The Ghana AIDS Commission (GAC) has reiterated that no Ghanaian should be denied employment, admission to an educational institution or access to healthcare on the basis of their HIV status. The Commission’s Governing Board Chairperson, Kakra Essamuah, issued the warning to institutions that require prospective employees to undergo HIV tests, cautioning that such practices could attract legal consequences, as they are prohibited under Ghanaian law.
Describing the practice as shameful and regrettable, Mr Essamuah said it amounted to discrimination and stigmatisation, which the Commission had consistently been working to eliminate. He stressed that HIV was not a disability and did not prevent individuals living with the virus from working in any environment. He made these remarks at the 15th National HIV and AIDS Partnership Forum organised by the GAC yesterday.
The forum serves as the Commission’s primary platform for coordination and mutual accountability. It provides an opportunity for stakeholders to assess progress towards national HIV targets, review commitments made at the previous forum and jointly identify priority actions for the year ahead.
This year’s forum, which coincided with 40 years of Ghana’s HIV response, was on the theme: “40 years of HIV Response in Ghana: Celebrating Partnerships, Transforming Lives, Sustaining the Future.”
The forum was attended by communities in the HIV response, development partners, faith-based organisations, academia and representatives of Society for AIDS in Africa (SAA). Touching on the 40-year HIV journey in Ghana, Mr Essamuah said when the disease first arrived in the country four decades ago, it was surrounded by fear, silence and very few options.
However, today, he said, the story was different as People Living With HIV (PLWHIV) could access life-saving treatment, raise families, build careers and contribute fully to national development. “That transformation did not happen by chance. It is the result of political will, the courage of PLWHIV, the dedication of health workers and communities, and the solidarity of our international partners.
He described Ghana’s HIV response as a story worthy of national pride, noting that for many years, a significant portion of the country’s efforts had been sustained through collaboration between the government and its international development partners. However, he said the sharp decline in external support experienced last year served as a wake-up call, highlighting that sustaining the HIV response was no longer merely a technical issue but one that required national ownership, sovereignty and strong leadership.
The Director-General of the Ghana AIDS Commission (GAC), Dr Kharmacelle Prosper Akanbong, outlined some of the Commission’s achievements since the 14th Partnership Forum. These included the establishment of a youth desk at the Commission; the development and validation of the National HIV and TB Human Rights Strategic Plan for 2026–2030; the introduction of new interventions targeting people who use drugs; and the development of a community-level data system to serve as a repository for community HIV data, which had been integrated into routine health information systems.
Dr Akanbong, however, acknowledged that progress had been slower in certain areas, particularly efforts to promote local production of HIV commodities and increase government financing for the national HIV response. He identified these as key priorities for the coming year.
He further disclosed that although Ghana had recorded a decline in new HIV infections overall, the Commission was concerned about the rising number of new infections among young people aged 15 to 24, who accounted for approximately 30 per cent of all new infections.
“This is very worrisome, and we need to take specific actions on that,” he stressed.
The United Nations Resident Coordinator, Zia Choudhury, reaffirmed the commitment of the UN family to supporting Ghana in its efforts to achieve greater independence and ownership in financing its healthcare system.
For his part, the Chief Director at the Office of the President, Dr Alhaji Abubakari Wayo, reflected on Ghana’s 40-year journey in responding to HIV, acknowledging the contributions of successive governments. He emphasised that the fight against HIV and AIDS could not be won by any single government, institution or development partner working independently.
He also paid tribute to people living with HIV (PLHIV) and their networks, recognising their courage, advocacy and lived experiences as instrumental in influencing policy, challenging stigma and promoting inclusive responses. He stressed that affected communities must be actively involved in decision-making processes rather than treated merely as beneficiaries of services.
Other speakers at the forum included the Programme Manager of the National AIDS and STIs Control Programme, Dr Emmanuel Teviu; ICASA Director and SAA Coordinator, Luc Armand Bodea; and the President of NAP+ Ghana, Torgbe Paul Alossode.
