The Minister for Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has called for stronger national collaboration to tackle the growing burden of cancer, describing the disease as a major public health and economic challenge that requires a collective response.
Addressing the 45th Annual General Meeting of the Society of Private Medical and Dental Practitioners in Ho, the Minister said the fight against cancer was a shared responsibility and urged all stakeholders to intensify efforts to improve prevention, early detection and treatment.
Mr Akandoh disclosed that Ghana recorded more than 27,000 new cancer cases and over 17,000 cancer-related deaths in 2024. He identified breast, cervical, prostate and liver cancers as the most prevalent forms of the disease in the country.
He outlined government measures aimed at strengthening cancer care, including the Ghana Medical Trust Fund, popularly known as MahamaCares, and the Free Primary Healthcare Policy. According to him, the initiatives are designed to improve access to preventive services, early diagnosis and treatment for patients across the country.
The Minister also underscored the importance of closer collaboration between the public and private health sectors. He encouraged private medical practitioners to expand their role in cancer screening, specialist care, healthcare workforce training and infrastructure development.
He further invited private sector participation in the operationalisation of the government’s Agenda 111 health facilities, saying partnerships would be essential to expanding quality healthcare services and improving patient outcomes.
Mr Akandoh commended the Society of Private Medical and Dental Practitioners for its continued contribution to healthcare delivery in Ghana and urged members to remain committed to strengthening the country’s response to cancer.
The 45th Annual General Meeting is being held under the theme: “The New Dynamics of Cancer and its Management in the Attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals.”
