The Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has called for urgent and coordinated action to address the rising burden of cancer, stressing that “the fight against cancer is a shared responsibility.”

He made the call at the 45th Annual General Meeting of the Society of Private Medical and Dental Practitioners in Ho, where he described cancer as a growing public health and economic challenge in Ghana.

The minister revealed that Ghana recorded over 27,000 new cancer cases and more than 17,000 deaths in 2024, with breast, cervical, prostate and liver cancers among the most common.

He highlighted key government interventions, including the Ghana Medical Trust Fund (MahamaCares) and the Free Primary Healthcare Policy, aimed at improving access to prevention, early detection and treatment.

Akandoh also urged stronger collaboration with the private health sector in areas such as screening, specialist care, training and infrastructure, and invited private participation in the operationalisation of Agenda 111 health facilities.

He commended the Society for its contributions to healthcare delivery and called for collective efforts to improve cancer outcomes in the country.

The theme for the 45th Annual General Meeting of the Society of Private Medical and Dental Practitioners is “The New Dynamics of Cancer and its Management in the Attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals.”

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