AGP Executive Report

Yellow Fever: Ghana Health Service has launched a five-day vaccination campaign targeting about 245,000 people aged nine months to 60 in three Upper West districts to curb an outbreak. Handwashing: World Vision Ghana renewed calls for access to soap and clean water, noting handwashing can reduce diarrhoeal disease and respiratory infections. Lead Exposure: WHO says lead poisoning causes an estimated 3.5 million deaths a year and is preventable; Ghana is among six sub-Saharan African countries receiving support to strengthen testing and monitoring. Rural Hypertension Care: A new US$3.3 million NIH grant will fund a Ghana-led trial bringing blood-pressure care closer to patients in rural communities. Speech and Language Care: Ghana’s speech therapists’ association is urging government to recruit more specialists, saying shortages and high private-care costs leave many children without timely support.

Hospital Capacity: President Mahama has commissioned an 85-bed ward at the Police Hospital in Accra, expanding care for police personnel, their families and the public. Medicine Safety: Police arrested eight suspects in an Accra operation targeting the sale of narcotics and unregulated medicines, including suspected high-strength Tramadol and codeine products. Eye Health: Cataracts cause 54.8% of blindness in Ghana, the Ghana Health Service says, urging earlier detection and treatment. Climate and Child Health: Researchers are tracking how heat and poor water and sanitation affect schoolchildren in Accra, alongside flood risks in Accra and Tamale. Access to Care: Ghana’s Medical Trust Fund is extending support for specialised treatment to patients in the Volta Region; a new prison medicine bank will also supply facilities across three northern regions. Prevention: Ho Municipality plans HPV vaccinations for girls aged 9–14, while a yellow fever scare has prompted a vaccination drive in three Upper West districts.

Water Security: Ghana Water Limited says it produces 220 million gallons a day against estimated demand of 350 million, a shortfall that threatens reliable access to water. Medicines: Government has extended applications for a planned pharmaceutical park at Shai Osudoku/Ningo Prampram. The 2,000-acre project aims to create 30,000 jobs and reduce medicine imports, which meet about 70% of demand. Prevention: Ho will offer free HPV vaccinations to girls aged 9–14 from October 19–23, with health teams visiting schools and serving out-of-school girls at health centres. NCDs: Public health advocates are urging food policies to curb unhealthy diets, which they say contribute to non-communicable diseases responsible for 45% of deaths in Ghana. Health financing: An IMANI researcher warns that delayed funding transfers could disrupt NHIA claims payments and strain providers. Hospital care: The Police Hospital has commissioned an 85-bed ward complex to serve officers, their families and the public.

Nutrition and Prevention: Ghana Health Service figures show three in four adults eat too few fruits and vegetables; 21.7% have raised blood pressure or take medication, while nearly one in four has never had a blood-pressure check. Patient Safety: A public warning about unqualified health screening questions the reliability of QRMA tests after one user’s results did not match laboratory findings, renewing calls for stronger oversight. Hospital Care: President Mahama has opened an 85-bed ward complex at Police Hospital and pledged GH¢200 million in the 2027 Budget to complete its stalled expansion. At KATH, non-payment has halted the Mother and Baby Unit for 14 months, putting stored materials at risk; the CATH Lab is about 67% complete. Disease Control: Yellow fever vaccinations are under way in Sissala East, Sissala West and Wa West after confirmed cases. Health Workforce: Sixty-one health workers have left for two-year contracts in Grenada, prompting calls to protect opportunities abroad while ensuring Ghana’s facilities remain staffed.

Hospital Care: President Mahama has commissioned an 85-bed ward complex at Police Hospital, including the facility’s first dedicated children’s wards. The government also plans to allocate more than GH¢200 million in the 2027 budget to complete the hospital’s stalled expansion. Health Workforce: Sixty-one Ghanaian health professionals have been deployed to Grenada on renewable two-year contracts; the Labour Minister urged them to honour their commitments and return after their assignments. Maternal Health: Ghana is targeting a 20 per cent annual reduction in maternal deaths, the Health Minister says. Cancer Prevention: A health expert has warned that excessive processed-meat consumption is linked to colorectal cancer and urged families to choose a balanced diet with fish, vegetables and legumes. Specialist Care: KATH’s cardiology centre is 70 per cent complete and expected to be ready by December, according to the project manager.

