Ghana Gold Board Supports World Kidney Day 2026
The Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) has supported the 2026 marking of World Kidney Day, reaffirming its commitment to responsible mining practices and environmentally sustainable sourcing of Ghana’s natural mineral resources.
The event was officially launched on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at the Burma Hall in Burma Camp, Accra, by the Ghana Armed Forces Health Services, bringing together government officials, health professionals, and institutional partners to highlight the importance of kidney health and environmental protection.
Observed under the theme “Kidney Health for All: Caring for People, Protecting the Planet,” the launch marked the beginning of a month-long series of activities organised by the Ghana Armed Forces.
The activities include diabetes and hypertension screening, kidney health education, and public awareness campaigns aimed at promoting early detection and prevention of kidney-related diseases.
The Minister for Health, Hon. Mintah Akandoh, who served as the guest of honour, officially launched the programme and stressed the urgent need to strengthen support systems for kidney patients across the country.
He urged Ghanaians to take their health seriously by prioritising regular health screenings and preventive healthcare practices.
The Minister also commended President John Dramani Mahama for introducing the Ghana Medical Trust Fund, popularly known as “Mahama Cares,” which is intended to support the treatment of critical illnesses, including kidney-related conditions.
According to him, while government interventions such as the Trust Fund are important, partnerships with private institutions remain crucial in expanding access to treatment, particularly due to the limited number of dialysis machines available in the country.
Representing the Ghana Gold Board at the event, the Deputy Director for Responsible Mining, Mr. James German, highlighted GoldBod’s role in supporting responsible mining and safeguarding the environment within Ghana’s artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) sector.
According to him, beyond its core mandate, the Ghana Gold Board has an additional responsibility to support the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources in formalising the artisanal and small-scale mining sector.
He revealed that GoldBod considers this supporting role a critical responsibility, which informed the establishment of the Directorate for Responsible Mining and Sustainability.
Mr. German explained that the directorate operates under a responsible sourcing policy designed to guide the sustainable management and development of the ASM sector.
He affirmed that GoldBod remains committed to supporting initiatives that contribute to protecting Ghana’s environment and promoting sustainable development.
Mr. German further expressed satisfaction with the partnership, stating that GoldBod considers the observance of World Kidney Day a worthy cause to support.
The event was attended by several high-level dignitaries, including the Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, the Deputy Minister for Defence, and the Chief of Defence Staff, alongside other senior officials of the Ghana Armed Forces.
The 37 Military Hospital, the National Petroleum Authority, and several other institutions also partnered in supporting the World Kidney Day activities.
GoldBod’s participation in the programme forms part of its broader commitment to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles within Ghana’s mining sector, particularly through efforts to formalise the ASM industry, promote responsible sourcing, and protect public health and the environment.
By supporting initiatives such as World Kidney Day, the Ghana Gold Board continues to demonstrate that sustainable mineral governance must go hand in hand with the protection of human health and the environment.
