Ghana should prioritise medical tourism as a key growth sector by implementing targeted healthcare reforms and making strategic investments, according to Medical Tourism Coordinator A.B. Kafui Kanyi, who highlighted the country’s strategic location and improving infrastructure as major advantages.

"With the right reforms, investment in healthcare infrastructure, and global branding, Ghana could become a leading medical tourism destination in Africa, offering affordable, high-quality healthcare in a culturally rich and peaceful environment," Kafui Kanyi noted in a piece sighted by GhanaWeb Business.

He pointed out that government is already finalizing a National Medical Tourism Policy and Strategy aimed at positioning Ghana as a regional hub for specialized healthcare.

"Plans are in place to upgrade key facilities, including transforming Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital into a quaternary specialist center and expanding Ho Teaching Hospital (HTH) to improve access to advanced care in the Volta Region," he added.

Experts say Ghana's location near the Prime Meridian and Equator, along with short flight times and year-round warm weather, makes it a convenient recovery-friendly destination for medical tourists from Europe, the Americas, the Middle East, and parts of Africa.

Former Director-General of the Ghana Health Service, Prof Agyeman Badu Akosa, recently questioned why public officials continue to seek treatment abroad.

“Whether you like it or not, health is expensive and when they go out, they pay through their nose. So why can’t we develop our own system here?” he said.

Ho Teaching Hospital touted as a model

Located in Ho, the capital of the Volta Region, HTH is gaining recognition for its role in cross-border healthcare. It has recently served patients from neighboring countries including Togo, Benin, and Nigeria.

New facilities such as a family health centre, pharmacy complex, and a serene hospital annex have been commissioned to support recovery and wellness. The hospital’s eco-friendly design and tranquil environment are seen as key selling points for attracting international clients.

Tourism and healthcare synergy

According to the Ghana Tourism Authority, over 1.1 million tourists visit Ghana annually. Stakeholders believe that integrating healthcare services with cultural, historical, and eco-tourism experiences can strengthen Ghana’s appeal in the $55.83 billion global medical tourism market, as projected by Statista (2025).

The country’s diaspora of skilled healthcare professionals is also being viewed as a resource that can be tapped to support the development of niche medical services and specialist care.

Economic potential and next steps

Medical tourism is expected to boost foreign exchange earnings, create employment opportunities, and attract private investment into the healthcare sector.

However, health policy experts stress the need for international hospital accreditation, competitive pricing, and improved marketing to build global trust in Ghana’s health services.

Meanwhile, a proposal has been made for the establishment of a Medical Tourism Coordinating Unit under the Ministry of Health, as well as the creation of a Medical Tourism Agency, backed by legislation, to manage and regulate the sector.

MA

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