Hospitals in Accra: The Complete Guide to Public and Private Healthcare Facilities

Accra’s healthcare landscape is dominated by two major public referral hospitals—Korle Bu Teaching Hospital and the Greater Accra Regional Hospital (Ridge)—alongside a growing private sector led by facilities such as Nyaho Medical Centre, Lister Hospital, and Akai House Clinic. The city’s hospitals are concentrated in areas including Korle Gonno, Ridge, Cantonments, Airport Residential Area, and Spintex, with options ranging from general practitioner services to advanced specialist care.

At a Glance: Key Facts About Hospitals in Accra

Understanding Healthcare in Accra

Greater Accra Region is Ghana’s most populous region, with 5,446,237 residents recorded in the 2021 Population and Housing Census—overtaking Ashanti Region for the first time since 1970 . The region’s population density of 1,236 persons per square kilometre is the highest in the country, placing significant demand on health infrastructure .

This concentration of people—combined with Accra’s role as the hub for specialist medical services in Ghana—means the city’s hospitals serve not just local residents but patients from across the country and the West African sub-region.

The healthcare sector in Accra operates on a tiered system. At the apex are teaching hospitals and regional referral facilities that handle complex cases. Below them are district hospitals, polyclinics, and a rapidly expanding private sector that caters to those with private health insurance or the ability to pay out of pocket.

Public Hospitals in Accra

Korle Bu Teaching Hospital

Type: Public teaching hospital
Location: Guggisberg Avenue, Korle Gonno
Specialisation: All specialisations
Affiliation: Ministry of Health

Korle Bu is Ghana’s premier teaching hospital and the largest referral centre in the country. Established as the primary training ground for medical professionals, it handles the most complex cases from across Ghana and neighbouring countries .

The hospital has recently intensified its focus on research, with leadership emphasising evidence-based inquiry as central to improving patient outcomes. Ongoing studies span cardiology, nephrology, oncology, and infectious diseases, often conducted in partnership with international institutions .

Under current leadership, Korle Bu has introduced in-vitro fertilisation (IVF) services and successful kidney transplant procedures. The hospital has also invested in modern diagnostic equipment including digital X-ray and dental imaging machines, and stabilised oxygen supply through a public-private partnership. Plans are underway for a 500-bed children’s hospital, along with advanced treatments such as plasmapheresis and Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy for critically ill patients .

Contact: [email protected] | +233 (0)302 673 031 / 665 401 / 674 063
Website: www.kbth.gov.gh

Greater Accra Regional Hospital (Ridge Hospital)

Type: Public regional hospital
Location: Castle Road, Ridge
Specialisation: General and specialist services
Affiliation: Ministry of Health

The Greater Accra Regional Hospital, commonly known as Ridge Hospital, serves as the regional referral facility for the capital. It was comprehensively renovated and repositioned as a modern referral institution during the previous Mahama administration .

However, the hospital faces significant infrastructure challenges. A 2026 inspection revealed that despite serving nearly a thousand patients daily, the facility lacks essential diagnostic equipment including CT scan, MRI, fluoroscopy unit, mammogram machine, and even X-ray capabilities. Patients requiring these tests are often referred to private facilities, increasing both cost and inconvenience .

The government has announced plans to implement Phase Two of the Ridge Hospital project to expand bed capacity as part of efforts to address the “no bed syndrome” that has plagued public hospitals .

Contact: +233 (0)302 228 688 (main line)

37 Military Hospital

Type: Public military hospital
Location: Neghelli Barracks, Accra
Specialisation: All specialisations
Affiliation: Ministry of Health / Ghana Armed Forces

The 37 Military Hospital operates as both a military medical facility and a public hospital serving civilians. It is one of the few public hospitals in Accra with comprehensive specialist services and is known for relatively shorter waiting times compared to Korle Bu .

