kidney was allegedly removed after a phone call, reigniting organ-harvesting fears and the need for stronger patient consent and oversight. Jobs with health infrastructure: President Mahama inaugurated Northshore Apparel Ghana Limited in Savelugu, highlighting an on-site clinic and worker support as part of a broader push for productive investment. Child health research: A study highlights congenital heart defect screening needs for children with Down syndrome, stressing early detection to prevent later complications.

NCD Care Expansion: Ghana Medical Trust Fund (GMTF/MahamaCares) marks one year of shifting from paying bills to strengthening prevention, diagnosis and treatment of chronic diseases, with operational training for patient navigation and partner hospitals. Cancer Access Deal: GMTF signs an MoU with Sweden Ghana Medical Centre to improve access to specialised cancer services like radiotherapy and PET scans for eligible patients. Maternal Health & Safety: Keta Municipal Hospital begins centenary planning for 100 years of continuous service, with screenings and community activities slated through October. Women’s Health: Breast Care International urges women to prioritise breast self-exams and early screening, citing over 5,000 annual cases and more than 2,300 deaths. Public Health After Floods: WHO hands over emergency health supplies to NADMO to support post-flood WASH and outbreak preparedness, including cholera-focused emergency kits. Food Security & Nutrition: A US$270m poultry investment deal aims to build an integrated poultry value chain to cut chicken imports and improve local supply. Local Health Workforce & Regulation: BoG defends microfinance reforms, while Ghana’s health system continues to push for stronger patient safety and regulation as digital health grows.

Flood Response: WHO handed over emergency health supplies to NADMO to strengthen Ghana’s post-flood public health response, flagging WASH gaps that can drive cholera, diarrhoeal disease, malaria and other outbreaks. Maternal Health: Ridge Hospital is again in the spotlight after a husband alleged negligence following his wife’s death after a scheduled C-section; meanwhile Ashanti is rolling out a virtual labour ward and clinical mentorship to cut maternal deaths. Sanitation & Disease Prevention: Zoomlion intensified disinfection and disinfestation across Oti and Ahafo regions, targeting markets, toilets, drains and refuse sites to reduce communicable disease risks. Child Protection: Ghana Immigration Service warned young people to verify overseas job offers to avoid trafficking and exploitation. Workplace & Community Health: St John Ambulance launched a mother-and-baby programme to improve maternal and newborn care through community volunteers and faster referral. Health Access & Equity: Chiefs in Kyeremekrom appealed for potable water and better street lighting, citing health risks from unsafe water sources. Policy & Governance: Parliament’s Minority rejected a rush to vet Supreme Court nominees, while the new GNA governing board pledged to strengthen public-interest journalism.

Maternal Health Update: KATH reports a first-in-10-years drop in institutional maternal deaths, from 78 (mid-year 2025) to 55 (mid-year 2026), crediting a newly operationalised maternal ICU and plans to expand beds, alongside completion of an Assisted Reproductive Technology centre. Patient Safety & Regulation: Parliament’s Speaker Bagbin urged stronger oversight of health professional regulators across Africa, pushing for amendments to Act 857 and better funding for councils. Sexual & Reproductive Health: PPAG intensified SRH education for out-of-school adolescents and youth in apprenticeships, using mobile outreach at a CHPS compound in Volta to encourage early check-ups and confidential care. Public Health After Floods: Zoomlion launched disinfection and fumigation in Volta to reduce post-flood disease and pest risks, with the exercise set to run across all districts until September 9. Healthcare Access & Tourism: Navala Travel Health App was launched in Accra to connect travellers to trusted providers, telemedicine, and emergency coordination, supporting Ghana’s medical tourism push. Inland Waterway Safety: Ghana Maritime Authority called for stricter life jacket use after recording nine inland boat accidents (42 deaths) between 2024 and June 2026. Health System Financing: Ghana-Korea health cooperation enters a new phase with a digital NHIS ODA project aimed at improving efficiency and access. Community Health Infrastructure: Work began on a 24-hour model market at Sabon Zongo, including a clinic and other services.

Clinical Research Capacity: Ghana pilots a WHO clinical trial benchmarking tool, with 13 institutions assessed after a Ho workshop—covering patient engagement, trial operations, regulatory oversight, leadership and infrastructure. Cancer Care Access: Ghana Medical Trust Fund signs an MoU with Sweden Ghana Medical Centre to improve access to specialised cancer diagnosis and treatment like radiotherapy and PET scans for eligible patients. Health Workforce: The Health Ministry extends the reporting deadline for nurses and allied health professionals from Aug 24 to Aug 31, clarifying salary processing depends on completing recruitment and posting steps. Public Health & Nutrition: Stakeholders push for stronger food policies to curb rising non-communicable diseases, citing an unhealthy food environment. Maternal Health Debate: A Ghanaian midwife and placenta encapsulation specialist discuss whether placenta capsules have proven benefits, noting limited scientific support. Health System Partnerships: Fortis Healthcare launches in Ghana via TreatAid Ghana to connect patients with specialist care in India. Road Safety Disruption: Dr Busia Highway closures begin Sept 7 for storm drain works, with diversions affecting key corridors.

