Ho, March 30, – Stroke survivors and advocates have called for urgent policy reforms and improved healthcare access to reduce disability and enhance quality of life across Ghana.
The call was made at a news conference in Ho to mark National Stroke Survivors Day, organised by the Stroke Association Support Network Ghana (SASNET Ghana), bringing together survivors, caregivers, health professionals and stakeholders.
Mr. Callistus Edoh, Volta Regional Chairman of SASNET Ghana, said this year’s theme, “Stroke Survivors: Unseen, Unheard and Unmet,” highlights the silent struggles of survivors, including limited access to rehabilitation, assistive devices and essential healthcare services.
“Many survivors face cognitive, emotional and financial challenges that are often overlooked,” he said.
Mr. Ebenezer Ad Adams, Executive Director of SASNET Ghana, pointed to inconsistencies in National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) coverage, noting that while some patients pay fully or partially for treatment, many cannot afford critical assistive devices such as wheelchairs.
He urged government to fast-track the Assistive Technology Policy, expand support under the Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP) programme, and clarify coverage under the Ghana Medical Trust Fund (“Mahama Care”) to include stroke-related services.
According to Mr. Adams, more than 16,000 stroke survivors are registered nationwide, with over 500 in the Volta Region, though actual figures may be higher. Stakeholders stressed that stroke remains a leading cause of disability and death in Ghana, often leaving survivors with long-term physical and economic burdens.
They also called for increased investment in healthcare infrastructure, including MRI and CT scan machines, as well as the training of more neurologists to improve diagnosis and treatment.
Mr. Edoh cited a case where a stroke patient was reportedly denied oxygen due to NHIS coverage issues, describing it as unacceptable. Mr. Samuel Sedodo, Vice President of SASNET Ghana, further urged intensified public education on stroke prevention, early detection and management.
GHBUSS
March 30, 2026
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