The Minister for Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has described cancer as a growing public health and an economic crisis in Ghana, hence calling for urgent and coordinated action from government, private sector and communities.

Speaking at the 45th annual general meeting of the Society of Private Medical and Dental Practitioners in Ho, the Minister stressed: “The fight against cancer is a shared responsibility. No single institution can win this battle alone.”

Mr Akandoh revealed that Ghana recorded over 27,000 new cancer cases and more than 17,000 deaths in 2024. 

The most common cancers, he said, are breast, cervical, prostate and liver cancer diseases that are largely preventable and treatable if detected early.

He warned that without stronger prevention, screening and treatment systems, the burden will continue to rise and strain households and the national economy.

The Minister highlighted key government initiatives to expand access to cancer care stating “Ghana Medical Trust Fund (MahamaCares)  to support prevention, treatment and financial protection for patients” and “Free Primary Healthcare Policy to improve early detection and referral at the community level”.

He said these programmes are designed to make cancer services more affordable and accessible, especially for vulnerable populations.

Mr Akandoh called for stronger collaboration with private medical and dental practitioners in screening, specialist care, training and infrastructure development.

He also invited private investors to partner government in operationalizing Agenda 111 hospitals across the country to expand cancer treatment capacity.

The Minister commended the Society for its role in healthcare delivery and urged all stakeholders to align efforts toward improving cancer outcomes in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The theme for this year’s AGM is "The New Dynamics of Cancer and its Management in the Attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals”.