Public Health Emergency Readiness: The Ghana Health Service (GHS) has launched five strategic documents and a national roadmap to operationalise Public Health Emergency Operations Centres (PHEOCs), aiming for a functional, connected system from national to district level for faster outbreak detection, incident management, logistics and sustainable financing. Primary Healthcare Gaps: The Savannah Regional Health Directorate flagged low childhood immunisation, high stillbirths, anaemia in pregnant women and weak family planning uptake as Ghana rolls out the Free Primary Health Care Programme, also warning against over-liberal antibiotic prescriptions. Maternal & Child Health Focus: KOICA has met Ghana’s Deputy Health Minister to support efforts to reduce maternal mortality. Chronic Disease & Prevention: Vice President Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang says the Mahama government is investing in healthcare equipment under the Mahama Care programme to ease the burden of chronic illnesses, while stressing preventive care. Nutrition Warning: WHO-linked reporting highlights that excessive salt intake raises risks of high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease and stroke—an urgent reminder for healthier Ghanaian dining habits. Health Financing Support: The Christian Council of Ghana pledged backing for the Ghana Medical Trust Fund (GMTF) to help patients who cannot afford critical care. Health Sector Investment: GIPA engaged a Chinese delegation on partnership opportunities in Ghana’s health sector, with local manufacturing highlighted as a key collaboration area. Health Tragedy Abroad: A Ghanaian woman, Mercy Yaaba Bredu, reportedly collapsed at an airport in China after travelling for a master’s degree and died two days after leaving Ghana.

HIV Prevention Push: Ghana AIDS Commission (GAC) is calling for nationwide expansion of its Adolescent Girls and Young Women (AGYW) HIV prevention project, saying infections among ages 15–24 remain high even as the Global Fund-supported programme shows gains in Greater Accra, Eastern and Ashanti. Maternal Health Support: KOICA met Ghana’s Deputy Health Minister to explore collaboration aimed at reducing preventable maternal deaths under Ghana’s Maternal Mortality Action and Response Programme. Water Access for Schools: Ghana Maritime Authority and Humanity First commissioned solar-powered boreholes in Wa and surrounding districts, including T.I. Ahmadiyya SHS, to improve hygiene, reduce waterborne illness risk, and support learning. Post-Flood Sanitation: Zoomlion intensified disinfection and disinfestation in Ahafo and other regions, targeting markets, schools and public spaces to cut communicable disease risks. Patient Safety & Regulation: President Mahama unveiled a Bawku Revitalisation Fund committee and noted that conflict previously blocked posting of nurses and doctors—while health leaders also renewed calls for stronger health regulation as care delivery expands.

Public Health & Safety: FDA seized flood-damaged bottled water and soft drinks in Accra after reports they were washed and repackaged for sale, warning floodwater can carry sewage and trigger cholera, typhoid and dysentery. Stroke Risk: A Ministry of Health researcher says stroke cases are rising, with nearly 48% now occurring in men aged 30–49—an alarming shift toward working-age illness. Mental Health & Youth: The Mental Health Authority cautioned young people against mixing food/drinks with drugs, noting unknown doses can harm brain function and worsen anxiety and confusion. Street Mental Health: A civil society group raised concern about more mentally challenged people living on streets and bus stops, urging urgent coordinated support. Air Pollution: UCC researchers urged stronger air-pollution controls, especially for street vendors exposed to traffic fumes, while noting diet can’t replace regulation. Child Protection in Cocoa: SEND Ghana called for stronger cocoa-sector enforcement to close gaps that still expose children to hazardous farm work. Health Support: The Christian Council pledged full backing for the Ghana Medical Trust Fund to help patients who can’t afford care. Emergency Clean-up: Zoomlion began disinfection in Northern Region markets, schools and health facilities to help prevent post-flood outbreaks. Road Safety: Reports say Ghana’s road deaths hit a 35-year high, with 2,949 killed in 2025.

Patient Access & Funding: The Christian Council of Ghana has pledged full support for the Ghana Medical Trust Fund (GMTF), saying it will mobilise nationwide backing to help people who cannot afford critical care. Public Health & Vectors: In Krachi East, residents in Asukawkaw report rising blackfly bites, prompting calls for urgent municipal and health action to protect schoolchildren and teachers in an onchocerciasis-prone zone. Youth Reproductive Health: UNFPA-backed training in Nkwanta North equips youth parliamentarians to advocate adolescent reproductive health rights, including prevention of STIs, HIV, child marriage, teenage pregnancy and gender-based violence. Sanitation & Disease Prevention: Zoomlion has started mass disinfestation and fumigation across 33 Eastern Region assemblies after floods, targeting markets, lorry parks, public facilities and drains to curb cholera, malaria and typhoid risks. Food Safety: FDA seized flood-damaged bottled water and soft drinks in Accra allegedly being washed and repackaged for sale, warning floodwater can contaminate products even if bottles look clean. Workplace Safety: Government introduced a National Workplace Compliance and Safety Management System to modernise inspections and enforcement for safer workplaces.

