The Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has called for stronger collaboration between government and private healthcare providers to address Ghana’s growing cancer burden and improve access to quality healthcare services nationwide.

Speaking at the 45th Annual General Meeting of the Society of Private Medical and Dental Practitioners in Ho on Thursday, August 7, 2026, the minister described cancer as one of the most pressing public health challenges facing the country and the world today.

The meeting was held under the theme, “The New Dynamics of Cancer and Its Management in the Attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).”

Akandoh noted that cancer has become a major cause of illness, disability and death globally, warning that the disease continues to place significant pressure on health systems, economies and families.

He cited global statistics indicating that there were approximately 20 million new cancer cases and 9.7 million cancer deaths in 2022, with low and middle-income countries expected to experience the greatest increases in cases in the coming years.

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The minister revealed that "the country recorded about 27,260 new cancer cases and 17,662 cancer-related deaths in 2024, according to the latest Global Cancer Observatory estimates."

He identified breast, cervical, liver, prostate and ovarian cancers as the leading forms of the disease in the country.

He stressed that cancer is not only a health issue but also a social and economic challenge, as the cost of diagnosis, treatment and long-term care continues to place a heavy burden on many households.

He therefore called for a comprehensive, equitable and sustainable response to the disease.

The minister highlighted several government policies aimed at strengthening the country’s response to cancer and other non-communicable diseases, including the National Health Policy, the Universal Health Coverage Roadmap and the National Policy for the Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases.

He disclosed that the Ministry of Health is currently reviewing the National Cancer Strategy to align it with emerging evidence, technological advances and international best practices.

The review, he said, will focus on prevention, screening, diagnosis, treatment, palliative care, research, data management and workforce development.

Akandoh also highlighted the Ghana Medical Trust Fund, popularly known as MahamaCares, as a key intervention to support individuals living with chronic and life-threatening non-communicable diseases, including cancer.

According to him, the fund has already begun supporting beneficiaries and helping to retool critical health facilities across the country.

He further noted that the Free Primary Healthcare Policy introduced in 2026 would strengthen preventive healthcare services, screening, early detection and referral systems, all of which are expected to improve cancer outcomes in Ghana.

The Health Minister praised the contributions of private healthcare providers to healthcare financing, service delivery, specialist care and job creation, describing the private sector as an indispensable partner in the national health system.

He urged private practitioners to support public education campaigns, expand screening services, invest in oncology and diagnostic infrastructure and contribute to research and workforce development.

He also announced that the Ministry is reviewing the National Private Health Sector Policy to strengthen engagement between government and private healthcare stakeholders and create a more conducive environment for investment in the health sector.

As part of efforts to improve healthcare infrastructure, Akandoh invited private-sector participation in the completion and operationalisation of Agenda 111 health facilities across the country.

He said such partnerships would help transform the facilities into centres of excellence capable of delivering quality healthcare services to communities nationwide.


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