Cancer Care: UGMC has stepped up prostate cancer awareness, urging men to seek regular checks and early assessment; a specialist also warns breast cancer treatment should not be replaced by spiritual care. Maternal Health: Ghana is targeting a 20% annual reduction in maternal deaths through its emergency response initiative, the Health Minister says. Local Access: A new CHPS compound in Kokoago is expected to bring care closer to residents and help reduce maternal deaths. Mental Health: President Mahama has announced plans for three psychiatric hospitals, while a Ghana Psychological Association member urges students to speak up and schools to strengthen counselling. Yellow Fever: Ghana has declared an outbreak in the Upper West after three deaths; reports cite 450 suspected cases over four months, though the Health Minister says the situation is under control.

Primary Care: Ghana Health Service says free primary healthcare can strengthen the system, as President Mahama has announced plans for three psychiatric hospitals. Yellow Fever: Ghana has declared an outbreak in the Upper West Region after three deaths; officials urge vigilance and vaccination. The country recorded 450 suspected cases over four months. Breast Cancer: Specialist Prof. Florence Dedey urges prompt medical care, warning that spiritual treatment must not replace it. A Mamobi screening campaign found breast lumps in three residents and referred them for assessment. Mental Health: The Authority says rising depression reports partly reflect more facilities reporting cases and wider NHIS coverage. Health workers are calling for greater investment and better access to professional care. Health Workforce: Government is expanding recruitment of specialist healthcare professionals to address staffing gaps. Health Compact: The US has reopened talks on its rejected $109 million health agreement; President Mahama says Ghana will stand firm in negotiations.

Yellow Fever: Ghana has declared an outbreak in the Upper West after three confirmed cases, all fatal. About 450 suspected cases were recorded nationwide from June to September; vaccination is planned in Wa West and Sissala West and East. US Health Compact: Washington wants to reopen talks on the rejected $109 million deal, with disputed clauses potentially revised or removed. Primary Care: The Ghana Health Service says free primary healthcare could strengthen the system, urging facilities to improve referrals and patient flow; Mahama has also announced plans for three psychiatric hospitals. Mental Health: The Mental Health Alliance is pressing government to operationalise the Mental Health Fund, while NACOC has warned UDS students about drug abuse and its mental health risks. Community Care: Mahama commissioned two CHPS compounds in Ahafo, extending access to local services. Food Safety: The FDA has stepped up education for Accra market traders on adulteration and safe handling to reduce food-borne illness.

Health Compact: The US is seeking renewed talks on its proposed $109 million health deal with Ghana after Cabinet rejected it. President Mahama says Ghana wants disputed clauses on private medical records and pathogen data changed or removed. Mental Health: Mahama has announced three psychiatric hospitals for the Ashanti, Northern and Volta regions, while the Ghana Alliance for Mental Health and Development is urging government to activate the Mental Health Fund, dormant since 2012. Primary Care: Two new CHPS compounds have opened in Ahafo’s Ahyiaem and Asuatrekrom communities, extending services closer to rural residents. Yellow Fever: Ghana has declared an outbreak in the Upper West Region after three deaths; the Health Minister says the situation is under control, with about 450 suspected cases recorded nationwide since June. Health Coverage: NHIS active membership has risen to 70%, according to the Health Minister.

US Health Compact: Washington wants to reopen talks on its proposed $109 million health deal, which Ghana rejected over concerns including access to private medical records and limits on the FDA. President Mahama says disputed terms could be changed or removed. Yellow Fever: Ghana has declared an outbreak in the Upper West Region after three deaths. The country recorded 450 suspected cases from June, though the Health Minister says the situation is under control. Maternal Care: Health professionals are being urged to put medical knowledge into practice to prevent maternal and newborn deaths; Ghana recorded 965 institutional maternal deaths in 2025. Primary Healthcare: Mahama has commissioned two CHPS compounds in the Ahafo Region. The Health Minister says active NHIS membership has risen to 70%, while Ghana is targeting its first locally manufactured vaccine by 2027. Breast Cancer: A decade-long Delta Air Lines and Breast Care International partnership has reached more than 166,000 people with education and screened over 22,500.

Health Compact: The US wants to revise Ghana’s rejected five-year, $109 million health deal. President Mahama says talks will address concerns over access to private medical records, pathogen data and Ghana’s regulatory authority. Primary Care: Mahama commissioned two CHPS compounds in Ahafo, bringing basic services closer to residents; the Ahyiaem facility is expected to join the Free Primary Healthcare programme. Child Health: Ho-Dome Queenmother Attrato II urged mothers to keep up routine vaccinations and antenatal visits, warning that online misinformation could put children at risk. Health Workforce: Government plans to recruit 16,500 health professionals this year, but speakers at a health and labour summit said better working conditions are vital to retaining staff. Yellow Fever: Ghana has declared an outbreak in the Upper West after three deaths; 450 suspected cases were recorded nationwide over four months. The Health Minister says the situation is under control, with a rapid response team deployed.

