AGP Executive Report

Medicine Quality & Safety: A new push highlights the risk of substandard or counterfeit paracetamol in Ghana’s mixed formal and informal drug markets, warning that wrong doses can fail to treat illness or even cause toxic harm. Child Protection: The Paediatric Society of Ghana urges communities and health workers to prevent behaviours that expose children to abuse, stressing safer environments and public education. Women’s & Health Financing: UNFPA’s regional director calls for stronger domestic investment in health, midwives, contraception access, and community services to cut preventable maternal deaths and close inequalities. Food Safety: Hohoe Municipal Assembly orders annual medical screening for food and drink vendors to curb food- and water-borne diseases. Flood Relief: Corporate groups donate cash, food, medical and sanitation supplies to support June 29 flood victims, with malaria and HPV test kits among items. Hospital Accountability: UGMC rejects parts of Michael Blackson’s claims about his mother’s care, while also urging patients to use official complaint channels. Substance Abuse Treatment: NACOC appeals for a dedicated government rehabilitation fund for drug addiction, saying treatment costs are too high for most families. Decentralisation Push: The Vice President backs implementation of Ghana’s decentralisation framework to improve local services and development outcomes.

Emergency Care Upgrade: GHS says all health facilities must have functional medical oxygen and working pulse oximeters to close persistent gaps in respiratory and emergency care. Road Crash Mental Health: Korle Bu’s A&E head calls for mental health specialists permanently in trauma units, saying psychological first aid should start immediately after crashes. Local Health Leadership: Western Region welcomes Dr. Godfred Kwabena Sarpong as Regional Health Director, with officials urging unity to improve service delivery. Maternal Health & Safety: A new push highlights unsafe abortion risks for young women, stressing that Ghana’s legal framework still leaves many dying from unsafe methods. Diabetes Shift: Type 2 diabetes is rising among younger people, especially young women, challenging the old “young vs old” assumption. Community Wellness: Ghana Medical Association’s 2026 Wellness Walk in Kumasi drew hundreds to promote preventive care and fight non-communicable diseases. Power & Care Access: ECG begins a four-day planned outage schedule in parts of Accra East, urging affected communities to prepare. Disability Stigma: A Ho mother of a child with cerebral palsy reports housing and school discrimination, calling for an end to stigma. Sports With Health Angle: Malawi’s WAFCON win over Ghana secures a first World Cup spot, keeping the Black Queens’ World Cup hopes alive via playoffs.

Regional Health Leadership: Western Region welcomes Dr. Godfred Kwabena Sarpong as Regional Health Director after the reassignment of Dr. Marion Okoh-Owusu to GHS HQ in Accra, with leaders urging unity to improve service delivery. Emergency & Trauma Care: Korle Bu Teaching Hospital’s A&E head calls for mental health specialists to be permanently stationed in trauma units, saying psychological first aid should start alongside physical treatment for road crash victims and families. Disability Rights & Housing: A Ho mother of a child with cerebral palsy says stigma is blocking her from renting homes and affecting school access, urging the public to end discrimination. Cancer Funding Push: Otumfuo Osei Tutu II Comprehensive Cancer Centre of Excellence plans a US fundraising gala (“An Evening for Cure”) to mobilise support for a new $100m cancer centre in Ghana. Airport Extortion Clampdown: GACL bars two Port Health officers for charging double for Yellow Fever Cards and reports an Immigration officer transferred after a viral “breakfast” money demand. Public Health Safety: ECG announces a four-day planned power outage schedule for parts of Accra East, with hospitals and clinics named among affected areas. Water & Health: Archbishop Duncan-Williams warns galamsey could poison water and land, threatening safe food and public health.

