Kwabena Mintah-Akandoh Warns Non-Communicable Diseases Now Cause Nearly Half of Deaths in Ghana

Kwabena Mintah-Akandoh has raised concerns over a growing public health challenge, revealing that non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are responsible for nearly half of all deaths in Ghana.

Speaking on PM Express on Joy News on Monday, the Health Minister stressed the urgent need to focus on prevention and early detection to reduce the impact of these conditions.

He disclosed that NCDs currently account for between 42 and 45 percent of deaths nationwide, describing the trend as alarming. The rise comes as the country continues to deal with infectious diseases while also experiencing increasing cases of chronic illnesses such as hypertension, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases.

To address the challenge, the government is introducing a renewed policy of free primary healthcare to improve access and promote early diagnosis. According to the Minister, citizens will be able to use identification such as driver’s licenses, Ghana cards, passports, or national health insurance cards to access services.

He emphasized that taking healthcare directly to communities through home-based screening will be a key part of the strategy. This approach, he said, will help detect diseases early and prevent complications.

The initiative forms part of broader health sector reforms aimed at strengthening prevention, detection, and treatment of non-communicable diseases.

The Minister also referenced the government’s “Mahama Cares” policy, explaining that it will support patients whose conditions progress to advanced stages despite preventive efforts.