AGP Executive Report

HIV Surge: Ghana AIDS-Communication reports 1,145 new HIV infections between January and May 2026, a sharp rise that calls for stronger prevention and targeted community action. Malaria Vaccine Rollout: A malaria vaccine pilot across Ghana, Kenya and Malawi shows early gains, but health workers warn many children miss the final booster dose—threatening long-term protection. Maternal & Emergency Care: Government is stepping up maternal health drives and emergency care training in the Northern Region to reduce maternal deaths. Flood Health Response: After the June 29 floods, GHS urges continued post-flood disease prevention; meanwhile, Alhaji Seidu Agongo donated GH¢1.4m in relief items to affected households. Sanitation & Public Health: VRA says it will institutionalise clean-up exercises across its sites; World Vision Ghana and UNFPA reviewed health facility readiness in disaster-prone areas. Disability Rights: Organisations urge Cabinet to approve the revised Persons with Disabilities Bill, 2026, to improve access to inclusive health and services.

NCD Burden: Deputy Health Minister Dr Grace Ayensu-Danquah told Parliament that non-communicable diseases drive about 43% of deaths in Ghana, mainly diabetes and hypertension, and said MahamaCares is furnishing hospitals with specialised equipment. Maternal Care Upgrade: President Mahama commissioned Korle Bu’s Cardiac Catheterisation Laboratory and announced a new maternity block at KBTH to replace the aging Guggisberg Building, aiming for safer, more dignified delivery and newborn care. Primary Healthcare Access: The Pharmaceutical Society of Ghana condemned the closure of a Cape Coast pharmacy during the National Clean-up Exercise, warning it disrupted essential medicine access and could delay treatment. Disaster-Ready SRH Services: World Vision Ghana and UNFPA validated health facility readiness findings for disaster-prone areas, focusing on keeping maternal and sexual/reproductive health services available during emergencies. Clean Water for Health: Gold Fields Ghana Foundation and World Vision Ghana handed over the Damang Water Supply System, linking 200+ homes and supporting schools and health facilities with safe, reliable water. HIV Signal in Bono: Reports highlight alarming new HIV infections in Bono, with calls for stronger prevention and targeted responses. Cocoa Health & Livelihood Threat: COCOBOD and partners warn Ghana’s cocoa industry faces collapse risk from farm destruction and galamsey, threatening rural incomes and nutrition. Fire Safety Push: GNFS intensified fire prevention across the Eastern Region with school inspections, trader sensitisation, and practical emergency preparedness training. Disability Rights: Organisations urged Cabinet to urgently approve the revised Persons with Disabilities Bill, 2026, to better protect the rights of over 2.1 million Ghanaians living with disabilities. Sanitation Culture: GRA Commissioner-General Anthony Kwasi Sarpong urged businesses to support youth-led clean-up efforts, arguing clean cities protect public health.

Family Planning: The Ghana Health Service warns of looming disruptions to family planning services as contraceptive stocks fall to under one month for some key commodities, citing reduced donor support and limited domestic financing; Depo-Provera is nearly out of stock while condoms face tight supply. Maternal & Newborn Care: Ghana Health Service launches “Nurse Mary” in Greater Accra to improve maternal and newborn health, aiming to strengthen care delivery at community and facility levels. HIV & Sexual Health: Bono Region reports alarming new HIV infections, with health authorities and stakeholders calling for stronger prevention and targeted communication, including for key populations. Sanitation & Public Health: Cape Coast’s sanitation drive sparked backlash after claims that sick people were forced out of a pharmacy, raising concerns about access to essential medicines during clean-up campaigns. Roads, Flooding & Health Access: Heavy rains have made sections of the Pentecost Junction–Agape Road nearly impassable, disrupting transport and access to healthcare in Ga Central. Drug Policy Reform: NACOC pushes a shift from punitive drug laws toward a health-centred, rights-based approach focused on treatment and rehabilitation. Cocoa, Nutrition & Livelihoods: COCOBOD warns cocoa could collapse as galamsey destroys over 100,000 acres, threatening jobs and food security that indirectly affect health.