Digital Health Boost: WHO donated high-performance laptops to strengthen Ghana’s disease surveillance, aiming to speed up real-time monitoring and outbreak response using IDSR tools. Rural Care & AI Barriers: KNUST’s Prof. Jerry John Kponyo says inconsistent power and unstable internet are blocking AI deployment in rural health facilities, adding that bias, trust issues, and data fragmentation also slow adoption. Public Health & Water Safety: NADMO issued a critical flood alert for Ghana’s North East ahead of Burkina Faso’s Bagre Dam spillage on Aug 11, urging communities along the White Volta and tributaries to prepare for sudden water rises. Health System Capacity: WHO/health tech support comes alongside reports that Korle Bu emergency cases are surging, highlighting pressure on frontline services. Community Health Education: Right to Play’s SHARE project reports improved adolescent sexual and reproductive health knowledge and service uptake in Ghana’s Upper East. Health Workforce & Access: Ghana’s education and health infrastructure push includes plans to expand Category A school facilities with health-related amenities, supporting safer learning environments. Local Health Tech Training: Accra Technical University and Abrantie College accredited an HND in Paramedical Trichology, expanding pathways for hair and scalp health training. Food & Nutrition: Experts warn of “hidden hunger” across Africa—people may eat enough calories but still lack key nutrients, raising diet-related disease risks.

Digital Health Boost: WHO donated high-performance laptops to Ghana’s health institutions to strengthen disease surveillance and faster outbreak reporting. Public Health Tech Barriers: KNUST researchers say inconsistent power and unstable internet are blocking effective AI deployment in rural health facilities, alongside concerns about bias and data fragmentation. Non-Communicable Disease Alert: KNUST is sounding the alarm on rising hypertension, urging regular blood pressure checks and better community screening, especially as many people live with it unknowingly. Maternal Health Worry: Government officials report over 950 pregnancy-related deaths last year, with maternal mortality flagged as Ghana’s only major health indicator still worsening. Adolescent SRHR Gains: Right to Play’s SHARE project reports improved adolescent sexual and reproductive health knowledge and service uptake in Ghana’s Upper East. Food & Nutrition: Experts warn of “hidden hunger” across Africa—people may eat enough calories but still lack key nutrients. Health System Access: A call is renewed for a mental health facility in Northern Ghana, citing the absence of local services.

Weija Children’s Hospital Handover: The completed 120-bed Weija Children’s Specialist Hospital has been formally handed over to the Ghana Health Service after the contractor delivered it to the Ministry of Health, but residents still want a clear start date since outstanding payments may be delaying operations. Adolescent Maternal Care Training: Ghana Health Service with UNICEF trained 100 healthcare providers on adolescent-friendly maternal services as the Safety Net Intervention expands to 44 more facilities in the Central Region, aiming to cut adolescent pregnancy, maternal and neonatal deaths, and child marriage. Air Pollution Health Warning: A stalled Adentan–Dodowa road upgrade has left communities in dust and harmful pollutants, with experts linking delayed public works to higher risks of asthma, heart disease, cancer and diabetes. Flood Impact Monitoring: Ningo-Prampram reported 7,566 residents affected by the June 29 floods, with NADMO assessments, relief distribution, and ongoing sanitation and disease-risk monitoring. Child Cancer Recognition: Paediatric oncologist Dr. Emmanuella Amoako won the 2026 Roux Prize for evidence-based improvements in childhood cancer early diagnosis and access to treatment. One Health Outreach: KNUST marked its 75th anniversary with a Medical and One Health Outreach delivering integrated healthcare services to surrounding communities.

Hospital Handover Delays: The contractor has handed over the completed 120-bed Weija Children’s Specialist Hospital to the Ministry of Health and then the Ghana Health Service, but it’s still unclear when it will open because a management team hasn’t been announced and outstanding contractor payments remain unresolved. Newborn Care Boost: AngloGold Ashanti Iduapriem Mine commissioned a $1.1m 60-bed NICU for Tarkwa Municipal Hospital, adding specialised wards, Kangaroo Mother Care, milk expression facilities and infection prevention systems. HIV Prevention in Schools: KroMA and the GES ran HIV sensitisation and distributed OraQuick HIV self-test kits to public basic school staff, pushing stigma-free testing and access to counselling and treatment. Maternal Health Infrastructure: Kassena Nankana West District Assembly commissioned staff quarters and a new maternity block at Kayoro and Nakong to improve care for health workers and mothers. Road Safety & Health Impact: A bus crash on the Tema–Akosombo Highway injured 18 people; firefighters rescued a trapped passenger and victims were taken to Akuse Government Hospital. Health System Discipline: Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh warned against tampering with approved staff postings, saying unauthorised changes will bring severe sanctions.

