Greater Accra Leads Ghana in New HIV Infections in 2025

Ghana recorded 13,951 new HIV infections in 2025, with women accounting for 8,900 cases, representing 63.8 per cent of the total, according to data from the Ghana AIDS Commission.

The figures were presented by the Commission’s Director of Research, Monitoring and Evaluation, Isaiah Doe Kwao, at the 2026 HIV and AIDS Partnership Forum, where he called for intensified efforts to prevent new infections and improve access to testing and treatment.

Greater Accra recorded the highest number of new infections, with 3,141 cases. The region also had the country’s largest population of people living with HIV, with more than 77,000 recorded at the end of 2025.

Mr Kwao disclosed that more than 330,000 people were living with HIV nationwide, highlighting the need for stronger public education, prevention programmes and increased financial support for the national HIV response.

He attributed the concentration of cases in major urban centres partly to population density and patterns of sexual behaviour. He emphasised that reducing new infections must remain a priority for health authorities and their partners.

The latest figures have also raised concerns about Ghana’s progress towards the global 95-95-95 HIV targets under its 2026–2030 National Strategic Plan. These targets seek to ensure that 95 per cent of people living with HIV know their status, 95 per cent of those diagnosed receive treatment, and 95 per cent of those receiving treatment achieve viral suppression.

Mr Kwao identified unprotected sex and having multiple sexual partners as behaviours that increase the risk of HIV transmission. He urged the public to make informed decisions and adopt safer sexual practices.

He encouraged sexually active individuals to undergo HIV testing regularly, know their status and take appropriate preventive measures. He also stressed the importance of consistent condom use and faithfulness within mutually agreed partnerships.

The Commission is calling for stronger collaboration among government institutions, health professionals, development partners and communities to expand testing, improve treatment access and strengthen public awareness.

The renewed push comes as Ghana seeks to reverse the trend and accelerate progress towards its national HIV control objectives.

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