Ghana IntelBrief
Back to Latest Briefings
Rising cases of chronic diseases among children worrying – Obuobia Darko-Opoku
May 14, 2026
AI-Enhanced

Rising cases of chronic diseases among children worrying – Obuobia Darko-Opoku

Money
Policy
Opportunity
Growth

Key Points

  • The Administrator of the Ghana Medical Trust Fund, Adjoa Obuobia Darko-Opoku, has voiced concern over the increasing number of children diagnosed with chronic and non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in Ghana.
  • She noted a surprising prevalence of conditions like cancer, diabetes, and hypertension among children, based on her interactions with patients and visits to oncology centres.
  • Darko-Opoku stressed the urgent need for stronger interventions in specialized healthcare delivery to address this alarming trend.
  • The Ghana Medical Trust Fund was established to support treatment, medical research, infrastructure, and specialist healthcare training for chronic illnesses, supplementing NHIS coverage.
  • World Health Organisation data indicates NCDs are linked to about 43% of deaths in Ghana, with health experts also noting rising rates in younger populations.

Why This Matters

This issue is significant for Ghana as the rising incidence of chronic diseases in children threatens the nation's future health and productivity. It highlights critical gaps in specialized healthcare, necessitating substantial investment in medical infrastructure, research, and expert training to mitigate long-term societal and economic burdens.

Read Full Article

View original source

Related Articles

QNET, Manchester City Host Grassroots Football Clinic in Ghana

May 25, 2026

QNET, Manchester City Host Grassroots Football Clinic in Ghana
  • QNET and Manchester City expanded their global partnership by hosting the “ManCity-QNET Football Clinic 2026” in Accra, Ghana.
  • The five-day grassroots programme, held from May 20-24, trained 25 selected boys and girls aged 8-11.
  • Participants received elite coaching based on Manchester City academy methods, focusing on football development, leadership, and confidence.
  • The initiative was described as a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) effort aimed at empowering young talents, not a scouting exercise.
  • Organisers plan to make the football clinic a regular event in Ghana and across Sub-Saharan Africa.
Read full briefing

Ghana’s Jada Yankey clocks new personal best at AP Race London International

May 24, 2026

Ghana’s Jada Yankey clocks new personal best at AP Race London International
  • Ghanaian swimmer Jada Yankey achieved a new personal best in the women’s 50m butterfly at the AP Race London International 2026.
  • She clocked 30.74 seconds, finishing second in her heat at the competition held from May 23 to 25.
  • The event took place at the London Aquatics Centre, a recognized international swimming competition licensed by World Aquatics.
  • Yankey, who is set to turn 14, is considered one of Ghana’s most promising young swimming talents.
  • She previously recorded several personal bests at the 2026 Africa Aquatics Championships in Oran, Algeria.
Read full briefing

Keta MP offers relief to Afiadenyigba SHS after fire outbreak

May 24, 2026

Keta MP offers relief to Afiadenyigba SHS after fire outbreak
  • MP for Keta, Kwame Dzudzorli Gakpey, donated essential supplies to Anlo Afiadenyigba Senior High School.
  • The donation followed a fire that gutted the boys' dormitory on May 19th.
  • The relief package included mattresses and bedsheets, aimed at providing immediate support to affected students.
  • The fire was brought under control by the Anloga Fire Station, preventing further spread.
  • The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) urged all schools nationwide to strictly observe fire safety measures.
Read full briefing