Member of Parliament for Daffiama/Bussie/Issa, Dr. Sebastian N. Sandaare, has warned that the rising prevalence of HIV among Ghana’s youth poses a serious threat to the country’s human capital, economic growth, and national development.
Delivering a statement in Parliament, Dr. Sandaare described HIV not only as a public health issue but also as a development challenge that could undermine Ghana’s future if decisive measures are not taken.
“The youth remain Ghana’s greatest asset. Every HIV infection prevented preserves a future teacher, doctor, engineer, entrepreneur, farmer, security officer or public servant,” he told the House.
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Over 334,000 Ghanaians living with HIV
Dr. Sandaare noted that public concern had grown following the recent disclosure by the Minister for the Interior that 1,300 applicants who participated in the latest security services recruitment exercise tested positive for HIV during mandatory medical examinations.
According to him, the revelation highlights the continuing challenge of HIV among Ghana’s youth, particularly among people of working age.
He said the figures should not be viewed merely as a recruitment concern but as a warning about the country’s public health and future workforce.
Citing the Ghana AIDS Commission’s 2024 National HIV Estimates, the MP said 334,721 Ghanaians are currently living with HIV.
Of that figure:
- 37,283 are young people aged 15 to 24 years.
- Ghana recorded 15,290 new HIV infections in 2024.
- That translates to approximately 42 new infections every day.
- 4,732 new infections occurred among young people aged 15–24, making them the age group with the highest number of new infections nationwide.
Dr. Sandaare said the data demonstrates the urgent need to intensify HIV prevention efforts targeting young people.
Women and girls more affected
The legislator noted that women and girls continue to bear the greatest burden of HIV infections in Ghana.
According to the statistics he presented: Nearly 69% of people living with HIV are women while about 67% of all new HIV infections occur among women.
He warned that the trend has significant implications for gender equality, maternal health and long-term socio-economic development.
Dr. Sandaare also referenced findings from the 2022 Ghana Demographic and Health Survey (DHS), which indicate that knowledge of HIV among Ghana’s youth remains low.
According to the survey: Only 36% of young women aged 15–24 have comprehensive knowledge of HIV prevention, and only 37% of young men in the same age group demonstrate adequate knowledge.
The survey also found that condom use among young people engaging in higher-risk sexual relationships remains relatively low.
He attributed the increasing prevalence of HIV among Ghana’s youth partly to declining public education campaigns over the past decade.
“Poverty, unemployment, substance abuse, early sexual activity, multiple sexual partners and limited access to youth-friendly health services continue to increase their vulnerability,” he stated.
HIV threatens Ghana’s development
Dr. Sandaare stressed that HIV affects national development by reducing productivity, increasing healthcare expenditure and slowing economic growth.
He disclosed that Ghana recorded 12,614 AIDS-related deaths in 2024, including about 840 deaths among young people aged between 15 and 24 years.
According to him, the epidemic also contributes to school absenteeism, stigma, school dropout, financial hardship for families and increased pressure on the healthcare system.
He warned that the situation could undermine Ghana’s progress toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 3 on Good Health and Well-being and Goal 8 on Decent Work and Economic Growth.
While commending the Government, the Ghana AIDS Commission, the Ministry of Health, the Ghana Health Service and development partners for expanding treatment and prevention services, Dr. Sandaare said current trends demand stronger interventions.
He proposed four key recommendations:
- Operationalise the National HIV and AIDS Fund established under Act 938 (2016) to ensure sustainable financing.
- Intensify nationwide HIV education and awareness campaigns in schools, tertiary institutions and communities using traditional and digital media.
- Increase funding for HIV prevention programmes while strengthening collaboration with religious bodies, traditional authorities, civil society organisations and youth groups to combat stigma and misinformation.
- Parliament’s Health Committee should engage the Ministry of Health and the Ghana AIDS Commission to evaluate current interventions and ensure Ghana remains on track to eliminate HIV as a public health threat by 2030.
Dr. Sandaare warned that the recent figures should serve as a national wake-up call, and urged government institutions, communities, healthcare professionals and development partners to prioritise prevention, education, early testing and treatment.
“By investing in prevention, education, early testing and treatment today, we are investing in a healthier, more productive and more prosperous Ghana,” he said.