Yellow Fever: Ghana has declared an outbreak in the Upper West Region after three deaths. The Health Minister says 450 suspected cases were recorded from June to September; emergency vaccination is planned in affected districts. Mental Health: The Mental Health Authority recorded 36,196 cases across five conditions in January–June, up 6,414 year-on-year. Schizophrenia-related disorders led the count, as officials call for more specialists, funding and support to reduce stigma. Primary Care: President Mahama commissioned new CHPS compounds at Ahyiaem and Asuatrekrom. Active NHIS membership has also risen to 70%. Cancer Care: Health workers urge prompt checks for painless breast lumps, while advocates warn that fear, misinformation and treatment costs can delay care.

Yellow Fever: Ghana has declared an outbreak in the Upper West Region after three laboratory-confirmed cases—all fatal. Authorities report 450 suspected cases nationwide and are preparing emergency vaccinations for people aged nine months to 60 in affected areas. Health Coverage: Active NHIS membership has risen to 70% in 2026, up from 57%, according to the Health Minister. Health Workforce: Kwabena Mintah Akandoh says hiring nurses and midwives depends on what the government can afford, while stressing he did not claim Ghana has more nurses than it needs. Maternal Care: A Korle Bu obstetrician has urged student nurses and midwives to spot complications early, communicate clearly and refer patients promptly to help prevent avoidable deaths. Breast Cancer: Health advocates say fear, misinformation, stigma, cost and limited access are keeping some women from seeking early care.

Yellow Fever: Ghana has declared an outbreak in parts of the Upper West Region after three laboratory-confirmed cases, all fatal. Rapid-response teams are investigating and a targeted vaccination campaign is planned; the Health Minister also reported 450 suspected cases nationwide between June and September. NHIS: Active membership rose from 56.3% in 2024 to 70% by August 2026, the Health Minister said, citing increased funding and provider payments. Eye Health: The Ghana Health Service is urging regular eye checks and prompt care for vision changes, and wants eye services integrated into primary healthcare. Access to Care: The Ghana Medical Trust Fund is stepping up outreach and support for eligible patients with chronic diseases, as the Ga Mantse called for a system where poverty does not block life-saving treatment. Mental Health: Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie urged employers to reduce stigma and make workplaces supportive for people facing mental health challenges. Childhood Cancer: Zenith Bank donated GH¢150,000 to Ridge Hospital’s paediatric oncology unit through the Go Yellow campaign.

Yellow Fever: Ghana has recorded 450 suspected cases since June, and the Health Ministry says surveillance is being intensified, with a rapid-response team deployed to the Upper West. Health Coverage: Active NHIS membership rose from 56.3% in 2024 to 70% by August 2026, the Health Minister says. Women’s Health: A Zebilla outreach screened about 700 women for breast and cervical cancer; an oncologist also urged the public to reject myths linking tight bras and deodorants to breast cancer and focus on early detection. Community Care: BasicNeeds-Ghana has equipped 42 facilities to improve counselling and mental health support for vulnerable women and girls. Health System: The Minister acknowledged shortages in specialist nurses and said Ghana trains more health workers than it can afford to hire. A 400-bed Mother and Child Centre is also under construction at Korle Bu. Environmental Health: Catholic bishops renewed calls for a state of emergency over galamsey, warning pollution threatens water, food safety and public health.

Maternal Care: Construction has begun on a 400-bed Mother and Child Centre at Korle Bu, with theatres and specialist services planned to ease pressure on Ghana’s leading referral hospital. Emergency Care: A pilot bed-tracking system is giving health officials real-time information on emergency capacity as government plans expansions at major hospitals. Yellow Fever: Ghana has recorded 450 suspected cases since June; a rapid response team has been deployed to the Upper West, where seven deaths have been reported in Sissala East. Health Workforce: Health leaders warn that specialist nurses must be properly deployed and supported, as Ghana trains thousands of health workers it cannot afford to hire. Access and Diagnosis: The Health Minister says NHIS coverage has risen to about 70 per cent. The Ghana Medical Trust Fund also plans advanced diagnostic equipment for hospitals in Cape Coast and Winneba. Prevention: A Korle Bu doctor warns that unsterilised shaving tools used by mobile barbers can spread infections, while breast specialists urge women to notice changes early and seek care promptly.