Accra, March 25, — Ghana has made a major stride in its fight against Tuberculosis (TB) with the official handover of advanced diagnostic equipment to health facilities nationwide, as part of activities marking World Tuberculosis Day 2026.
The equipment package includes 10 Artificial Intelligence (AI)-enabled digital X-ray systems and 15 GeneXpert machines, which will be deployed to key health institutions to improve early detection and ensure accurate diagnosis of TB, particularly in underserved communities.
Professor Dr Grace Ayensu-Danquah, Deputy Minister of Health, presented the equipment to the Ghana Health Service (GHS) during the launch event in Accra on Tuesday, March 24. Valued at approximately GH¢30 million, the initiative forms part of the Government’s Free Primary Healthcare programme, which seeks to expand access to essential services and eliminate financial barriers to care.
Prof Ayensu-Danquah, also the Member of Parliament for Essikado-Ketan, emphasized that the intervention would significantly reduce delays in TB diagnosis and enhance treatment outcomes. She noted that timely detection remains one of the greatest challenges in Ghana’s TB response, with thousands of cases going undetected each year.
“The handover of these machines is more than symbolic; it is a decisive investment in saving lives and halting the spread of TB,” she said.
The GeneXpert systems are designed to conduct rapid molecular testing for TB, including drug-resistant strains, while the AI-powered X-ray units will facilitate quicker screening and interpretation, particularly in facilities with limited radiology expertise. Additional supplies such as testing cartridges and TB-LAM kits will soon be delivered to ensure uninterrupted diagnostic services.
The Deputy Health Minister acknowledged the contributions of partners including the Global Fund and UNICEF, whose support has been critical in enhancing Ghana’s diagnostic capacity. She urged healthcare facilities to maintain the equipment properly and for health workers to maximize its use to strengthen case detection and improve patient outcomes.
Dr Samuel Kaba Akoriyea, Director General of GHS, called on health personnel to renew their commitment to providing quality services, while encouraging communities, institutions, and partners to intensify efforts to eliminate TB as a public health threat.
Chief Austin Arinze Obeifuna, Vice Chair of Stop TB Partnerships and President of the Union Africa Region, lauded Ghana’s growing commitment to domestic resource mobilization, noting it demonstrates strong leadership and ownership. He also urged the government to explore sustainable domestic measures to accelerate progress and reduce dependency on external funding, while promoting political commitment, community engagement, and innovative solutions.
Ghana continues to face an estimated 44,000 new TB cases annually, and authorities say that the deployment of these modern diagnostic tools represents a critical turning point in bridging the detection gap and fast-tracking efforts toward TB elimination.
World Tuberculosis Day, observed annually on March 24, aims to raise public awareness about TB and global efforts to combat the disease. The 2026 edition carried the theme: “Yes! We Can End TB! Led By Countries. Powered By People.” The event was held in partnership with the World Health Organization, UNICEF, Stop TB Partnerships, TB Voice, and the Aurum Institute.
GHBUSS
25 March 2026
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