Northern Ghana's Adolescent Healthcare Crisis Demands Urgent Reforms
A new study has highlighted major gaps in adolescent healthcare services in Northern Ghana. Published in BMC Health Services Research in 2026, the research examines the challenges faced by young patients, their guardians, and medical staff. The findings call for urgent improvements in training, infrastructure, and community engagement to better support young people's health needs, including mental health equity.
The study, led by Abaah, J.A., and colleagues, focused on a primary care facility in Northern Ghana where access to specialists and advanced treatments remains limited. Patients and guardians reported feeling ignored or dismissed, often due to societal stigma around topics like mental health and sexual well-being. Many healthcare workers also admitted struggling with insufficient resources, time, and training—particularly when addressing sensitive issues.
Researchers stressed the need for better mental health support within adolescent care. They also found that privacy concerns and a lack of confidentiality deter young people from seeking help. The study proposes stronger government and organisational investment in training programs, improved infrastructure, and community-driven initiatives to rebuild trust in health services and promote health equity.
Similar challenges in countries like Kenya, Uganda, and Ethiopia have seen progress through targeted policies. Since the 2010s, youth-friendly health centres—backed by partnerships with the WHO and UNFPA—have expanded access to sexual and reproductive health services, HIV prevention, and mental health support. These efforts led to a 20–50% increase in service use by 2023, offering a potential model for Ghana.
The research urges stakeholders to adopt a more inclusive approach to adolescent healthcare. By investing in staff training, mental health integration, and community collaboration, Northern Ghana could address current shortcomings and promote health equity. The success of similar programs in neighbouring countries suggests that targeted reforms could significantly improve health outcomes for young people in the region.
