Situational analysis of antibiotic use and resistance in Ghana: policy and regulation

Yevutsey, Saviour Kwame; Buabeng, Kwame Ohene; Aikins, Moses; Anto, Berko Panyin; Biritwum, Richard B.; Frimodt-Møller, Niels; Gyansa-Lutterodt, Martha

doi:10.1186/s12889-017-4910-7

Cited by 126Antibiotic Use and ResistanceAntibiotic Resistance in BacteriaPharmaceutical Economics and Policy

Situational analysis of antibiotic use and resistance in Ghana: policy and regulation

Open access

Yevutsey, Saviour Kwame, Buabeng, Kwame Ohene, Aikins, Moses, Anto, Berko Panyin, Biritwum, Richard B., Frimodt-Møller, Niels, Gyansa-Lutterodt, Martha·2017·BMC Public Health

DOI 10.1186/s12889-017-4910-7PMC PMC5701378

Open this paper in CoChat — free account Open PDF

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Antibiotics have played an essential role in decreasing morbidity and mortality from infectious diseases. However, indiscriminate use and unrestricted access is contributing to the emergence of bacterial resistance. This paper reports on a situational analysis of antimicrobial use and resistance in Ghana, with focus on policy and regulation. METHODS: Relevant policy documents, reports, regulations and enactments were reviewed. PubMed and Google search engines were used to extract relevant published papers. Websites of stakeholders such as Ministry of Health (MOH) and its agencies were also reviewed. An interview guide was used to elicit responses from selected officials from these sectors. RESULTS: Laws and guidelines to control the use of antimicrobials in humans were available but not for animals. There was no National Antimicrobial Policy (NAP). A health practice regulatory law mandates Physicians, Physician Assistants, Midwives and trained Nurses to prescribe antimicrobials. However, antibiotics are widely prescribed and dispensed by unauthorised persons, suggesting weak enforcement of the laws. Antibiotics were also supplied to and from unapproved medicine outlets. The Standard Treatment Guidelines (STG), Essential Medicines List (EML) and the National Health Insurance Scheme Medicines List (NHISML) provide restrictions regarding levels of prescribing of antimicrobials. However, existing guidelines on antibiotic use are mostly not adhered to. The use of Automatic Stop Orders to avoid wastage in the hospitals is also not practiced. Data on use of antibiotics for individuals are not readily available in most facilities. Again, there are no standards or guidelines on veterinary use of antibiotics. Surveillance systems for consumption of antibiotics and resistance monitoring were not in place in most health facilities. However, there is an ongoing national action to create awareness on bacteria resistance, strengthening knowledge through research and surveillance and development of NAP in line with global action plan on antimicrobial resistance. CONCLUSION: Absence of national antimicrobial policy, weak regulatory environment and non-adherence to practice standards may have contributed to increased and unregulated access to antimicrobials in Ghana, a catalyst for development and spread of antimicrobial resistance.

The claims and statistics of this paper haven’t been checked yet.

Run the check — free, no account needed. It reads the open-access text and checks the sources it cites.

Integrity signals

Registry

Crossref · 10.1186/s12889-017-4910-7

Cites

29 of 29 references verified0 citation errors · 0 not checkable

Statistics

Claims the paper makes

The claims and statistics of this paper haven’t been checked yet.

Run the check — free, no account needed. It reads the open-access text and checks the sources it cites.

Claims other papers make about this one

Each is checked against this paper’s own text: does it say what the citing paper says it does?

In many sub-Saharan African countries such as Ghana, antimicrobial agents are easily obtained over the counter, facilitating their abuse.
“In many sub-Saharan African countries such as Ghana, antimicrobial agents are easily obtained over the counter, facilitating their abuse [7,8].”
From A Systematic Review on Antimicrobial Resistance in Ghana from a One Health Perspective (2024) · cites this paper as [7]

Self-check

Percentages, sums and reported differences re-computed from the paper’s own numbers.

The self-check needs the paper’s full text.