Road Safety & Emergency Care: GNFS firefighters rescued a trapped man after a head-on crash involving a cargo truck and an excavator on the Kpetoe–Sarakope Road, handing him to emergency staff for transfer to Ho Teaching Hospital; residents blamed risky road construction practices and called for better signage and barriers. Flood-Linked Health Access: In Ga Central, heavy rains have left the Pentecost Junction–Agape Road nearly impassable, disrupting transport, business and access to healthcare. Family Planning Crisis: Ghana faces a severe contraceptive shortage after USAID’s exit, with 11 key commodities below safety stock levels; stakeholders are pushing for urgent domestic financing to keep services running. HIV Update: Bono Region recorded 1,145 new HIV infections from January to May 2026, with PrEP distribution underway to curb spread. Maternal Health Push: The Deputy Health Minister toured parts of the Northern Region to strengthen emergency maternal care under the MMARP programme. HPV Vaccine Hesitancy: A monitoring group warns some parents are resisting HPV vaccination, threatening cervical cancer prevention gains. Sanitation & Public Health: Clean-up efforts continue across communities, including fines for sanitation non-compliance and calls for daily environmental hygiene. Debt & Health Sector Finance: Ghana says it has reached the final stage of external debt restructuring after exchanging SADEREA Notes tied to health-sector bonds.

Post-flood sanitation push: President Mahama has ordered six long-idle waste transfer stations in Accra to be operationalised, directing Zoomlion to reopen them so refuse can be discharged closer to collection points and not wash back into drains and waterways. Silent health emergency: Public health experts warn that the danger after floods doesn’t end when waters recede—contaminated homes, disrupted care, worsening chronic illness and mental health stress can drive outbreaks like cholera, typhoid and skin infections. Rainfall + drainage strain: Climate experts say rising temperatures are intensifying rainfall, overwhelming ageing drainage systems and making floods more severe, especially in Accra. Disease prevention in markets: LCB Worldwide Ghana and the Ghana Health Service carried out fumigation of public spaces in Accra’s Korle Klottey area to reduce sanitation-related outbreak risks. Road safety response: GNFS firefighters rescued a trapped driver after a HOWO tanker crash at Amanase on the Accra–Kumasi highway; the driver was taken for medical care and no fatalities were reported. Care access support: MTN Ghana marked 30 years with a healthcare investment, refurbishing 3,888 hospital beds and equipment and rolling out WASH programmes in schools. Hospital leadership crisis: Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital’s CEO suspension over emergency admission stoppage continues to raise patient-safety concerns and sparked industrial action.

Flood sanitation push: President Mahama ordered Zoomlion to activate long-unused waste transfer stations across Greater Accra to speed refuse evacuation after the June floods, while Zoomlion and other groups joined the national clean-up with drain clearing and waste evacuation. Disease prevention in focus: LCB Worldwide Ghana partnered with the Ghana Health Service to fumigate markets and transport hotspots in Korle Klottey as part of post-flood outbreak prevention; GHS also reiterated there is no cholera outbreak yet, urging continued preventive measures. Health system strain: Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital is in turmoil after the Health Ministry suspended the CEO following a temporary emergency admission suspension, triggering a doctors’ strike and patient turn-aways. Local health services and access: The Health Minister announced plans to inaugurate a DNA lab at the Noguchi Memorial Institute to expand local paternity and forensic DNA testing. Child health warning: KATH research says Type 2 diabetes now makes up about 15% of childhood diabetes cases in Ghana, driven by diet and inactivity. Workforce retention: UPNMG called for better conditions in the Northern Region to retain nurses and midwives, citing poor accommodation and deployment inequities. Tech for sanitation: AfriNova launched Wastle, an online platform to connect households and businesses to waste collectors and improve accountability.

