Best Hospitals in Ghana: A Visitor’s Healthcare Guide

Nobody plans to get sick on holiday — but knowing where to go if you do is part of travelling smart. Ghana has a deep network of hospitals: large public teaching hospitals with the country’s top specialists, modern private clinics in Accra that expats and visitors rely on, a government hospital in every region, and respected mission hospitals reaching the rural areas. This is a comprehensive, region-by-region guide to the best hospitals in Ghana — which to use as a visitor, how payment works, and what to sort before you fly.

Tip: tap any hospital name in the table below to open it in Google Maps for directions and contact details.

Top hospitals at a glance

The public teaching hospitals

Ghana’s public system is anchored by its teaching hospitals — the referral centres with the most specialists and equipment. Korle-Bu in Accra (founded 1923) is the oldest and largest in the country and one of the biggest in West Africa, handling the most complex national cases. Komfo Anokye (KATH) in Kumasi is the second-largest and serves the middle belt, while Tamale Teaching Hospital is the main referral hospital for the north. The coast has Cape Coast Teaching Hospital and the Volta has Ho Teaching Hospital. They have the deepest expertise — but they’re busy, and waits can be long.

Major hospitals in Accra

The capital has the widest choice. Beyond Korle-Bu, the standout newer option is the University of Ghana Medical Centre (UGMC) at Legon — opened in 2018 and among the most modern, best-equipped hospitals in West Africa. The well-run Greater Accra Regional Hospital (still widely called Ridge Hospital) is central and modern, the 37 Military Hospital is large and respected (and treats civilians), and La General, Tema General and the Police Hospital round out the public options across the metro area.

Best private hospitals (what most visitors use)

For routine illness, minor emergencies and faster, more comfortable care, most expats and international visitors head to Accra’s private hospitals — shorter waits, English-speaking staff, and standards closer to home, at higher cost (which is why travel insurance matters).

In Kumasi, private options include the Kumasi South and various mission-run facilities; elsewhere, the regional and mission hospitals below are your best bet.

Regional & main hospitals, region by region

Every region has a main government hospital for serious cases. If you’re travelling beyond Accra and Kumasi, know the nearest one to your base:

Mission (CHAG) hospitals

Many of Ghana’s most trusted hospitals — especially in rural areas — are faith-run members of the Christian Health Association of Ghana (CHAG). Respected names include Agogo Presbyterian (Ashanti), Bawku Presbyterian (Upper East), the Baptist Medical Centre at Nalerigu (North East), St Dominic’s (Akwatia), Holy Family (Techiman and Nkawkaw), St Martin de Porres (Eikwe, Western) and Tetteh Quarshie Memorial (Mampong-Akuapem). Where there’s no government hospital nearby, the local mission hospital is usually the place to go.

Addresses & directions (major hospitals)

Tap “Open” for live directions and the current phone number on Google Maps; details can change, so call ahead where possible.

What visitors should know

• Get travel insurance with medical evacuation before you fly — non-negotiable. Private care and any evacuation are expensive out of pocket.
• Payment is usually upfront. Private hospitals expect payment (card or cash) or a recognised insurance guarantee at the time of care; keep receipts to claim.
• Carry cash and a card, plus your insurer’s 24-hour emergency number.
• Pharmacies are everywhere and well-stocked for common medicines; pharmacists advise on minor ailments. Bring your own prescription meds with a copy of the prescription.
• Malaria is the real risk, not hospitals — take prophylaxis and see a doctor fast for any fever (see our health & vaccinations guide).

Emergencies

The national emergency number in Ghana is 112. The National Ambulance Service is 193, though in cities a Bolt or taxi to a known private hospital is often faster than waiting for an ambulance. Know the nearest private hospital to where you’re staying, save your insurer’s assistance line, and remember your embassy can help in a serious medical situation (our embassies guide). For wider context, see our is Ghana safe? guide.

The bottom line

Ghana’s healthcare runs from world-class-trained specialists at Korle-Bu, Komfo Anokye and the gleaming new UGMC at Legon to comfortable private clinics like Nyaho and The Bank Hospital that most visitors prefer — backed by a regional or mission hospital almost everywhere you’ll travel. The smart move is simple: buy travel insurance with evacuation cover, know the nearest good hospital to your base, carry your meds and a card, and treat any fever as possible malaria. Sort the rest with our health, safety and packing guides.

FAQ