The Minister for Health, Hon. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has called for urgent and coordinated action to address the rising burden of cancer in Ghana, stressing that the fight against the disease 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.
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The Minister revealed that Ghana recorded more than 27,000 new cancer cases and over 17,000 deaths in 2024, with breast, cervical, prostate and liver cancers among the most common.
Mr. Akandoh highlighted government interventions, including the Ghana Medical Trust Fund (MahamaCares) and the Free Primary Healthcare Policy, which seek to improve access to cancer prevention, early detection and treatment.
He also called for stronger collaboration with the private health sector in screening, specialist care, training and infrastructure. He further invited private health providers to participate in the operationalisation of Agenda 111 health facilities.
The Minister commended the Society of Private Medical and Dental Practitioners for its contribution to healthcare delivery and urged all stakeholders to work together to improve cancer outcomes across the country.
The 45th Annual General Meeting was held under the theme, “The New Dynamics of Cancer and its Management in the Attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals.”