Post-Flood Health Watch: The Ghana Health Service says there’s no cholera outbreak after the June 29 floods, but it’s stepping up disinfection and fumigation in markets and public spaces, urging people to keep sanitation and hygiene habits strong. Rural Health Staffing Pressure: GHS warns that poor roads and lack of accommodation are pushing health workers away from rural postings in the Northern Region, threatening access to care. Primary Healthcare Support: Community pharmacists are being urged to improve patient communication and teamwork to strengthen primary healthcare delivery. Sanitation Drive Momentum: Ghana’s national clean-up continues with participation from health institutions and partners, including Upper East GHS staff cleaning regional facilities and Volta Region reporting full district implementation. Security & Health Link: The CID Director-General joined the sanitation exercise, reinforcing the message that clean communities support public safety. Health Sector Development: Upper East Regional Hospital says it’s on track toward tertiary status with a validated five-year strategic plan. Education Labour Mobility: Ghana will deploy 300 teachers to the Bahamas this year under a new bilateral agreement. Global Health & Cleanliness Culture: WHO’s Ghana representative calls for environmental cleanliness to become a daily habit, not a one-off clean-up.

Post-Flood Sanitation Push: Ghana’s National General Cleaning Days are in full swing, with the Ghana Health Service starting fumigation in flood-hit areas and Korle Klottey clearing debris as officials say no cholera outbreak has been recorded so far. Clean Ghana Agenda: Celebrities and public figures joined a street clean-up starting at Agbogbloshie, moving through Kwame Nkrumah Circle and ending at Alajo, urging citizens to treat sanitation as shared responsibility. Institutional Mobilisation: NACOC staff cleaned around headquarters and regional commands; Zoomlion deployed 2,000 workers and equipment plus fumigation teams; Bui Power Authority and Karpowership Ghana also backed the drive with staff and sanitation tools. HIV & Key Populations: The Ghana AIDS Commission flagged a 26% HIV prevalence among homosexuals in Bono Region and is intensifying PrEP distribution. Reproductive Health & GBV: ARHR led a policy dialogue in Oti Region to tackle barriers to reproductive health education and prevent gender-based violence. Sanitation Enforcement: Afigya Kwabre South Assembly summoned 17 people and businesses over sanitation offences, including a Shell station accused of allowing refuse to pile up. Medicines & Safety: NAFDAC warned Nigerians against banned alcoholic energy drinks seized in Ghana, citing health risks from mixing alcohol and stimulants.

Cardiac Care Upgrade: President Mahama commissioned the Ghana Medical Trust Fund Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory at Korle-bu Teaching Hospital, a major step to expand lifesaving heart procedures. Floods & Public Health: Health officials warn floodwater is contaminated and can spread diseases and cause injuries; meanwhile, a nationwide clean-up drive is underway, with businesses ordered to close in Accra to support sanitation work. Sanitation Culture Push: Rex Omar urged Ghanaians to treat cleanliness as a continuous civic duty, not a “nine-day wonder,” as communities respond to the June 29 floods. Food & Workplace Nutrition: The Health Ministry backed the Mövenpick “Green Stay” initiative, calling healthy workplace meals a practical way to cut non-communicable disease risk and boost productivity. Drug Safety & Regulation: NAFDAC alerted Nigeria about banned alcoholic energy drinks seized in Ghana, warning of health risks from mixing alcohol and stimulants. NHIS & Health Services: Updates on NHIS registration continue, alongside efforts to improve access to care. Sports & Health (Local): Ghana defender Marvin Senaya is set for weeks of recovery after hamstring surgery, while Gideon Mensah’s FC Köln move follows medical clearance.

Hospital Readiness: Ghana’s Health Ministry says talks with the contractor for Weija Children’s Hospital focused on securing a formal handover so government can assess assets and start preparations to open the facility to the public. Flood Recovery & Sanitation: President Mahama donated relief items to Mamobi General Hospital and 37 Military Hospital after the June 29 floods, while Local Government Minister Ahmed Ibrahim ordered markets and shops in flood-affected areas to close during the two-day national clean-up (July 10–11) and warned of sanctions for non-compliance; assemblies are also moving to prosecute repeat sanitation offenders. Cardiac Care Boost: Korle Bu Teaching Hospital’s rebuilt cardiac catheterisation lab has reopened 16 months after a fire, with a new programme set to begin July 12. Food & Drug Safety: NAFDAC issued a public health alert over two banned alcoholic energy drinks seized in Ghana, warning of serious health risks from mixing alcohol and stimulants. Public Health & Violence: GES temporarily closed a school in Yendi after armed men attacked over a commercial shed dispute; separate reports highlight rising intimate partner violence concerns in Oti Region. Health System Oversight: Investigative commentary argues sanitation failures stem more from corruption and weak accountability than from lack of assembly capacity.

