The Chief Executive of the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, Dr. Yakubu Seidu Adam, has urged Parliament to fast-track the passage of legislation on organ harvesting, saying it would drastically reduce the cost of transplants and improve access to life-saving procedures in Ghana.

Speaking during a visit by members of Parliament’s Health Committee on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, Dr. Adam explained that the absence of a legal framework forces patients in need of transplants to seek treatment abroad, despite Ghana having qualified specialists capable of performing the operations.

“With our own population, if they need a kidney transplant, they have to travel to India, America, or the UK. We have the expertise here to do the work, if only the legislative approval is given,” he said.

Dr. Adam further revealed that the lack of legislation affects eye surgeries, particularly cornea transplants.
“As eye surgeons, we perform cornea transplants, but we cannot get corneas locally. We have to import them from America, where the lowest price is between $3,000 and $4,000.

If we had the legislation, we could harvest corneas here, and a patient would not spend more than GH₵500,” he noted.

How Other Countries Do It


Countries such as South Africa and India already have well-established organ donation laws that regulate harvesting, storage, and transplantation.

In South Africa, for instance, the National Health Act governs organ donations, ensuring transparency, donor consent, and ethical medical practices.

India’s Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues Act allows both living and deceased donations under strict oversight, making transplants more affordable and accessible locally.

Even closer to home, Nigeria passed the National Health Act (2014), which provides a legal basis for organ donation and has enabled some hospitals to begin transplant programs domestically.

Mounting Pressure on Ghana


Health experts argue that similar legislation in Ghana would cut costs significantly, boost local capacity, and reduce medical tourism, which drains millions of dollars each year.

It would also open opportunities for regulated donations, ensuring patients get timely treatment while upholding ethical standards.

Dr. Adam’s appeal adds to growing calls for lawmakers to create a regulatory framework for organ donation and harvesting — a move many believe could transform Ghana’s healthcare landscape.