Contact: +233 (0) 302 767 691

Accra Psychiatric Hospital

Type: Public specialist hospital
Location: Castle Road, Adabraka
Specialisation: Mental health services
Affiliation: Ghana Health Service

Founded in 1906, the Accra Psychiatric Hospital is Ghana’s oldest and largest mental health facility. It operates under the Ghana Health Service and the Ministry of Health, with a bed capacity of approximately 600 as of 2022 .

The hospital provides inpatient and outpatient psychiatric care, rehabilitation services, and community mental health programmes.

Contact: +233 030 222 8688
Website: accrapsychiatrichospital.org

Adabraka Polyclinic

Type: Public polyclinic
Location: Castle Road, opposite the Psychiatric Hospital, Adabraka
Specialisation: General practice and specialist consultations
Affiliation: Ministry of Health

Adabraka Polyclinic serves as a first point of contact for many residents in central Accra. It offers general practitioner services and specialist consultations, functioning as a bridge between community health facilities and larger referral hospitals .

Contact: +233 (0)302 226 430 / 679 325

North Ridge Clinic

Type: Public clinic
Location: C904 Tabon Street, North Ridge (near KLM Office and next to SEDCO House)
Specialisation: General practice and specialist consultation
Affiliation: Ministry of Health

North Ridge Clinic provides accessible primary and specialist care in the North Ridge area, serving both residents and workers in the surrounding government and business district .

Contact: +233 (0) 302 227 328

Private Hospitals in Accra

Nyaho Medical Centre

Type: Private hospital
Location: 35 Aviation Road, Airport Residential Area
Specialisation: All specialisations
Accreditation: Ministry of Health

Nyaho Medical Centre is one of Ghana’s most established private hospitals, serving patients since 1970. Located in the Airport Residential Area, it offers comprehensive medical services including emergency care, specialist consultations, diagnostic imaging, and surgical procedures.

The facility is particularly popular among expatriates, diplomatic staff, and Ghanaian professionals with private health insurance. It maintains English-speaking staff and international standards of care .

Contact: [email protected] | +233 (0) 307 086 490 / 501 436 662
Ambulance: +233 (0) 277 752 424

Lister Hospital

Type: Private hospital
Location: 1 Finali Drive, Airport Hills, off Spintex Road (Flowerpot Junction)
Specialisation: General practice and specialist consultations, particularly fertility services
Accreditation: Ministry of Health

Lister Hospital has built a reputation for fertility and reproductive health services, though it offers a full range of general medical care. Located in the Airport Hills area, it serves residents of East Airport, Spintex, and surrounding communities .

Contact: [email protected] | +233 (0) 303 409 030 / 244 313 883

Akai House Clinic

Type: Private clinic
Location: No. 16 Circular Road, Cantonments (near American Embassy)
Specialisation: All specialisations
Accreditation: Ministry of Health

Akai House Clinic occupies a convenient position in Cantonments, close to several embassies and international organisations. The clinic provides general medical services, specialist consultations, and laboratory services .

Contact: [email protected] | +233 (0) 302 784 772 / 3 / 4
Laboratory: +233 (0) 302 763 821

Trust Hospital (SSNIT Hospital)

Type: Private hospital
Location: 16 Oxford Street, Osu (near Dynasty Chinese Restaurant)
Specialisation: All specialisations, paramedic and ambulance services

Trust Hospital operates in the busy Osu area, providing accessible healthcare to residents and workers in one of Accra’s most commercial districts. The hospital offers general medical services, specialist care, and emergency response .

Contact: [email protected] | +233 (0) 302 761 974 / 5

Accra Medical Centre

Type: Private medical facility
Location: Accra

Accra Medical Centre provides general and specialist medical services with multiple contact lines for different departments. The facility caters to both individual patients and corporate clients.

General Enquiries: +233 (0) 204 096 099 / +233 (0) 233 099 096
Specialist Enquiries: +233 (0) 501 663 827
Email: [email protected]

West African Rescue Association (WARA)

Type: Emergency medical services and clinic
Location: No. 9, Abufun Crescent, Accra
Specialisation: Emergency response, paramedic services, ambulance rescue

WARA provides emergency medical services, ambulance response, and paramedic training. While not a traditional hospital, it plays a critical role in Accra’s emergency healthcare ecosystem, particularly for corporate clients and international organisations .

