Ghana recorded over 20,000 tuberculosis (TB) cases in 2024, highlighting progress in disease detection, but still falling short of the World Health Organization's (WHO) estimated target of 44,000 cases per year.

TB is an airborne disease, that is caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis and spreads when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks, releasing bacteria into the air and it primarily affects the lungs but can also spread to other parts of the body, such as the kidneys, spine, and brain

The Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the Ghana Health Service, marked the 2025 World TB Day with a call for increased efforts to eliminate the disease. This year’s theme, “Yes, We Can End TB! Commit, Invest, Deliver,” emphasizes the need for strong commitment, strategic investments, and effective execution of interventions.

At the event, stakeholders identified major challenges hampering TB control in Ghana, including limited access to diagnostic tools, inadequate funding, and persistent stigma surrounding the disease.

The Health Minister, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, noted that while Ghana has made strides in identifying cases, there remains a significant gap that must be addressed. To strengthen TB control efforts, the government has committed to increasing funding for essential medical supplies, expanding diagnostic capabilities with GeneXpert machines and digital X-rays, and improving healthcare infrastructure to ensure that every TB patient receives treatment.

The Director-General of the Ghana Health Service, Prof. Samuel Kaba Akoriyea, emphasized that achieving TB elimination requires consistent investment and strengthened healthcare delivery systems. The National TB Control Program has also updated its guidelines to align with WHO’s latest recommendations, aiming to enhance early detection and treatment.

Additionally, Prof. Dorothy Yeboah-Manu, Chairperson of the Advisory Board for the National TB Control Program, highlighted the importance of research in identifying undiagnosed TB cases. She called for increased collaboration among stakeholders to accelerate progress in combating the disease.

As part of efforts to increase public engagement, the Ministry of Health is encouraging Ghanaians to raise awareness, support TB patients, and promote early testing. Authorities believe that with sustained commitment, Ghana can move closer to achieving global TB elimination targets.

The general symptoms of active tuberculosis (TB) include unexplained weight loss, loss of appetite, night sweats, fever and chills, fatigue, and weakness. TB is treatable with a combination of antibiotics.