The antibiotic resistance crisis: part 1: causes and threats.
Ventola, C. L. (2015) · PubMed Central · Cited by 4,558 · see citing works
The Relationship between Antimicrobial Resistance and Patient Outcomes: Mortality, Length of Hospital Stay, and Health Care Costs
Cosgrove, S. E. (2006) · Clinical Infectious Diseases · doi:10.1086/499406 · Cited by 1,271 · cited 1× · see citing works
“organisms compared to patient with no infection [5].”
Background
Adherence and health care costs
McGuire, M., & Iuga, A. O. (2014) · Risk Management and Healthcare Policy · doi:10.2147/rmhp.s19801 · Cited by 736 · see citing works
The 2000 Garrod lecture. Factors impacting on the problem of antibiotic resistance.
Levy, S. (2002) · Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy · doi:10.1093/jac/49.1.25 · Cited by 610 · cited 1× · see citing works
“The inappropriate use of antimicrobial drugs in animal husbandry usually results in exposing microorganisms to low concentrations of the agents over a long period of time and emergence of resistant strains that are then transmitted to humans [16, 17].”
Background
Antibiotics for the common cold and acute purulent rhinitis.
Arroll, B., & Kenealy, T. (2005) · Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews · doi:10.1002/14651858.cd000247.pub2 · Cited by 439 · cited 1× · see citing works
“In humans, inappropriate use of antibiotics for conditions such as common cold, availability of antibiotics over the counter and their sub-optimal use provide opportunity to kill susceptible bacteria and allow resistant bacteria to survive and multiply [18, 19].”
Background
Antibiotics for the common cold and acute purulent rhinitis
Kenealy, T. W., & Arroll, B. (2013) · Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews · doi:10.1002/14651858.cd000247.pub3 · Cited by 434 · see citing works
The antibiotic resistance crisis: part 2: management strategies and new agents.
Ventola, C. L. (2015) · PubMed Central · Cited by 309 · see citing works
Antimicrobial resistance in developing countries. Part II: strategies for containment
Okeke, I. N., Klugman, K. P., Bhutta, Z. A., Duse, A. G., Jenkins, P., O’Brien, T., Pablos-Méndez, A., & Laxminarayan, R. (2005) · The Lancet Infectious Diseases · doi:10.1016/s1473-3099(05)70217-6 · Cited by 290 · cited 1× · see citing works
“Emerging economies are also experiencing accelerating rates of AMR, including the spread of new multi-drug resistance strains of pathogenic microbes [3].”
Background
Antibiotic Residues - A Global Health Hazard
Nisha, A. R. (2008) · Veterinary World · doi:10.5455/vetworld.2008.375-377 · Cited by 289 · cited 1× · see citing works
“It may lead to breeding more resistant strains of bacteria that could be transmitted from animals to humans [37].”
The Economic Impact of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus in Canadian Hospitals
Kim, T., Oh, P., & Simor, A. (2001) · Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology · doi:10.1086/501871 · Cited by 247 · cited 1× · see citing works
“, found that patients infected with antimicrobial-resistant organisms have higher costs compared to patients with infections due to antimicrobial-susceptible organisms [4].”
Background
Self-medication practices with antibiotics among tertiary level students in Accra, Ghana: a cross-sectional study
Donkor, E. S., Tetteh-Quarcoo, P. B., Nartey, P., & Agyeman, I. O. (2012) · International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health · doi:10.3390/ijerph9103519 · Cited by 225 · cited 1× · see citing works
“Evidence available suggests that antibiotics are prescribed and dispensed by persons not mandated by the Regulatory Act especially in the rural areas of the country [27, 28].”
Background
Managing antibiotic resistance.
Wenzel, R. P., & Edmond, M. B. (2000) · New England Journal of Medicine · doi:10.1056/nejm200012283432610 · Cited by 214 · cited 1× · see citing works
“7 million kg of antibiotic per annum are prescribed for humans [15].”
Background
Excess Costs and Utilization Associated with Methicillin Resistance for Patients with Staphylococcus aureus Infection
Filice, G., Nyman, J., Lexau, C., Lees, C. H., Bockstedt, L., Como-Sabetti, K., Lesher, L., & Lynfield, R. (2010) · Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology · doi:10.1086/651094 · Cited by 190 · cited 1× · see citing works
“The mean cost per patient for the hospitals is estimated to range from 51,252 to 84,436 USD for Methicillin-resistance Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections compared with 30,158–59,245 USD for Methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (SSA) [7].”
Background
Resistance to antimicrobial drugs in Ghana
Donkor, E. S., & Newman, M. J. (2011) · Infection and Drug Resistance · doi:10.2147/idr.s21769 · Cited by 167 · see citing works
A retrospective audit of antibiotic prescriptions in primary health-care facilities in Eastern Region, Ghana
