The Ghana Health Service (GHS), in collaboration with key partners, has commemorated World Cancer Day with a renewed call for stronger community action to prevent cancer and promote early detection across the country.
The national event, held on February 6, 2026, was hosted by the Ledzokuku Municipal Health Directorate with support from the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI), the World Health Organisation (WHO), Health Communities of West Africa (HCOWA) and JHPIEGO.
It was organised under the theme “Closing the Care Gap: Community Action for Cancer Prevention and Early Detection in Ghana.”
Speaking on behalf of the Director-General of GHS, the Director of the Institutional Care Division, Dr. Lawrence Ofori Boadu, revealed that Ghana records an estimated 27,000 new cancer cases annually, with about 18,000 related deaths. He identified liver and breast cancers as the most prevalent and noted that late detection remains a major challenge.
Dr. Ofori Boadu said the GHS is expanding cancer screening services at district-level facilities and working towards establishing a National Cancer Registry to improve data-driven policy decisions. He also highlighted the rollout of HPV vaccination and other measures aimed at reducing the financial burden of cancer care.
The Greater Accra Regional Director of Health Services, Dr. Robert Amesiya, called for intensified prevention and early detection efforts, urging the public to take advantage of available screening services nationwide.
In solidarity messages, the Ministry of Health, WHO and other partners reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Ghana’s cancer response, stressing the need to translate policy commitments into practical action.
The event concluded with a pledge by Queen Mothers present to support cancer awareness and screening initiatives within their communities.
Source: Ghana Health Service