Cardiac Care Upgrade: President Mahama commissioned the Ghana Medical Trust Fund (MahamaCares) Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory at Korle Bu’s National Cardiothoracic Centre, aiming to improve diagnosis and treatment of heart disease and reduce referrals abroad. Maternal Health Alarm: Upper East Region recorded 27 maternal deaths in the first half of 2026 despite 100% antenatal care coverage, with delays in reporting and late referrals from CHPS compounds flagged as key causes. Korle Bu Maternity Block Demolition: Mahama ordered the demolition of the ageing Gordon-Guggisberg maternity block at Korle Bu, calling it a “death trap” and saying a new modern block will be built. Nurses’ Conditions of Service: UPNMG urged government to honour agreements with nurses and midwives, warning that repeated delays erode trust and weaken healthcare delivery. Sanitation Push: Christian Council of Ghana backed Mahama’s nationwide clean-up days (July 10–11) and Ga Traditional Council ordered Accra shops and markets to close mid-morning to boost participation. Health System Integrity: Parliament was told the Sewua Government Hospital project is under audit after an overpayment was detected. Public Health & Safety: Police crackdown removed unauthorized sirens and strobe lights from 188 vehicles in Kumasi, highlighting loopholes starting at port checks. Neonatal Sepsis Research: A multi-country NeoSep 1 trial to test antibiotic combinations for newborn sepsis expanded recruitment to India, with Ghana among earlier sites.

Cardiac Care Upgrade at Korle Bu: President Mahama commissioned the Ghana Medical Trust Fund (MahamaCares) Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory at the National Cardiothoracic Centre, boosting lifesaving heart procedures. Maternal Health Safety: He also ordered the demolition of Korle Bu’s ageing Gordon-Guggisberg maternity block, calling it a “death trap,” and said a new block is in procurement. Flood Sanitation Push: The Ministry of Local Government announced arrangements for a two-day National Flood Aftermath Clean-up (July 10–11) across seven regions, with shops and non-essential businesses closed during set hours. Accra Clean-up Compliance: The Ga Mantse directed Accra shops and markets to close 7am–12noon on July 10–11 to help residents clear drains and remove filth. HIV Testing and Stigma: The Ghana AIDS Commission urged HIV testing to follow national guidelines and warned against public comments that could fuel stigma, while an NGO in Sunyani flagged rising new infections and promoted self-testing. Prison Health Strain: Ho Central Prison appealed for support over overcrowding and shortages of medicines and equipment, warning of disease risks.

Drug Policy Implementation: The Interior Deputy Minister urged Ghana to urgently pass the LI to fully operationalise the Narcotics Control Commission Act, saying drug use must be treated as a public health and human rights issue, not just criminal justice. Opioid Crackdown: The Health Minister told Parliament that tapentadol products (including “Red”) are unregistered for medical use and illegal, with FDA surveillance and seizures continuing. Hospital Care Upgrade: MTN refurbished 3,888 hospital beds and equipment for seven facilities nationwide and rolled out health screening plus WASH programmes in schools under its 21 Days of Y’ello Care. Local Health Access: Wa West MP released GH¢74,510 to complete an abandoned Kachiau CHPS compound, aiming to reduce delays in care during the rainy season. Reproductive Health Education: Stakeholders in Bono East called for policy and curriculum changes to enable reproductive health education in schools to curb sexual abuse and GBV. Sanitation Pressure: Greater Accra faces a landfill crunch as Kpone nears closure, raising fears of worsening waste-related health risks. Child Protection: Three cocoa communities were declared Ghana’s first Child Labour-Free Zones, targeting child labour in cocoa production.