Client Trust Push: GHS Upper East Director Dr Braimah Abubakari urged health workers to strengthen client relations through better communication, empathy and professionalism, saying social media is amplifying complaints tied to delays and poor patient-provider explanations. Agenda 111 Hospitals: Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh asked the Catholic Church to partner with government to complete stalled Agenda 111 facilities, with a non-profit management model where government supplies staff and technical support. Diagnostics Access: The Ghana Medical Trust Fund (GMTF) signed a partnership with MDS-Lancet and Quest Medical Imaging to expand timely, reliable diagnostic services—especially for chronic and non-communicable diseases. AI for Health: Dr George Agyekkum Donkor said the AI-enabled healthcare market could reach about $188b by 2030, urging Ghana to build “healthpreneurs” and AI-powered diagnostics via a UHAS-led conference. Breastfeeding & Maternal Care: Ghana marked World Breastfeeding Week with calls for stronger national support, while reports also highlighted deaths among pregnant women and efforts to expand dialysis capacity. Water Disruption: Ghana Water Limited announced a three-day maintenance water cut affecting parts of Greater Accra and Eastern regions from today. Airport Extortion Clampdown: GACL barred two Port Health officers for overcharging a passenger for a Yellow Fever Card, reinforcing its wider anti-extortion measures. Health Risks in Daily Life: A UHAS study suggests cassava leaves may offer antioxidant protection, while health professionals warned youth against excessive energy drink intake due to possible heart risks.

Maternal Health: Deputy Health Minister says 986 pregnant women died in Ghana in 2024, with maternal mortality at 235 per 100,000 live births, as MoH tours facilities to close gaps and improve early referral of high-risk pregnancies. Patient Safety Standards: GHS will require all health facilities to have functional medical oxygen and working pulse oximeters to strengthen emergency and respiratory care. AI in Healthcare: Ghana’s MoH is developing a National AI Health Policy and Guidelines to set legal, ethical and operational rules for safe, equitable AI use in healthcare, while experts call for governance and workforce readiness. Hospital Congestion: Korle Bu A&E head warns emergency demand is outpacing infrastructure and staffing, driving overcrowding as referrals pour in. Free Primary Health Care: Stakeholders urge social and behaviour change to be central to PHC success, saying access alone won’t improve outcomes without public trust and consistent use. School Nutrition: GSFP caterers receive nutrition, food safety and hygiene training to improve meals for public basic schools. Public Health & Environment: Campaigns target open waste burning and clean-air behaviour change, while civil servants join sanitation clean-ups to reduce disease risks. Road Safety: Two deaths and seven injuries reported in a Mankessim–Accra highway crash; eight people injured after a Tema–Akosombo highway vehicle overturned. Airport Extortion Crackdown: GACL bars two Port Health officers for extorting passengers at Kotoka, including overcharging for Yellow Fever cards. Ebola Funding: US increases Ebola response funding to over US$512m and adds US$242m for DRC response activities.

