By Boakye Stephen, Kumasi, Ghana | Reporting for Ghanaian News, Canada, April 13, 2026
Ghana is facing a growing public health challenge as non-communicable diseases (NCDs) increasingly account for a significant share of deaths nationwide, according to the Minister for Health, Kwabena Mintah-Akandoh.
Speaking on the issue, the minister disclosed that NCDs—including hypertension, diabetes, and cardiovascular conditions—now contribute between 42% and 45% of all mortalities in the country.
“The NCDs are rising at an alarming rate in this country. About 42 to 45% of our mortalities are attributable to non-communicable diseases,” he said.
Health experts say the rise reflects a shift in Ghana’s disease burden, as lifestyle-related conditions increasingly replace infectious diseases as the leading causes of death.
In response, the government is planning to expand early detection and prevention strategies, including community-based health interventions aimed at identifying cases before they progress to severe complications.
According to the minister, a key component of the strategy will involve taking screening services directly to households across the country.
“So apart from the fact that it is going to be free at that point, 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,” he explained.
He emphasized the importance of early diagnosis in reducing the burden on the healthcare system, noting that many NCD-related deaths occur due to late detection and delayed treatment.
“But we must begin to trace the source. We must begin to be able to detect these conditions on time to prevent them from getting to the complications,” he added.
The government’s response is also expected to be supported by broader healthcare initiatives, including a policy framework known as “Mahama Cares,” which aims to improve access to treatment for individuals affected by chronic conditions.
“Now we have Mahama Cares, so these reforms must be comprehensive,” the minister said, indicating that the initiative will complement preventive efforts by ensuring that patients who develop complications receive adequate care.
He further noted that while prevention remains a priority, treatment systems must also be strengthened to support those already living with such conditions.
“But if, unfortunately, we are unable to prevent them… there’s another policy called Mahama Cares to be able to save you,” he stated.
Public health analysts say the rising prevalence of NCDs is linked to multiple factors, including urbanization, changes in diet, reduced physical activity, and increased life expectancy.
They stress that addressing the issue will require a multi-sectoral approach, combining healthcare interventions with public education, lifestyle changes, and policy measures targeting risk factors.
As Ghana continues to grapple with this evolving health landscape, authorities say sustained investment in prevention, early detection, and treatment will be critical to reducing mortality rates and improving overall population health.
