Ghana recorded 15,290 new HIV infections and 12,614 AIDS-related deaths in 2024, according to the Ghana AIDS Commission’s latest report. The troubling data has reignited calls for urgent funding and targeted interventions to address the epidemic.
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At the launch of the 2024 HIV and AIDS Estimates and Projections on July 3 in Accra, Deputy Chief of Staff Nana Oye Bampoe Addo described the numbers as a wake-up call. She urged stakeholders to prioritise equitable resource allocation and develop region-specific strategies to close service delivery gaps.
“We cannot ignore the 12,614 AIDS-related deaths. It’s time to act decisively to address inequalities and improve access,” she stressed.
The Commission estimates that 334,721 people are currently living with HIV in Ghana. The adult national HIV prevalence rate stands at 1.49%.
To ensure sustained interventions, the government is exploring domestic and alternative funding sources to close gaps and avoid disruptions in care.
Acting Director-General of the Commission, Dr. Kharmacelle Akanbong, also stressed the need to tackle regional disparities. “We must ensure that no one is left behind. Our national response must prioritise vulnerable populations,” he said.
The report reveals that Greater Accra recorded the highest number of people living with HIV (77,821), followed by Ashanti (54,824) and Eastern (42,386). Greater Accra also recorded the most new infections (3,436). In contrast, the North East Region recorded the fewest new cases (97) and the lowest adult prevalence rate (0.43%). Bono Region posted the highest adult prevalence rate at 2.22%, with Dormaa East topping the district list at 5.36%.
Ghana continues to fall short of the UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets:
- 68% of people with HIV know their status
- 69% of them are on treatment
- 90% of those on treatment have achieved viral suppression
International partners, including WHO, UNAIDS, CDC, and the National AIDS Control Programme, have pledged continued support.
Conclusion
The Ghana AIDS Commission is calling for scaled-up prevention campaigns, broader testing access, and increased awareness to reverse the trend. Knowing your HIV status remains the first critical step toward treatment and epidemic control.