Renal Care Boost: Upper West Regional Hospital commissioned an expanded dialysis unit in Wa, adding six machines to raise capacity from 3 to 9, delivering 4,916 dialysis sessions for 268 patients since 2022. Emergency Pressure at Korle-Bu: Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital’s Accident and Emergency Department says daily emergency cases have surged from about 70 to over 100, with more severe medical emergencies and trauma. Breastfeeding Support Push: Ghana Health Service urged employers and workplaces to create breastfeeding-friendly conditions—maternity protection, flexible schedules, breaks, and safe spaces to express and store milk. Digital Health Upgrade: WHO donated laptops to strengthen Ghana’s health surveillance for faster disease monitoring and outbreak response. Hospital Accountability Row: UGMC rejected claims by comedian Michael Blackson about his mother’s care, saying the allegations contain inaccuracies; the dispute adds to wider public concerns about hospital billing and communication. Water Disruption: Ghana Water Limited plans a three-day maintenance shutdown on Kpong–Tema pipelines, affecting parts of Greater Accra and Eastern regions. School Violence Probe: Education Ministry ordered investigations and sanctions after Obuasi SHTS violence over alleged baby burial claims, with students arrested. Disability Fund Inclusion: Ahafo Ano South West District Assembly supported 70 PWDs with economic, medical, and education assistance, citing increased disability allocations. Food Safety Enforcement: Ho Municipal Assembly supervised destruction of expired beverages and food products after court action.

Dialysis Access Boost: Speaker Bagbin commissioned a GH₵4m expanded dialysis unit at Upper West Regional Hospital in Wa, adding six machines and training to cut the need for patients to travel far for kidney care. Emergency Care Pressure: Korle Bu’s Accident and Emergency unit says daily attendance has jumped from about 70 to over 100, with more severe medical emergencies including strokes, diabetic complications and kidney-related cases. Public Health & Food Safety: Ho authorities destroyed expired and unwholesome beverages and food products after court action, underscoring enforcement against unsafe retail supplies. Narcotics Crackdown: NACOC arrested 10 KTU students over alleged cannabis-infused drinks and ice creams sold during hall week, warning such products remain illegal and harmful to youth. Caring for Chronic Illness: Ga Mantse pledged support for the Ghana Medical Trust Fund (MahamaCares), urging traditional leaders to help spread awareness so patients with chronic non-communicable diseases can access financial support. Health System Trust: GHS in the Upper East trained client relations officers to improve communication, reduce complaints and rebuild public confidence in healthcare. Ebola Funding: The US announced an extra US$242m for Ebola response and preparedness in the DRC, Uganda and other affected countries.

Maternal Health & Fraud: Access Bank and UNFPA signed an MoU to deepen efforts to end obstetric fistula, shifting from campaigns to a Fistula Trust Fund for surgeries and rehabilitation. In Kumasi, two people posing as KATH staff were convicted and fined GH¢12,000 each for forging hospital IDs and practicing medicine without registration. Child Health & Nutrition: The GHS deputy nutrition director urged traditional and religious leaders to fight myths that undermine exclusive breastfeeding, while government also rolled out nationwide nutrition training to improve school meal quality. Inclusion & Disability: The MoH called for a five-year push to reduce stigma against autism and expand access to specialised services like speech and occupational therapy. Public Health Protection: Wildlife’s closed season runs Aug 1–Dec 1, with warnings against hunting and penalties for offenders. HIV Update: The Ghana AIDS Commission said women make up a larger share of people living with HIV, citing biological vulnerability and health-seeking differences. Health Workforce: Newly inducted doctors and dentists were urged to accept postings to underserved areas. Health System Integrity: A high-profile complaint from comedian Michael Blackson accused UG Medical Centre of misdiagnosis and poor patient care. Community Care: Eye surgery outreach in Hohoe benefited 200 residents, and breastfeeding support was also framed as a family responsibility.

