A diverse group of health experts, policymakers, development partners, and civil society representatives gathered at the Alisa Hotel in Accra on 2 October 2024 for the National Prostate Cancer Dialogue. The event, hosted by Ghana’s Ministry of Health with backing from the German Development Cooperation (GIZ) and Bayer Pharmaceuticals, focused on tackling the rising issue of prostate cancer in Ghana.
Deputy Minister for Health, Adelaide Ntim, stressed the need for unified efforts to confront the hidden challenge posed by prostate cancer in Ghana.
She stated, “In Ghana, prostate cancer is one of the top two reported cancers in men, affecting thousands of our fathers, brothers, and sons. Despite being preventable and treatable, many cases go undiagnosed until they have reached advanced stages.”
She urged a multisectoral approach to improving early detection, raising awareness, and enhancing treatment across the nation.
On a global scale, Ntim pointed out that 1.4 million new prostate cancer cases were reported in 2022, making it the fourth most common cancer worldwide. In Ghana, prostate cancer accounts for 21% of all male cancers, with 2,395 new cases diagnosed in the past year.
A notable announcement at the event was the introduction of a new initiative, the ‘Piloting Prostate Cancer Intervention in the Greater Accra Region’, led by Bayer AG and GIZ.
The project aims to increase access to PSA (prostate-specific antigen) testing and preventive healthcare services. In the past year, it has provided diagnostic tools and trained healthcare workers in early detection methods, benefitting eight healthcare centres in Greater Accra, with plans for nationwide expansion.
Dr Darius Osei, Technical Adviser to the Minister of Health, speaking on behalf of the Chief Director, underscored the need for interventions to align with national policies. He noted that the National Non-Communicable Disease (NCD) Policy and Strategy, launched in 2022, serves as a framework for addressing prostate cancer in Ghana.
He affirmed, “The Ministry of Health is committed to strengthening healthcare systems, improving access to diagnostic and treatment services, and raising public awareness about non-communicable diseases, including prostate cancer.”
Wilhelm Hugo, GIZ Ghana Cluster Coordinator for Sustainable Economic Development, reaffirmed GIZ’s dedication to supporting prostate cancer management in Ghana. He hoped the dialogue would mark the start of greater public understanding and professional expertise in handling the disease.
Hugo also reviewed the progress made by the Piloting Prostate Cancer Intervention in the Greater Accra Region project, which, with funding from the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), has boosted awareness, addressed cost issues, and delivered essential PSA testing services.
Among the critical issues raised during the dialogue were the need for public awareness about prostate cancer, the lack of access to diagnostic services, and the importance of data for informed decision-making.