🇬🇭 Ghana Healthcare Guide
Accra's Korle Bu Teaching Hospital is the largest facility in West Africa, and the private sector — particularly Nyaho Medical Centre and the Lister Hospital — is well-developed by regional standards. English is the language of the healthcare system, which makes Ghana one of the more accessible countries in the region for visitors. Outside Accra and Kumasi, facilities thin out, particularly in the Northern and Upper regions — knowing where the nearest well-equipped facility is to your location saves time if you need care beyond what a rural clinic can offer.
Quick facts
- Emergency number: 193
- Healthcare system: mixed
- Average GP visit: $15 USD
- EHIC/GHIC accepted: No
- Language barrier: medium
Healthcare overview
Accra’s hospitals (Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, 37 Military Hospital, and private options like Nyaho Medical Centre) serve as a regional hub for West Africa. Kumasi has Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital. Ghana’s healthcare is relatively strong by West African standards, with English as the medical language. Northern Ghana (Tamale, Bolgatanga) has more limited access. Private GP visits cost GHS 100–300 ($8–25).
West African regional hub
Accra receives medical referrals from neighbouring countries. Korle Bu is one of West Africa’s largest teaching hospitals.
English medical language
Ghana’s medical system operates in English, making it accessible for visitors without the French-language barrier common in the region.
Vaccinations
Required
- Yellow Fever
Recommended
- Hepatitis A
- Hepatitis B
- Typhoid
- Malaria prophylaxis
- Meningitis
- Rabies
Prescriptions and pharmacies
Ghanaian pharmacies are well-distributed in cities and tourist areas, with medications at low prices. Quality is generally acceptable at licensed pharmacies. Counterfeit medications circulate in informal markets. Having your medication list with generic names helps pharmacists match from their available stock.
Licensed pharmacy quality
Licensed pharmacies (green cross) in Accra and Kumasi carry quality medications. Avoid purchasing from market vendors or unlicensed outlets.
Tips for travellers
Korle Bu and 37 Military Hospital in Accra provide the broadest specialist care in Anglophone West Africa. For complex conditions, Johannesburg, Nairobi, or London serve as the referral destinations. Having your treatment history accessible in English helps Ghanaian specialists continue your care directly, with no language barrier in the documentation.
37 Military Hospital
37 Military Hospital in Accra is often preferred by expats and visitors for its relatively efficient processes and English-speaking specialist staff.