Stakeholders in the fight against non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are being called upon to intensify advocacy efforts and demand stronger government action as Ghana grapples with a growing NCD crisis.
This urgent appeal was made during a capacity-building seminar for media professionals, civil society organizations (CSOs), and individuals living with NCDs, ahead of the 4th UN High-Level Meeting on NCDs in September.
Jeorge Wilson Kingson, Chairman of the Media Alliance in Tobacco Control and Health (MATCOH), stressed the alarming rise of non-communicable diseases in Ghana, which now account for approximately 45% of all deaths in the country.
He described the situation as not just a health crisis but also an economic and social emergency that exacerbates poverty and overwhelms the healthcare system.
“The global burden of NCDs in Ghana cannot be ignored. These diseases are not just a health challenge but an economic and social crisis that deepens poverty and strains our healthcare system,” Kingson stated.
The seminar, organized by the Ghana NCD Alliance (GhNCDA) in collaboration with MATCOH and the Private Newspaper and Online News Publishers Association of Ghana (PRINPAG), aimed to equip participants with the skills needed to advocate for better policies, universal health coverage, and increased government investment in NCD prevention and mental health services.
Jeorge Kingson pointed out that significant challenges remain despite some progress including the introduction of wellness clinics, annual health checks, and a free dialysis program for chronic kidney disease patients.
“High treatment costs, inequitable access to healthcare, and insufficient mental health support continue to worsen the plight of NCD patients. The financial burden forces many families into hardship, making it difficult for them to afford care,” he lamented.
The training also aimed to empower journalists and CSOs to effectively communicate NCD-related issues, engage policymakers, and ensure NCDs remain a top priority in the country’s health agenda.
“Through this training, we want to enhance the ability of journalists and CSOs to communicate effectively about non-communicable diseases, engage with policymakers, and push for prioritization of these diseases at the national level,” Kingson explained.
He emphasized the importance of holding the government accountable for its commitments to Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3.4, which aims to reduce premature mortality from non-communicable diseases and achieve universal health coverage.
He called on all stakeholders to leverage their platforms to advocate for greater government investment in healthcare, particularly in NCD prevention and mental health services.
“Let us use this training as an opportunity to strengthen our resolve. We must be proactive in ensuring that our voices are heard in the policymaking process,” he urged.
Reaffirming MATCOH’s commitment to collaboration, Kingson stressed that collective action is essential to drive sustainable progress on NCDs and build momentum for a healthier, more equitable Ghana.
Together, stakeholders can amplify their advocacy efforts and push for the necessary changes to address the non-communicable diseases crisis, ensuring that Ghana moves closer to achieving its health and development goals.
In presentation on the topic, ‘Overview of NCDs landscape in Ghana from CSOs viewpoints,’ Labram Musah, National Coordinator for GhNCDA underscored the urgent need for increased investment and stressed the critical role these measures play in achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) in Ghana.
“NCDs are a growing public health crisis, and addressing them requires not only financial commitment but also the active participation of those directly affected. We must ensure that persons living with NCDs are included in decision-making processes to create policies that truly meet their needs,” he said.
Musah called on the government and stakeholders to prioritize NCDs in national health agendas and allocate more resources to combat these diseases.
He emphasized the importance of empowering individuals living with NCDs to share their experiences and insights, ensuring that health policies are both inclusive and effective.