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The Deputy Minister for Health and Member of Parliament for Essikado-Ketan, Prof. Dr. Grace Ayensu-Danquah, has expressed concern over the growing number of Hepatitis B infections in Ghana, describing the disease as a major driver of liver cancer and calling for urgent national attention.
Speaking on the floor of Parliament, Dr. Ayensu-Danquah stated that Hepatitis B remains one of the leading causes of liver cancer in the country. She called for increased efforts toward prevention, early detection, and treatment to curb its devastating impact on public health.
She commended former President John Dramani Mahama for initiating the Free Primary Health Care (FPHC) program, which she described as a timely intervention in tackling major health challenges, including Hepatitis B.
“The Free Primary Health Care program is a game-changer. It makes it easier for people to get tested and treated for diseases like Hepatitis B before it becomes serious,” she noted.
Launched under the National Democratic Congress (NDC), the FPHC initiative seeks to provide accessible basic healthcare services to all, particularly vulnerable and underserved populations. Health experts have praised the program as a significant step toward achieving universal health coverage in Ghana.
According to data from the Ghana Health Service, approximately 12 to 15 out of every 100 Ghanaians live with chronic Hepatitis B—many of whom are unaware of their condition. Without early detection, the virus can lead to severe liver complications, including failure and cancer.
The Essikado-Ketan MP concluded her remarks by advocating for intensified public education campaigns, regular screenings, and free vaccinations as critical measures to reduce the disease’s spread and save lives.
Yaw Boagyan
Rafiq Adam
