Chairman of the Media Alliance in Tobacco Control and Health (MATCOH), Jeorge Wilson Kingson has observed that despite the several gains made by Ghana in the fight against Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), there is still a long way to go for the attainment of universal health coverge.
He is therefore advocating increase investment in healthcare delivery especially in the prevention of NCDs and care for mental health services in the country.
“Ghana has made strides, such as the introduction of wellness clinics, annual health checks, and the free dialysis program for chronic kidney disease patients. Yet, the road ahead is still long, and the need for increased government investment in healthcare, particularly in NCD prevention and mental health services, is more urgent than ever”.
Mr Kingson who doubles as the Executive Secretary of the Private Nespapers and Online News Publishers Association of Ghana (PRINPAG), made the call during a Day’s capacity building seminar for media professionals, civil society organisations and persons livivng with NCDs in the lead-up to the 4th United Nations (UN) High -level Meeting on NCDs to held in the United States of America.
The 4th UN High-Level Meeting on NCDs in 2025 provides a key moment for Heads of State and Government, civil society, academia, philanthropies, and relevant private sector players to review progress and commit to accelerated action for the next phase of the political response for NCDs.
According to the MATCOH Chairman, NCDs posed the most pressing health challenge with profound impact on communities, the economy, and the nation as a whole and urged the need for a concerted effort by all stakeholders especially, the media in holding government accountable for a sustainable action against the these avoidable diseases.
“Let us use this seminar as an opportunity to strengthen our resolve. Let us be proactive in ensuring that our voices are heard in the policy-making process. Together, we can hold our government accountable, advocate for sustainable action on NCDs, and ultimately improve the health and well-being of all Ghanaians”, Mr Kingson admonished.
He revealed that NCDs account for about 45% of all mortality in Ghana with increasing rate over the years and urged the need action since it puts strain on the contry’s health system whiles deepening poverty.
“This is a critical issue that demands our collective attention. The challenges in the health sector, such as high treatment costs, inequitable access to healthcare, and insufficient mental health support, only compound the suffering of those affected by NCDs. These challenges not only strain our healthcare system but also deepen the cycle of poverty, as individuals and families are forced into financial hardship due to the costs associated with managing these conditions” he stated.
The seminar he said aims at equipping members of the inky fraternity, CSOs and persons living with NCDs with the requisite advocacy tools for greater governmental action.
“As we prepare for the 4th UN High-Level Meeting on NCDs in September 2025, this seminar provides an essential platform to equip all of us—media professionals, CSOs, and individuals living with NCDs—with the knowledge and tools to advocate for stronger government commitment to addressing this crisis. The focus is clear: accelerating progress toward SDG 3.4—reducing premature mortality from NCDs—and achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) for all”, Mr Kingson said.
The seminar he indicated provides participants with comprehensive understanding of the UN processes, critical timelines, and the key advocacy priorities that government actors should prioritize in the lead-up to the 2025 meeting.
“We want to enhance the ability of journalists and CSOs to communicate effectively about NCDs and UHC, as well as to engage with policymakers and push for the prioritization of NCDs in our national health agenda” he concluded.
Ghana’s progress on NCDs
Progress made by Ghana in tackling NCDs includes; the establishment of the National Health Insurance Scheme aimed at the achievement of UHC, Passage of Excise Tax Amendment Act, 2023 to reduce accessibility and affordability of unhealthy commodities to reduce NCD burden, the passage of the Mental Health Act 2012, Act 846, which seeks to establish a Mental Health Fund and the introduction of Network of Practice to improve health centers and the referral of system, the announcement of the establishment of the Ghana Medical Trust Fund (Mahamacares) to finance treatment of NCDs.
By: Christian Kpesese