Ahiabu, M.-A., Tersbøl, B. P., Biritwum, R., Bygbjerg, I. C., & Magnussen, P. (2016) · Health Policy and Planning · doi:10.1093/heapol/czv048 · Cited by 85 · cited 2× · see citing works
“settings compared to the referral centres [29, 30].”
BackgroundSelf-citation
Predictors of antibiotic use in African communities: evidence from medicines household surveys in five countries
Vialle-Valentin, C. E., Lecates, R., Zhang, F., Desta, A., & Ross-Degnan, D. (2012) · Tropical medicine & international health · doi:10.1111/j.1365-3156.2011.02895.x · Cited by 65 · cited 1× · see citing works
“The ease of accessing antibiotics without prescription may contribute to misuse and hence AMR development [43, 44].”
Background
High rate of resistance to locally used antibiotics among enteric bacteria from children in Northern Ghana.
Djie-Maletz, A., Reither, K., Danour, S., Anyidoho, L., Saad, E., Danikuu, F., Ziniel, P. D., Weitzel, T., Wagner, J., Bienzle, U., et al. (2008) · Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy · doi:10.1093/jac/dkn108 · Cited by 64 · see citing works
Antibiotic Types and Handling Practices in Disease Management among Pig Farms in Ashanti Region, Ghana
Sekyere, J. O. (2014) · Journal of Veterinary Medicine A · doi:10.1155/2014/531952 · Cited by 58 · cited 1× · see citing works
“Antimicrobial residues were detected in meat and poultry products in the country [36].”
Background
Correlation between antibiotic use and resistance in a hospital: Temporary and ward-specific observations
Willemsen, I., Bogaers-Hofman, D., Winters, M., & Kluytmans, J. (2009) · Infection · doi:10.1007/s15010-009-8325-y · Cited by 56 · see citing works
Penicillin resistance and serotype distribution of Streptococcus pneumoniae in Ghanaian children less than six years of age
Dayie, N., Arhin, R., Newman, M., Dalsgaard, A., Bisgaard, M., Frimodt-Møller, N., & Slotved, H. (2013) · BMC Infectious Diseases · doi:10.1186/1471-2334-13-490 · Cited by 47 · see citing works
Self-citation
Bacteremia and Antimicrobial Drug Resistance over Time, Ghana
Groß, U., Amuzu, S. K., de Ciman, R., Kassimova, I., Gross, L. K., Rabsch, W., Rosenberg, U., Schulze, M., Stich, A., & Zimmermann, O. (2011) · Emerging Infectious Diseases · doi:10.3201/eid1710.110327 · Cited by 47 · see citing works
Bacterial meningitis in children in southern Ghana.
Commey, J. O. O., Rodrigues, O. P., Akita, F. A., & Newman, M. (1994) · PubMed · Cited by 44 · see citing works
Misinformation about medications in rural Ghana.
Wolf-Gould, C. S., Taylor, N., Horwitz, S., & Barry, M. (1991) · Social Science & Medicine (1967) · doi:10.1016/0277-9536(91)90459-p · Cited by 44 · cited 2× · see citing works
“The effect of this gap is the easy access to antibiotics as is observed in many countries in Africa, where antibiotics are readily available on demand from hospitals, community based retail pharmacies, roadside stalls, retail Licensed Over the Counter Medicine suppliers (OCMS) and hawkers [22, 23].”
Background
Controlling healthcare-associated infections: the role of infection control and antimicrobial use practices.
Jarvis, W. (2004) · Seminars in Pediatric Infectious Diseases · doi:10.1053/j.spid.2004.01.001 · Cited by 41 · cited 1× · see citing works
“Resistance though a natural phenomenon of microbes, has seen an increase in prevalence and spread over the years largely due to inappropriate use of antibiotics both in health facilities and the community [1, 2].”
Background
Bacteremia and Antimicrobial Drug Resistance over Time, Ghana
Groß, U., Amuzu, S. K., de Ciman, R., Kassimova, I., Groß, L., Rabsch, W., Rosenberg, U., Schulze, M. H., Stich, A., & Zimmermann, O. (2011) · Emerging infectious diseases · doi:10.3201/edi1710.110327 · Cited by 41 · see citing works
A Study of Antibiotic Use and Abuse in Ghana: a case study of the Cape Coast Metropolis
Tagoe, D., & Attah, C. (2009) · The Internet Journal of Health · doi:10.5580/bec · Cited by 40 · cited 1× · see citing works
“Evidence available suggests that antibiotics are prescribed and dispensed by persons not mandated by the Regulatory Act especially in the rural areas of the country [27, 28].”
Background
Non-adherence to standard treatment guidelines in a rural paediatric hospital in Sierra Leone.
Bruycker, M. D., den Bergh, R. V., Dahmane, A., Khogali, M., Schiavetti, B., Nzomukunda, Y., Alders, P., Allaouna, M., Cloquet, C., Enarson, D., et al. (2013) · Public Health Action · doi:10.5588/pha.12.0060 · Cited by 22 · cited 1× · see citing works
“This may have negative treatment outcomes and high health care cost to the patients and to the state [38, 39].”
Background
Multiple-resistant Salmonella group G outbreak in a neonatal intensive care unit.
Mj, N. (1996) · PubMed · Cited by 20 · see citing works
Gonorrhea surveillance in Ghana, Africa.
Duplessis, C., Puplampu, N., Nyarko, E., Carroll, J., Dela, H., Mensah, A., Amponsah, A., & Sanchez, J. L. (2015) · Military Medicine · doi:10.7205/milmed-d-13-00418 · Cited by 16 · see citing works

