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Ghana recorded over 20,000 tuberculosis (TB) cases in 2024, reflecting progress in disease detection but still below the World Health Organization’s (WHO) estimated target of 44,000 cases per year.
TB, an airborne bacterial infection caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, spreads when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks, releasing bacteria into the air. While it primarily affects the lungs, it can also spread to other organs, including the kidneys, spine, and brain.
Efforts to Combat TB in Ghana
Marking World TB Day 2025, the Ministry of Health and the Ghana Health Service called for intensified efforts to eliminate the disease. This year’s theme, “Yes, We Can End TB! Commit, Invest, Deliver,” emphasizes the need for strong commitment, increased funding, and effective implementation of interventions.
At the event, stakeholders identified key challenges affecting TB control, including:
Limited access to diagnostic tools
Inadequate funding for TB programs
Persistent stigma preventing early detection and treatment
Government Interventions
Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh acknowledged progress in case detection but stressed the need to bridge the gap. The government has pledged to:
✔ Increase funding for essential TB medications
✔ Expand diagnostic capacity with GeneXpert machines and digital X-rays
✔ Improve healthcare infrastructure to enhance treatment accessibility
Additionally, the Ghana Health Service (GHS) has updated its National TB Control Program guidelines to align with WHO recommendations, ensuring early detection and better treatment outcomes.
The Role of Research and Public Awareness
Prof. Dorothy Yeboah-Manu, Chairperson of the Advisory Board for the National TB Control Program, highlighted the importance of research in identifying undiagnosed cases. She urged stronger collaboration among stakeholders to accelerate progress.
The Ministry of Health is also encouraging public engagement to help raise awareness, reduce stigma, and promote early testing.
Recognizing TB Symptoms & Treatment
Common symptoms of active TB include:
✅ Unexplained weight loss
✅ Loss of appetite
✅ Night sweats, fever, and chills
✅ Fatigue and weakness
TB is treatable with a combination of antibiotics, and Ghana remains committed to achieving global TB elimination targets through sustained investment and public health interventions.
