On June 3, 2024, the Ghana Association of Radiologists (GAR), together with key regional and international partners, issued a unified appeal to the Ghanaian government: invest in high-end imaging technologies—particularly CT and MRI—to bolster the diagnosis and management of traumatic brain and spinal injuries. This call emerged at the close of GAR’s 12th Annual General & Scientific Meeting (AGSM), held May 29th–31st in Accra under the theme “Harnessing the Advances in Neuroradiology to Improve Patient Care”.
Road traffic accidents remain the leading cause of traumatic brain and spinal injuries presenting at Ghanaian health facilities. Motorcyclists are a common feature in these crashes, resulting in devastating neurological deficits, paralysis, and, in many cases, death. Accurate, timely imaging is critical: CT scans quickly identify hemorrhages and fractures, while MRI delineates soft tissue and spinal cord pathology, information that directly informs life-saving surgical and medical interventions.
Despite their demonstrated impact on patient outcomes, CT and MRI units remain scarce and prohibitively expensive in many Ghanaian hospitals. Where available, high-resolution scans are often not covered by the National Health Insurance Scheme, placing them out of reach for most trauma victims. GAR’s statement highlights that without broader access, clinicians are forced to rely on clinical examination alone, increasing the risk of misdiagnosis and delayed treatment, which can translate into higher morbidity and mortality rates.
The GAR’s appeal was co-signed by Dr. Samuel Asiamah (GAR President) and Dr. Cathy Gyamfua Asante (GAR General Secretary) and backed by the European Society of Neuroradiology, the Association of Radiologists of West Africa, the Association of Radiologists in Nigeria, the Ghana Academy of Neurological Surgeons, and the Ghana Society of Neurologists. This coalition underscores a shared vision: leveraging global expertise to elevate Ghana’s imaging capabilities and align clinical practice with international standards.
GAR therefore urged the Ministry of Health and Parliament to allocate funds to procure and equip CT and MRI suites in regional and teaching hospitals. They also recommended expanding NHIS coverage to include essential neuroimaging for all trauma cases. GAR, suggested even further, strengthening training programs for radiologists and technologists to maximize these technologies and their diagnostic potential.
Beyond acute care, GAR announced plans to pioneer forensic radiology in Ghana, in partnership with the Ghana Police Service and Police Hospital. Forensic radiology employs imaging techniques such as post-mortem CT to assist in legal investigations, crime-scene documentation, and mass-casualty identification. Establishing this specialty would place Ghana among a handful of African nations using radiology for medico-legal purposes, enhancing both justice and public safety outcomes.
“ GAR is keen on commencing forensic radiology in the country with the support of the Ghana police Service and the Police Hospital. Forensic radiology is a specialized area of medical imaging using radiological techniques to assist physicians pathologists in the matters related to the law ”
While enhanced imaging infrastructure is vital, GAR also called on citizens to practice preventive measures, particularly motorcycle riders and pedestrians. Obeying traffic regulations and wearing helmets remain inexpensive, immediate interventions that can dramatically reduce the severity of head and spinal injuries before patients ever reach a hospital’s CT or MRI scanner.
By investing in advanced imaging and expanding insurance coverage, Ghana can transform its trauma-care landscape, saving lives, reducing long-term disability, and alleviating the economic burden of injury. Complementing clinical advances with public-safety measures and pioneering forensic radiology, GAR and its partners are charting a holistic path toward stronger health systems and safer communities.
Source: GAR calls for investment in advanced imaging technology | Ghana News Agency
