The Chairman of the Media Alliance in Tobacco Control and Health (MATCOH), Mr. Jeorge Wilson, has called for urgent and collective action to address the growing burden of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) in Ghana. Speaking at a capacity-building seminar organized by the Ghana NCD Alliance in collaboration with MATCOH and the Private Newspapers and Online News Publishers Association of Ghana (PRINPAG), Mr. Wilson emphasized the need for stronger government commitment and increased investment in healthcare to tackle the NCD crisis.
In his opening address, Mr. Wilson highlighted the alarming rise in NCD-related mortality in Ghana, which now accounts for about 45% of all deaths in the country. He described NCDs as a critical issue that demands immediate attention, citing the high treatment costs, inequitable access to healthcare, and insufficient mental health support as major challenges exacerbating the situation.
“The growing burden of NCDs in Ghana cannot be ignored. These diseases 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,” Mr. Wilson stated.
The seminar, which brought together journalists, Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), and individuals living with NCDs, aimed to equip participants with the knowledge and tools needed to advocate for stronger government action ahead of the 4th UN High-Level Meeting on NCDs in September 2025. Mr. Wilson emphasized the importance of accelerating progress toward Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3.4—reducing premature mortality from NCDs—and achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) for all.
“Through this seminar, we aim to provide a 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,” he explained.
Mr. Wilson stressed the critical role of media professionals and CSOs in driving change. He urged participants to use their platforms to communicate effectively about NCDs and UHC, engage with policymakers, and push for the prioritization of NCDs in the national health agenda.
“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 said.
Progress and Challenges in Ghana’s NCD Response
While acknowledging Ghana’s progress in addressing NCDs, such as the introduction of wellness clinics, annual health checks, and the free dialysis program for chronic kidney disease patients, Mr. Wilson noted that significant challenges remain. He called for increased government investment in healthcare, particularly in NCD prevention and mental health services, to bridge the existing gaps.
“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,” he asserted.
Mr. Wilson concluded his speech by urging participants to use the seminar as an opportunity to strengthen their resolve and advocate for sustainable action on NCDs. He emphasized the importance of holding the government accountable and working together to improve the health and well-being of all Ghanaians.
“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,” he said.