Parliament Accountability: Assurances Committee Chair Dominic Nitiwul warned ministers to respect parliamentary summons, after some failed to appear for hearings; the meeting is rescheduled for July 9 with Health expected to attend. Reproductive Health in Schools: Stakeholders in Techiman urged Ghana to remove barriers to reproductive health education in schools to curb sexual abuse and GBV, calling for curriculum and policy changes. Hospital Capacity Boost: MTN refurbished 3,888 hospital beds and accessories across seven facilities under its 21 Days of Y’ello Care, alongside WASH support for schools. Drug Policy Enforcement: The Health Minister said tapentadol (including “red”) is unapproved for medical use and illegal to sell or possess; the Interior Deputy Minister also pushed full implementation of the drug law as a public health and human rights issue. HIV Test Results Clarified: The Ghana AIDS Commission said 1,300 “reactive” HIV results from security recruitment are not confirmed diagnoses and should be interpreted under national testing guidelines. Healthcare Infrastructure Priorities: Cabinet approved phasing Agenda 111, completing only 35 projects first, based on need and project readiness. Public Health & Environment: UNDP/Breathe Cities launched an investment case linking ambient air pollution to major health and economic losses, urging targeted action across transport, energy and waste. Disability Support: Tema began re-registration for Persons with Disabilities to improve Disability Common Fund disbursement and emergency response. Consumer Safety: CDA Consult launched “Verify Before You Buy” to curb counterfeit medicines and other fake goods by pushing shoppers to check authenticity. Drug Abuse Awareness: NACOC and GOPC held a health walk in Asuom for World Drug Day, promoting drug-free living. Weija Children’s Hospital Delay: Health Minister blamed contractor delays for the postponed opening of the 120-bed Weija Children’s Specialist Hospital, citing outstanding handover and equipment installation issues.

Public Finance Oversight: The Auditor-General reports PBCSIs lost over GH¢1.24bn in 2025 irregularities, with tax breaches topping the list—especially unremitted withholding tax, VAT and PAYE by ECG—plus contract and store irregularities. HIV Screening in Recruitment: Ghana’s Interior Minister says 1,300 applicants tested HIV-positive during security recruitment medical screening, with results withheld until counselling. Sanitation & Flood Risk: A Bekwai MP blames government for the sanitation crisis, while Local Government and MMDAs gear up for a nationwide National General Cleaning Exercise on July 10–11, with Zoomlion pledging nationwide support. Cardiac Care Expansion: GMTF and Tamale Teaching Hospital inspect the Tamale Cardiology Centre, with contractors assuring completion by end of August. Public Health Preparedness: Ghana strengthens emergency readiness through participation in WHO-led Exercise Polaris II, testing detection, coordination and risk communication. Patient Care Accountability: Korle Bu Teaching Hospital asks Mzbel for more details to investigate her claim of bed shortage contributing to her sister’s death. Consumer Safety: CDA Consult launches “Verify Before You Buy” to curb counterfeit, expired and substandard goods that can harm health. Pension & Health Access: SSNIT celebrates its oldest female pensioner at 100 and announces a Membership Value Programme, including a telehealth service for pensioners.

Consumer Protection: CDA Consult launched the “Verify Before You Buy” campaign in Tema, urging Ghanaians to check product authenticity and safety to avoid counterfeit, expired and substandard goods that can lead to serious health harm. Emergency Care Boost: The National Ambulance Service distributed critical equipment to Greater Accra ambulance stations after the June 29 floods, including trolleys, glucometers, gloves and medicines, to strengthen pre-hospital response. Cardiac Care Progress: Ghana Medical Trust Fund and Tamale Teaching Hospital inspected the Tamale Cardiology Centre, with contractors assuring completion by end of August to expand advanced heart care in Northern Ghana. Vaccine Safety: Ghana reaffirmed its vaccine safety and pharmacovigilance work at the ISoP Africa Chapter conference in Namibia, sharing experience from immunisation surveillance. Adolescent Health & GBV: NCCE stressed adolescents’ right to quality health services and safe dialogue spaces to curb gender-based violence. Sickle Cell Support: Simona Ephraim Foundation launched a mobile app to educate users on sickle cell and guide crisis care, aiming to reduce misconceptions and improve support. Public Health After Floods: Parliament suspended Friday sitting so MPs can join the national general clean-up exercise aimed at improving sanitation and reducing future flood risks. Hospital Accountability: Korle Bu Teaching Hospital said it is investigating Mzbel’s claim that bed shortage contributed to her sister’s death. Police Oversight: Police interdicted eight officers after a fatal Sayerano shooting in Juaboso; investigations are ongoing.