STI Surge Among Youth: A new review flags rising sexually transmitted infections in Ghana, with higher rates in urban areas and especially among young women (chlamydia 23.2% in ages 15–24), raising alarms for adolescent sexual and reproductive health. Kidney Disease Push: World Kidney Day coverage calls CKD a “silent killer” driven by hypertension, diabetes, poor diets and delayed care, warning that dialysis costs can hit about GH¢2,000 weekly. Surgical Care Boost: Mercy Ships’ Global Mercy has docked in Tema for a 10-month mission, targeting 2,600 free surgeries and 2,145 dental treatments while training local health workers. Health Regulation Drive: President Mahama opened AMCOA, urging stronger, Africa-wide regulation for safer care as digital health and AI expand, with Ghana targeting 90% NHIS coverage. Prison Health Screening: GMA screened 334 inmates at Ankaful Prison and donated medical supplies, spotlighting neglected healthcare in correctional facilities. Malaria Prevention Reminder: Health messaging stresses early diagnosis and prevention through nets, repellents and reducing mosquito breeding. Human Rights & Health Systems: CSOs urge Ghana to improve human rights records ahead of UN review, including disability rights and LGBTQ+ protections.

Surgical care boost: Ghana welcomed the Global Mercy hospital ship in Tema, with Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh saying the 10-month mission should strengthen the national surgical, obstetric and anaesthesia plan—not operate as a one-off. Specialist training decentralisation: At AMCOA in Accra, the Health Minister announced plans to decentralise specialist medical training and expand postgraduate opportunities nationwide, pairing professional accountability with better equipment and systems. Digital health regulation: President Mahama urged stronger regulation of digital healthcare and AI across Africa to protect patients, citing risks from privately run systems and warning against replacing clinical judgement with algorithms. Primary healthcare rollout: Atebubu/Amantin MCE launched free Primary Healthcare in the municipality, aiming to remove cost barriers and support Universal Health Coverage. SRH outreach: PPAG and UNFPA ran mobile outreach advising parents to take interest in children’s sexual and reproductive health, with counselling and services including HIV/STI support. Nutrition and prevention: FDA intensified monitoring to ensure iodised salt reaches consumers, warning against cross-contamination with industrial salt. Local vaccine R&D: PharmaVax Ghana awarded €2m to eight projects developing vaccines, medicines and diagnostics, including malaria tablets and AI-supported antibody work. HIV focus: Bolgatanga MCE and health officials launched HIV/AIDS awareness jingles, reporting rising infections in 2026. Health and environment pressure: Parliament’s Minority Leader Afenyo-Markin linked illegal mining pollution to kidney and lung failures in mining communities, calling for urgent action.

Prisons & Reintegration: Ghana Prisons Service plans five prison-based industries—tailoring, cabinetry, shoemaking, packaging and prefabrication—plus creative production (music, poetry, video) to turn vocational training into income skills for inmates. Public Health & Sanitation: Zoomlion has started mass disinfection in Upper East markets, lorry parks, schools, health facilities and abattoirs to cut rainy-season risks like cholera, typhoid and malaria. Health Systems & Access: Ghana is set to establish a pharmaceutical industrial park in Shai-Osudoku (about 2,000 acres) under the 24-hour economy push, aiming to boost local production of medicines, medical devices and herbal products. Disease Control at Borders: Unapproved crossing routes on the Ghana–Togo border are undermining cross-border disease surveillance and response planning, even as communities rely on informal links. Digital Governance for Safety: The Police will roll out 700+ digital enrolment stations nationwide by end of 2026 to strengthen intelligence-led policing. Blood Supply Security: A new BISKIT mobile blood-donation system is highlighted as a way to improve transfusion security during crises across Africa.

Public Health Preparedness: Ghana Health Service (GHS) has launched a new Public Health Emergency Operations Centre (PHEOC) framework, with strategic plans, handbooks and surge staffing tools to strengthen outbreak response and health security. Health Insurance Access: NHIA opened a new office in Komenda to make it easier for residents to register and renew NHIS cards locally, reducing travel to Elmina. Maternal & Reproductive Health: A case spotlight on late-life motherhood describes a 61-year-old giving birth after stem cell-enhanced IVF, while a separate push urges women to avoid self-medication and seek early care for genital infections and cervical cancer. Mental Health & Child Protection: MEHSOG and partners called for a full criminal investigation into an alleged sexual assault of a 14-year-old special-needs student at Bolga Girls SHS. Community Health Support: Cape Coast North MP donated medical supplies to Kwawprow Health Centre, and BasicNeeds Ghana trained vulnerable groups in Bolgatanga on accessing LEAP, disability common fund and NHIS support. Fitness & Wellbeing: ECOWAS mission personnel in Guinea-Bissau held route marches to promote physical fitness and reduce inactivity-related health risks.