Ghana charts bold path at 7th National Strategic High-Level Meeting on NCDs and Mental Health

Theme: Bridging Global Commitments with Local Realities: Ghana’s Roadmap to the 4th UN HLM on NCDs and Mental Health
Date: Thursday, 4th September 2025
Venue: Mensvic Hotel, Accra
Organizers: Ghana NCD Alliance (GhNCDA) & Ministry of Health

A Critical Juncture in Ghana’s Health Journey

In the heart of Accra on September 4, 2025, a powerful coalition of stakeholders gathered for a purpose that transcends policy—preserving the health and future of Ghana. The 7th National Strategic High-Level Meeting on Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) and Mental Health was convened by the Ghana NCD Alliance (GhNCDA) in collaboration with the Ministry of Health. This meeting could not have come at a more crucial time.

With the 4th United Nations High-Level Meeting (UN HLM) on NCDs and Mental Health approaching, Ghana stands at a decisive moment: how to translate global ambitions into local action—before the burden of NCDs overwhelms the nation’s progress toward sustainable development.

The Growing Weight of NCDs and Mental Health

Non-communicable diseases—heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and chronic respiratory illness—now account for 45% of all deaths in Ghana. Mental health issues, often neglected, are emerging with equal urgency, frequently intertwined with physical illness. The Ghana STEPS Report 2023 painted a sobering picture: tobacco use, harmful drinking, poor diets, sedentary lifestyles, and limited access to screening are placing Ghanaians at significant risk.

The numbers are stark:

• 4.8% of adults currently smoke, with 9.3% of men affected.
• 22.6% consumed alcohol in the last 30 days; 2.5% engaged in heavy drinking.
• 76% eat fewer than the WHO-recommended five servings of fruits/vegetables daily.
• Over 70% have never had their blood glucose checked.
• 71.2% are not engaging in vigorous physical activity.

These aren’t just statistics—they’re warning signs.

A Global Framework: The UN HLMs on NCDs and Mental Health

Since 2011, the UN has convened three High-Level Meetings to galvanize international action on NCDs. Each has built upon the last:

• 2011 (1st UN HLM): Recognized NCDs as a development challenge; adopted a Political Declaration.
• 2014 (2nd UN HLM): Called for stronger governance, multisectoral action, and integration into national development plans.
• 2018 (3rd UN HLM): Focused on achieving SDG 3.4, integrating NCDs into UHC, and highlighting the role of civil society.

Now, the 4th UN HLM in September 2025 promises to be transformational. It will, for the first time, fully integrate mental health into the global NCD agenda. Ghana is determined not to miss this opportunity.

Why the 7th National Strategic High-Level Meeting Matters

This high-level national convening was more than a preparatory exercise—it was a strategic launchpad. It served to:

• Assess Ghana’s progress on NCDs and mental health.
• Bring together government leaders, CSOs, academia, the private sector, and people living with NCDs (PLWNCDs).
• Build a unified national advocacy position for the 4th UN HLM.
• Generate a Call to Action to be presented globally.

The meeting allowed for open dialogue, cross-sectoral collaboration, and a focus on accountability. It was structured to ensure not only representation but action.

Key Objectives and Highlights

The gathering had five major objectives:

1. National Updates: Government representatives presented Ghana’s efforts and challenges in NCD control and mental health integration.
2. Stakeholder Dialogue: Inclusive panels allowed civil society, private sector actors, and PLWNCDs to shape the national position.
3. Shared Priorities: Participants worked to define Ghana’s unified advocacy message for the 4th UN HLM.
4. Accountability Mechanisms: Strategies were explored to track commitments, with a focus on financing, data systems, and equity.
5. Political Reaffirmation: Leadership reaffirmed the government’s dedication to achieving SDG 3.4 and Universal Health Coverage.

Voices from the Frontline: PLWNCDs and Mental Health Champions Speak

Testimonies from people living with NCDs and mental health conditions were among the most moving moments of the event. Their experiences—navigating stigma, inaccessible services, and financial hardship—brought the policy discussion to life and grounded it in Ghana’s lived realities.

“I am not a statistic,” said one participant living with hypertension and depression. “We need systems that see us, treat us, and walk with us.”

Ghana’s “Call to Action” for the 4th UN HLM

The culmination of the meeting was the endorsement of Ghana’s National Statement and Call to Action, to be submitted as the country’s position at the 4th UN HLM. Key demands included:

• Increased domestic and global investment in NCDs and mental health.
• Integration of mental health into all NCD responses and health policies.
• Stronger accountability systems for implementation and reporting.
• Meaningful inclusion of PLWNCDs in decision-making processes.
• Multi-sectoral partnerships that address social, economic, and environmental determinants.

What’s Next: From Mensvic Hotel to the Global Stage

As September’s global summit approaches, Ghana is now armed with a clear message, a cohesive strategy, and a powerful network of advocates. The 7th National Strategic High-Level Meeting was a bold step forward in Ghana’s ongoing journey to protect its citizens from the silent killers of NCDs and the invisible weight of mental illness.

But the real work begins now.

A Moment of Decision, A Decade of Impact

The road to the 4th UN High-Level Meeting is not just a diplomatic exercise. It is a chance for Ghana—and the world—to redefine health justice. To move from commitment to implementation. From data to dignity.

The meeting’s theme—“Bridging Global Commitments with Local Realities”—was more than a slogan. It was a call to align ambition with action.

And in Accra on September 4, 2025, Ghana answered that call.

By [African Editors]
Health Correspondent | Accra, Ghana

References

(Embedded as hyperlinks for digital version)

1. WHO Fact Sheet on NCDs
2. Ghana STEPS Report 2023
3. UN 2011 HLM on NCDs
4. UN HLM on NCDs and Mental Health
5. WHO Road to 2025
6. Political Declaration of the 3rd UN HLM