Flagged first, then by citations

15 of the 44 references couldn’t be matched to a known paper.

Research works printed but not linked: 2

[20]Ministry of Health Ghana national drug policy 2004 Accra Yamens Press. Ltd Accra
[45]Newman MJ Frimpong E Donkor ES Opintan JA Asamoah-Adu A Resistance to antimicrobial drugs in Ghana Infect Drug Resist 2011 4 215 220 22259250 PMC3259688

Sorted by citations

An Overview of the Recent Advances in Antimicrobial Resistance
Oliveira, M. T. D. S., Antunes, W., MOTA, S. R. F., Madureira-Carvalho, Á., Dinis‐Oliveira, R. J., & da Silva, D. D. (2024) · Microorganisms · doi:10.3390/microorganisms12091920 · Cited by 295 · see citing works
“In countries such as India [377], Nepal [378], Thailand [379], Ghana [380], and Zambia [380], OTC sales remain as a common practice, with amoxicillin, azithromycin, and ciprofloxacin commonly sold for respiratory issues and diarrhea [381,382].”
Ongoing strategies to improve the management of upper respiratory tract infections and reduce inappropriate antibiotic use particularly among lower and middle-income countries: findings and implications for the future
Godman, B., Haque, M., McKimm, J., Abu Bakar, M., Sneddon, J., Wale, J., Campbell, S., Martin, A. P., Hoxha, I., Abilova, V., et al. (2020) · Current Medical Research and Opinion · doi:10.1080/03007995.2019.1700947 · Cited by 171 · see citing works
Global Strategies to Combat Antimicrobial Resistance: A One Health Perspective
Mudenda, S., Chabalenge, B., Daka, V., Mfune, R. L., Salachi, K. I., Mohamed, S., Mufwambi, W., Kasanga, M., & Matafwali, S. K. (2023) · Pharmacology &amp Pharmacy · doi:10.4236/pp.2023.148020 · Cited by 116 · see citing works
Antimicrobial point prevalence surveys in two Ghanaian hospitals: opportunities for antimicrobial stewardship
Afriyie, D. K., Sefah, I. A., Sneddon, J., Malcolm, W., McKinney, R., Cooper, L., Kurdi, A. B., Godman, B., & Seaton, R. A. (2020) · JAC-Antimicrobial Resistance · doi:10.1093/jacamr/dlaa001 · Cited by 89 · see citing works
Knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding antimicrobial use and resistance among communities of Ilala, Kilosa and Kibaha districts of Tanzania
Sindato, C., Mboera, L. E. G., Katale, B. Z., Frumence, G., Kimera, S. I., Clark, T. G., Legido‐Quigley, H., Mshana, S. E., Rweyemamu, M. M., & Matee, M. I. (2020) · Antimicrobial Resistance and Infection Control · doi:10.1186/s13756-020-00862-y · Cited by 94 · see citing works
Point prevalence surveys of antimicrobial use: a systematic review and the implications
Saleem, Z., Hassali, M. A., Godman, B., Versporten, A., Hashmi, F. K., Saeed, H., Saleem, F., Salman, M., Rehman, I. U., & Khan, T. M. (2020) · Expert Review of Anti-infective Therapy · doi:10.1080/14787210.2020.1767593 · Cited by 84 · see citing works
“a lack of culture and sensitivity analysis facilities and available STGs [17,19,98,100,104-106].”
Background
Extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae in local and imported poultry meat in Ghana.
Eibach, D., Dekker, D., Boahen, K. G., Akenten, C. W., Sarpong, N., Campos, C. E. B., Berneking, L., Aepfelbacher, M., Krumkamp, R., Owusu-Dabo, E., et al. (2018) · Veterinary Microbiology · doi:10.1016/j.vetmic.2018.02.023 · Cited by 76 · see citing works
Determinants of Inappropriate Antibiotics Use in Rural Central Ghana Using a Mixed Methods Approach
