Ghana Medical Trust Fund to Cover All Cancer Treatment Next Year — Health Minister

Effective next year, the Ghana Medical Trust Fund will cover all cancer treatment in Ghana, the Minister of Health, Kwabena Akandoh, has announced.

This historic policy ensures that every Ghanaian diagnosed with cancer, regardless of income, location, or circumstance, will have access to timely, life-saving treatment without fear of financial hardship.

“From diagnostics and advanced imaging to chemotherapy, radiotherapy, surgery, and supportive care, every essential component of cancer treatment will be fully supported,” he noted. “This programme will serve as a financial backbone for comprehensive cancer care, protecting families from catastrophic costs and ensuring true equity in access,” he added.

The Health Minister made the announcement in a speech delivered on his behalf by the sector Chief Director, Mr. Desmond Boateng, at the opening of the maiden National Cancer Forum in Accra. The two-day forum brought together stakeholders to discuss ways to transform cancer care in the country, focusing on equitable access to quality cancer services, resource mobilisation, multi-sectoral partnerships, and integration of data and innovation into patient-centred care.

Held under the theme, “Transforming Cancer Care in Ghana: A Roadmap for Sustainable Prevention, Early Detection, Equitable Treatment, and Resilient Systems,” the forum aimed to develop a national cancer control framework and a revised five-year cancer strategy.

Mr. Akandoh highlighted the government’s commitment to cancer prevention and control, citing the National Health Policy 2020 and the Universal Health Coverage Roadmap 2020–2030. He also announced Ghana’s subscription to the WHO-led global platform for access to childhood cancer medicines, guaranteeing access to high-quality, affordable, and reliable treatment for children.

Dr. Anarfi Asamoah Baah, who chaired the event, emphasised the need for a multi-sectoral approach to address the determinants of cancer, calling on participants to work together to develop a comprehensive plan. “With the expertise, wisdom, and experience assembled in this room, I have no doubt that we’ll have a very successful summit,” he said.

Mr. Desmond Boateng highlighted the growing burden of cancer in Ghana, noting the increasing incidence of breast, cervical, prostate, and liver cancers. He stressed the need for a unified framework for coordination and governance, while acknowledging government efforts to strengthen health policy through the National Health Policy, Universal Health Coverage Programme, and National Non-Communicable Diseases Policy and Strategy.

He expressed gratitude to development partners for their financial support and urged participants to share insights to develop a coordinated and sustainable national response to cancer. The partners commended the Ministry of Health for organising the forum and reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the ministry in strengthening healthcare in the country.

BY CYNTHIA ASAMPANA & CHELSEALINA ASANTE

???? Follow Ghanaian Times WhatsApp Channel today. https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbAjG7g3gvWajUAEX12Q
???? Trusted News. Real Stories. Anytime, Anywhere.
? Join our WhatsApp Channel now! https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbAjG7g3gvWajUAEX12Q

The post Ghana Medical Trust Fund to Cover All Cancer Treatment Next Year — Health Minister appeared first on Ghanaian Times.

Read Full Story