Contact: [email protected] | +233 (0) 302 781 258 / 302 769 967
Emergency: +233 (0) 544 336 600 / 243 666 111

University Hospital

University of Ghana Medical Centre (UGMC)

Type: Teaching hospital / quaternary care facility
Location: Legon
Specialisation: Advanced specialist services

The University of Ghana Medical Centre was established as part of a broader vision to expand Ghana’s health infrastructure and provide advanced medical care. It functions as a teaching hospital affiliated with the University of Ghana Medical School and offers specialist services that reduce the need for outbound medical travel .

Where Accra’s Hospitals Are Located

Accra’s hospital infrastructure is distributed across several key areas:

Korle Gonno and Ridge: The historic heart of Accra’s public healthcare system, home to Korle Bu Teaching Hospital and the Greater Accra Regional Hospital.

Adabraka: A central location hosting the Accra Psychiatric Hospital and Adabraka Polyclinic, serving dense residential and commercial communities.

Cantonments, Airport Residential Area, and Airport Hills: These upscale neighbourhoods host several private hospitals catering to professionals, expatriates, and diplomatic staff.

Osu: Trust Hospital serves this busy commercial and entertainment district.

Spintex and East Airport: Growing residential areas with increasing private healthcare options, including Lister Hospital.

Legon: Home to the University of Ghana Medical Centre and the university’s medical training facilities.

How to Choose a Hospital in Accra

For Routine Care

Polyclinics and clinics such as Adabraka Polyclinic, North Ridge Clinic, and Akai House Clinic handle general consultations, minor procedures, and preventive care. These are appropriate for non-emergency situations and typically have shorter waiting times than major hospitals.

For Specialist Care

Private hospitals like Nyaho Medical Centre, Lister Hospital, and Trust Hospital offer specialist consultations across various disciplines. For complex cases requiring advanced diagnostics or surgery, Korle Bu Teaching Hospital remains the primary referral centre.

For Emergency Care

Accra’s emergency response infrastructure includes hospital emergency departments and dedicated services like WARA. Major private hospitals generally have more reliable emergency facilities, though public hospitals handle the majority of trauma cases.

Considering Insurance

The National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) covers treatment at public facilities and some private hospitals. Private health insurance provides access to a broader range of private facilities and often faster service. Patients should verify whether their preferred hospital accepts their insurance before seeking care.

Challenges Facing Accra’s Hospitals

Accra’s healthcare system operates under significant strain. The Greater Accra Regional Hospital’s lack of basic diagnostic equipment—including CT scan, MRI, and even X-ray—illustrates the infrastructure gaps facing public facilities .

The “no bed syndrome,” where patients are turned away due to lack of bed space, remains a persistent problem in public hospitals. Government has announced plans to expand capacity at Ridge Hospital as part of efforts to address this .

Korle Bu Teaching Hospital has acknowledged that public perception often reflects negative patient experiences rather than the hospital’s achievements. Leadership has called for a “reset agenda” focused on improving clinical processes, enhancing patient experience, removing financial barriers to emergency care, and upgrading infrastructure .

Recent Developments in Accra’s Healthcare Sector

Ghana Medical Trust Fund (Mahama Cares): Set to rollout in April 2026, this programme aims to provide financial support for treatment of critical and chronic illnesses, with major public hospitals playing a central role .

Free Primary Healthcare Programme: Scheduled to commence on April 15, 2026, this initiative represents an expansion of healthcare access at the primary level .

Infrastructure Investments: The University of Ghana Medical Centre, Dodowa District Hospital, and the renovation of Ridge Hospital were part of a broader health infrastructure expansion. Plans continue for new facilities and capacity expansion .

Specialised Services: Korle Bu has introduced IVF services and kidney transplants, with plans for a 500-bed children’s hospital and advanced critical care treatments .