Afari-Asiedu, S., Oppong, F. B., Tostmann, A., Abdulai, M. A., Boamah-Kaali, E., Gyaase, S., Agyei, O., Kinsman, J., Hulscher, M., Wertheim, H., et al. (2020) · Frontiers in Public Health · doi:10.3389/fpubh.2020.00090 · Cited by 68 · see citing works
To sell or not to sell; the differences between regulatory and community demands regarding access to antibiotics in rural Ghana
Afari-Asiedu, S., Kinsman, J., Boamah-Kaali, E. A., Abdulai, M. A., Gyapong, M., Sankoh, O. A., Hulscher, M., Asante, K. P., & Wertheim, H. F. L. (2018) · Journal of Pharmaceutical Policy and Practice · doi:10.1186/s40545-018-0158-6 · Cited by 77 · see citing works
“In line with these regulations, pharmacies are allowed to dispense Amoxicillin, Flucloxacillin, Norfloxacin + Tinidazole, Ciprofloxacin, Doxycycline, Tetracycline, Erythromycin and Ampicillin based on the recommendation of a practicing pharmacist [8, 12].”
Background
The Governance and Implementation of the National Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance in Tanzania: A Qualitative Study
Frumence, G., Mboera, L., Sindato, C., Katale, B. Z., Kimera, S., Metta, E., Durrance-Bagale, A., Jung, A.-S., Mshana, S., Clark, T., et al. (2021) · Antibiotics · doi:10.3390/antibiotics10030273 · Cited by 61 · see citing works
“Similarly, Ghana has a national policy on IPC [39], however, the uptake by both tertiary and secondary levels of healthcare facilities is not optimal [40,41] and in most cases, compliance with hand hygiene recommendations before and after patient contact has been reported to be low [42].”
Background
Status and implications of the knowledge, attitudes and practices towards AWaRe antibiotic use, resistance and stewardship among low- and middle-income countries
Saleem, Z., Moore, C. E., Kalungia, A. C., Schellack, N., Ogunleye, O. O., Chigome, A., Chowdhury, K., Kitutu, F. E., Massele, A. Y., Ramdas, N., et al. (2025) · JAC-Antimicrobial Resistance · doi:10.1093/jacamr/dlaf033 · Cited by 48 · see citing works
Antibiotic use in surgical units of selected hospitals in Ghana: a multi-centre point prevalence survey
Bediako-Bowan, A., Owusu, E., Labi, A., Obeng-Nkrumah, N., Sunkwa-Mills, G., Bjerrum, S., Opintan, J., Bannerman, C., Mølbak, K., Kurtzhals, J., et al. (2019) · BMC Public Health · doi:10.1186/s12889-019-7162-x · Cited by 53
A Systematic Review on Antimicrobial Resistance in Ghana from a One Health Perspective
Donkor, E. S., Odoom, A., Osman, A.-H., Darkwah, S., & Kotey, F. C. N. (2024) · Antibiotics · doi:10.3390/antibiotics13070662 · Cited by 52 · see citing works
“In many sub-Saharan African countries such as Ghana, antimicrobial agents are easily obtained over the counter, facilitating their abuse [7,8].”
Background
Antimicrobial Usage in Commercial and Domestic Poultry Farming in Two Communities in the Ashanti Region of Ghana
Paintsil, E. K., Ofori, L. A., Akenten, C. W., Fosu, D., Ofori, S., Lamshöft, M., May, J., Danso, K. O., Krumkamp, R., & Dekker, D. M. (2021) · Antibiotics · doi:10.3390/antibiotics10070800 · Cited by 56 · see citing works
“Over the years, high numbers of antimicrobialresistant bacteria have been isolated from patient samples of rural, urban and semi-urban health facilities in Ghana [10,11] as well as from locally produced and imported poultry [12].”
Background
Glycyrrhizic Acid against Mycoplasma gallisepticum-Induced Inflammation and Apoptosis Through Suppressing the MAPK Pathway in Chickens.
