Ghana recorded 13,951 new HIV infections in 2025, with women accounting for 8,900 cases, or 63.8 per cent of the total, according to the Ghana AIDS Commission.
The figures were disclosed 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 stronger prevention efforts, increased testing and treatment, and more funding for the national response.
Greater Accra recorded the highest number of new infections, with 3,141 cases. The region also had the largest population of people living with HIV, with more than 77,000 of the slightly over 330,000 people living with the virus nationwide at the end of 2025.
Mr Kwao attributed the high numbers in urban areas partly to population concentration and sexual behaviour patterns, noting that heterosexual sex remains the leading mode of transmission.
He identified unprotected sex and having multiple sexual partners as key risk factors, urging sexually active people to know their HIV status and use condoms consistently.
He also called on people who test negative to take steps to reduce their risk of infection.
Beyond prevention, Mr Kwao warned that Ghana was not on course to achieve the global 95-95-95 HIV targets under its 2026–2030 National Strategic Plan.
The 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 on treatment achieve viral suppression.
He said achieving the targets would require wider access to testing and treatment, stronger public education and sustained funding.
Mr Kwao identified declining donor support as a major concern and urged the government to increase its contribution to HIV and AIDS programmes.
“But now donor fatigue is setting in. That is why we are encouraging government to increase its financing for the national HIV and AIDS response,” he said.
The Commission is also seeking a larger share of the District Assemblies Common Fund for HIV programmes, alongside increased contributions to the National HIV and AIDS Fund from the private sector and members of the public.
Mr Kwao encouraged Ghanaians to support the fund, saying even small donations could help sustain prevention and treatment services.
“Your 1 cedi can go a long way to help the fund because HIV can affect not only you, but also your family,” he said.
Members of the public can contribute through the short code *9898#.
The Commission says stronger prevention measures, improved access to care and sustainable financing will be critical to reducing new infections and advancing Ghana’s HIV targets.
