The Minister for Health, Hon. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has challenged researchers to produce evidence that goes beyond academic publications and contributes directly to improving healthcare delivery and tackling the growing burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in Ghana.
The Minister made the call in a keynote address delivered on his behalf by the Ministry’s Chief Director, Mr. Desmond Boateng, at the opening of the 2nd National NCD Research Conference 2026 in Accra.
Addressing participants, Hon. Akandoh stressed the need for research outcomes to be translated into practical interventions that can strengthen the healthcare system and improve health outcomes for Ghanaians.
“Research must not end in publications; it must translate into practical interventions that improve health outcomes and strengthen our healthcare system,” the Minister stated.
He expressed concern over the increasing burden of NCDs in the country, noting that the diseases account for nearly half of all deaths in Ghana. He identified cardiovascular diseases, particularly heart disease and stroke, as major contributors to NCD-related deaths, adding that they are increasingly affecting people within their productive years.
The Minister urged researchers to generate evidence that would support the assessment of government interventions, identify gaps in healthcare delivery and guide investments in prevention, early detection and treatment.
He highlighted the government’s Free Primary Healthcare Programme, the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) and the Ghana Medical Trust Fund as complementary interventions aimed at addressing the growing challenge of non-communicable diseases.
Also speaking at the conference, Juliette Edzeame, Project Manager of the AYA Integrated Healthcare Initiative, underscored the importance of international partnerships in strengthening Ghana’s health sector.
She cited the longstanding collaboration between Ghana and Germany through GIZ Ghana as a key partnership supporting improvements in health systems, healthcare financing and workforce development.
Held under the theme, “Accelerating Ghana’s NCD Research Agenda towards Attaining Primary Healthcare Goals,” the conference seeks to promote the translation of research findings into practical health interventions.
Discussions during the two-day event are focusing on the burden of non-communicable diseases, healthcare financing, governance issues and strategies for integrating NCD research into primary healthcare delivery.
Organised by the Ministry of Health in collaboration with the AYA Integrated Healthcare Initiative, the conference has brought together researchers, academics, health professionals, policymakers and development partners to explore evidence-based solutions to Ghana’s NCD challenge.
As part of efforts to encourage high-quality research, selected abstract presenters will also have the opportunity to compete for travel grants that will enable them to present their work at an international conference outside Ghana in 2027.
Participants expressed optimism that the conference would strengthen collaboration between researchers and policymakers and contribute to the development of practical solutions for addressing the growing burden of non-communicable diseases in the country.