Ghana is confronting a deepening non-communicable diseases in Ghana crisis, with conditions such as hypertension and diabetes now responsible for nearly half of all deaths, according to Health Minister Kwabena Mintah-Akandoh.
Speaking on PM Express, the Minister warned that the country must urgently pivot toward prevention and early diagnosis to tackle what he described as “silent killers.”
“The NCDs are rising at an alarming rate in this country. About 42 to 45% of our mortalities are attributable to non-communicable diseases.” - Health Minister Kwabena Mintah-Akandoh
The warning comes as Ghana’s healthcare system faces increasing pressure from both infectious diseases and chronic illnesses. The growing prevalence of conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases is compounding existing challenges.
Health experts say the shift reflects changing lifestyles, urbanisation, and dietary patterns, which are accelerating the rise in chronic diseases across the country.
Government Shifts to Prevention and Early Detection
In response, the government is intensifying efforts to strengthen primary healthcare, with a renewed focus on accessibility and early screening.
According to the Minister, Ghanaians will be able to access free primary healthcare services using basic identification documents.
“Any of these that will identify you as a Ghanaian will give you access to the primary health care,” he explained.
A key component of the strategy is community-based screening, aimed at detecting conditions before they worsen.
“What for me is going to be the game changer is the fact that we are going to move into the homes of Ghanaians to do simple screening.” - Health Minister Kwabena Mintah-Akandoh
The Health Minister stressed that timely diagnosis is critical in reversing the current trend. “We must begin to be able to detect these conditions on time to prevent them from getting to the complications,” he noted.
The initiative forms part of broader reforms under the government’s healthcare agenda, including the introduction of the Mahama Cares programme to support patients with advanced conditions.
Strengthening Long-Term Health Outcomes
While acknowledging that not all cases can be prevented, the Minister assured that systems are being put in place to manage severe cases effectively.
“If… we are unable to prevent them or to detect them on time… there’s another policy called Mahama Cares to be able to save you,” he said.
The renewed focus on prevention and early intervention signals a strategic shift aimed at easing the long-term burden of non-communicable diseases and improving health outcomes nationwide.
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