Health Policy OPEN · 5 authors, 4 centres
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This qualitative study interviewed 39 health stakeholders in Ghana to explore barriers to implementing the national non-communicable disease policy. The central finding is that implementation is hindered by low policy awareness, poor coordination, and inadequate funding, particularly at the sub-national level.
Researchers conducted 39 in-depth interviews with health policymakers and implementing officials in Ghana between March and June 2017. Data analysis used an inductive thematic approach. The central results indicate that effective implementation of Ghana's national non-communicable disease (NCD) policy is thwarted by several interconnected factors: poor policy awareness among sub-national implementers, poor coordination and intersectoral engagement, and inadequate funding for NCD programs. At sub-national levels, inadequate clarity and structure for translating policy into action further hamper operationalization. The implications suggest that sustainable financing, improved coordination, policy sensitization, and capacity building are needed for effective NCD policy implementation in Ghana and similar settings.