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the largest hospital in Accra?

Korle Bu Teaching Hospital is the largest hospital in Accra and in Ghana. It serves as the country’s premier referral centre, handles the most complex cases, and trains the majority of Ghana’s medical professionals.

Which hospitals in Accra accept NHIS?

Most public hospitals and polyclinics accept the National Health Insurance Scheme, including Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, Greater Accra Regional Hospital, 37 Military Hospital, and Adabraka Polyclinic. Some private hospitals also accept NHIS for specific services; patients should confirm before seeking care.

Where are most private hospitals located in Accra?

Private hospitals cluster in upscale areas including Airport Residential Area, Cantonments, Airport Hills, and Osu. These locations serve professionals, expatriates, and diplomatic staff concentrated in these neighbourhoods.

What should I do in a medical emergency in Accra?

For emergencies, call Ghana’s national ambulance service or contact hospital emergency departments directly. WARA provides emergency medical services for corporate clients and international organisations. Major private hospitals generally have more reliable emergency facilities than public hospitals.

How do I choose between a public and private hospital in Accra?

Public hospitals offer lower costs and handle complex cases but typically have longer waiting times and may lack certain diagnostic equipment. Private hospitals offer faster service, better facilities, and shorter waiting times but at higher cost. Your choice depends on your medical needs, insurance coverage, and ability to pay.

Does Korle Bu Teaching Hospital offer specialist services?

Yes. Korle Bu offers specialist services across virtually all medical disciplines, including recent additions such as IVF and kidney transplantation. The hospital also runs research programmes in cardiology, nephrology, oncology, and infectious diseases.

Are there psychiatric hospitals in Accra?

The Accra Psychiatric Hospital in Adabraka is Ghana’s main mental health facility, with approximately 600 beds. It provides inpatient and outpatient psychiatric care, rehabilitation, and community mental health services.

ASJ’s Accra Street Directory maintains a broader database of hospitals, clinics, and healthcare facilities across the city, including locations and publicly available contact information. Readers seeking additional options can explore the Health category in the Directory.

EXTERNAL SOURCES:

• Ghana Statistical Service, 2021 Population and Housing Census 

• Korle Bu Teaching Hospital official website 

• GOV.UK Ghana List of Medical Facilities 

• GBC Ghana Online 

• Ghana Today 

FAQ QUESTIONS:

1. What is the largest hospital in Accra?

2. Which hospitals in Accra accept NHIS?

3. Where are most private hospitals located in Accra?

4. What should I do in a medical emergency in Accra?

5. How do I choose between a public and private hospital in Accra?

6. Does Korle Bu Teaching Hospital offer specialist services?

7. Are there psychiatric hospitals in Accra?

EDITOR’S NOTE:

Several pieces of information should be verified before publication:

1. Hospital contact numbers and addresses: While sourced from GOV.UK‘s official list (updated July 2026), these should be confirmed directly with each facility as contact details can change.

2. Operating hours: Not included in this article as they vary by department and facility. Consider adding if verified.

3. NHIS acceptance: Individual private hospitals’ NHIS acceptance status changes periodically. Verify current status with each facility.

4. Ridge Hospital services: The 2026 report indicated significant equipment shortages. Verify current status before publication.

5. University of Ghana Medical Centre: Limited information was available from sources. Consider additional research or direct contact for current services and capacity.

6. Bed capacities: Only Accra Psychiatric Hospital’s bed capacity (600) was verifiable. Other facilities’ capacities should be confirmed if included in future updates.

Source: Accra Street Journal

Last Updated on September 14, 2026 by Samuel Kwame Boadu

Samuel Kwame Boadu

Samuel Kwame Boadu is a Ghanaian media entrepreneur and storyteller with a passion for amplifying urban voices and uncovering everyday truths. He is the Editor-in-Chief and Founder of Accra Street Journal, a dynamic digital platform dedicated to capturing the pulse of Ghana’s capital—its people, culture, challenges, business, sports and innovations.

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