Regional Health Leadership: Western Region welcomes new Health Director Dr. Godfred Kwabena Sarpong, with praise for outgoing Dr. Marion Okoh-Owusu’s work. Breastfeeding Support: In Tamale, health officials urged traditional and religious leaders to tackle myths that discourage exclusive breastfeeding, while a separate symposium highlighted fathers’ roles in breastfeeding-friendly homes. Sanitation & Waste Management: Government plans to formalise tricycle waste collectors and expand waste transfer station operations in Greater Accra; Zoomlion says transfer stations are back online and Jamestown will get round-the-clock evacuation. Water Supply Reliability: Ghana Water Ltd schedules a three-day shutdown of the Kpong Water Treatment Plant for pipeline maintenance, warning of temporary interruptions and lower pressure in parts of Accra. Public Health & Safety: WHO Ghana supports the national blood bank with staff voluntary donation; meanwhile, road crashes keep hurting families, including the Etukrom multi-vehicle crash death toll rising to three. Health System Scrutiny: Michael Blackson renews criticism of UG Medical Centre after his mother’s death, alleging misdiagnosis and poor care. Food & Consumer Protection: CDA Consult expands its “Verify Before You Buy” campaign to Koforidua to fight counterfeit and scam products, including medicines.

Hepatitis B & liver cancer: Experts say chronic Hepatitis B drives about 75% of liver cancer cases in Ghana, urging wider access to care and decentralised treatment as World Hepatitis Day activities kick off. Community screening: Gold Fields Ghana Foundation brought free check-ups to Awudua, screening for Hepatitis B, HIV, TB, malaria and more, with NHIS support included. Private sector support for patients: BOSTenergies donated GH₵1m to the Ghana Medical Trust Fund to finance costly treatments like chemotherapy, dialysis and heart surgery, and challenged other firms to step up. Maternal health funding: Access Bank Ghana and UNFPA launched the Fistula Trust Fund to expand access to corrective surgeries and rehabilitation for women with obstetric fistula. Health security policy push: PMAG 2026 called for local pharmaceutical sovereignty and stronger domestic manufacturing to reduce import dependence and improve resilience. Public health risk alert: A dispute over an anthrax burial-site project in the Western regions has raised fears of a possible outbreak if development proceeds. Disaster response: Ghana Armed Forces provided relief items and counselling support to 297 personnel affected by June floods, including insecticide-treated mosquito nets.

Maternal & newborn care: MTN Ghana Foundation says its 60-bed Maternity and Child Health Block at Keta Municipal Hospital is still in excellent condition two years on, improving access to safer maternal and neonatal services. Health system governance: The Ministry of Health has set up a seven-member committee to investigate unrest at the Techiman-Krobo Nursing Training College, with a report due by Aug 11. Cancer prevention push: CDA Consult urges Ghana to intensify cervical cancer prevention and public education, warning that stigma and limited screening drive late diagnosis. Chronic liver disease warning: Experts say Hepatitis B drives about 75% of liver cancer cases in Ghana, calling for wider, decentralised treatment. Funding for specialised care: BOSTenergies donates GH₵1m to the Ghana Medical Trust Fund to support treatment for chronic and life-threatening illnesses. Road safety & community health: DVLA renews ties with traditional leaders to boost road safety, while Zoomlion assures MMDA fumigation workers of payment of salary arrears once funds are released. Water-smart farming: Research finds rice farmers can cut irrigation water use by 30%+ using Alternate Wetting and Drying without losing yields.

Festival Health & Safety: Ghana Party in the Park in north London was cut short after a crowd crush at the entrance left 23 people needing medical help; three were taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries after a small fire forced temporary gate closures. HIV Funding Pressure: New global HIV figures at AIDS 2026 report 1.2 million new infections in 2025 and warn that a sharp drop in donor funding—linked to reduced US support—risks reversing progress. Medicinal Cannabis Regulation: NACOC has issued Ghana’s first two licences for low-THC cannabis cultivation for medicinal and industrial use to MJ Adom Limited and Juliotpa Limited. Maternal Health Focus: SOGOG held its 2026 AGM in Kumasi, urging action to end preventable maternal deaths. Domestic Violence Funding Gap: FIDA-Ghana says the 2026 budget has no dedicated allocation for domestic violence shelters. Road Safety: Ashanti Region recorded two separate crashes with nine injured, including seven police officers. Health System Access: Ghana Medical Trust Fund continues expanding healthcare support from hospitals to prisons.