Omanghana
The Ghana AIDS Commission (GAC) has cautioned employers, schools and healthcare providers against denying people opportunities or services because of their HIV status.
The commission’s Governing Board Chairperson, Kakra Essamuah, said discrimination against people living with HIV undermines their dignity and the country’s efforts to reduce stigma.
He issued the warning at the 15th National HIV and AIDS Partnership Forum, held on Thursday, October 29, 2026. The forum brought together groups involved in Ghana’s HIV response, including development partners, faith-based organizations and representatives of affected communities.
Workplace protections
Essamuah cautioned institutions that require prospective employees to undergo HIV tests that they could face legal consequences.
Under the Ghana AIDS Commission Act, 2016 (Act 938), a person’s actual or perceived HIV status must not be the sole basis for discrimination in the workplace. The Act also states that job applicants must not be tested to establish their HIV status for recruitment, promotion or another employment-related purpose.
The law identifies fitness for work as the relevant employment standard. It also provides an exception where an employer can prove that a particular state of health or medical condition is required for a job.
Essamuah stressed that living with HIV does not automatically prevent a person from working effectively.
Education, healthcare and security recruitment
The commission said people should not be excluded from education or denied healthcare because of their HIV status. Act 938 protects access to education and recognizes the right of people living with HIV to healthcare services.
The GAC has also said HIV status alone should not be used to disqualify applicants from security-service recruitment. In an earlier discussion on the law, a commission official said its protections extend to employment, education and housing.
Reducing stigma
Essamuah said advances in treatment have enabled many people living with HIV to lead healthy lives, build careers and raise families. He called on Ghanaians and institutions to share responsibility for ending stigma and discrimination.
At the forum, GAC Director-General Dr Kharmacelle Prosper Akanbong outlined initiatives undertaken since the previous gathering, including the establishment of a youth desk and the development of a national HIV and tuberculosis human rights strategy for 2026 to 2030
Source: Omanghana