Wang, Y., Wang, L., Luo, R., Sun, Y.-F., Zou, M., Wang, T., Guo, Q., & Peng, X.-L. (2022) · Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry · doi:10.1021/acs.jafc.1c07848 · Cited by 45
Current access, availability and use of antibiotics in primary care among key low- and middle-income countries and the policy implications
Saleem, Z., Mekonnen, B. A., Orubu, E. S. F., Islam, M. A., Phuong, T. N. T., Ubaka, C. M., Buma, D. C., Do, N. T. T., Sant, Y., Sono, T. M., et al. (2025) · Expert Review of Anti-infective Therapy · doi:10.1080/14787210.2025.2477198 · Cited by 38 · see citing works
Knowledge, Awareness and Practice with Antimicrobial Stewardship Programmes among Healthcare Providers in a Ghanaian Tertiary Hospital
Kpokiri, E., Ladva, M., Dodoo, C. C., Orman, E., Aku, T. A., Mensah, A., Jato, J., Mfoafo, K., Folitse, I., Hutton-Nyameaye, A., et al. (2021) · medRxiv · doi:10.3390/antibiotics11010006 · Cited by 40 · see citing works
“This is consistent with other findings reported in Ghana [3,20,21].”
BackgroundResult
Gaps in the implementation of national core elements for sustainable antimicrobial use in the WHO-African region
Fuller, W., Aboderin, A., Yahaya, A., Adeyemo, A., Gahimbare, L., Kapona, O., Hamzat, O. T., & Bassoum, O. (2022) · Frontiers in Antibiotics · doi:10.3389/frabi.2022.1047565 · Cited by 38 · see citing works
“Frontiers in Antibiotics 09 antimicrobials in humans, but the enforcement of these laws is weak, leading to the supply of antibiotics to and from unauthorized outlets (Yevutsey et al., 2017).”
Background
Antimicrobial use in hospitalized patients: a multicentre point prevalence survey across seven hospitals in Ghana
Labi, A., Obeng-Nkrumah, N., Dayie, N., Egyir, B., Sampane-Donkor, E., Newman, M., & Opintan, J. (2021) · JAC-Antimicrobial Resistance · doi:10.1093/jacamr/dlab087 · Cited by 35
Antimicrobial Resistance of Escherichia coli from Broilers, Pigs, and Cattle in the Greater Kumasi Metropolis, Ghana
Larbi, R. O., Ofori, L., Sylverken, A., Ayim-Akonor, M., & Obiri-Danso, K. (2021) · International Journal of Microbiology · doi:10.1155/2021/5158185 · Cited by 35 · see citing works
Factors influencing the inappropriate use of antibiotics in the Rupandehi district of Nepal.
Nepal, A., Hendrie, D., Selvey, L., & Robinson, S. (2020) · International Journal of Health Planning and Management · doi:10.1002/hpm.3061 · Cited by 35 · see citing works
Antibiotics utilization and farmers’ knowledge of its effects on soil ecosystem in the coastal drylands of Ghana
Phares, C. A., Danquah, A., Atiah, K., Agyei, F. K., & Michael, O. (2020) · PLoS ONE · doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0228777 · Cited by 35
Knowledge, Attitudes, and Perceptions Associated With Antimicrobial Stewardship Among Veterinary Students: A Multi-Country Survey From Nigeria, South Africa, and Sudan
Fasina, F., LeRoux-Pullen, L., Smith, P., Debusho, L. K., Shittu, A., Jajere, S., Adebowale, O., Odetokun, I. A., Agbaje, M., Fasina, M., et al. (2020) · Frontiers in Public Health · doi:10.3389/fpubh.2020.517964 · Cited by 34 · see citing works
Diarrhea-Causing Bacteria and Their Antibiotic Resistance Patterns Among Diarrhea Patients From Ghana
Afum, T., Asandem, D. A., Asare, P., Asante-Poku, A., Mensah, G. I., Musah, A. B., Opare, D., Taniguchi, K., Guinko, N. M., Aphour, T., et al. (2022) · Frontiers in Microbiology · doi:10.3389/fmicb.2022.894319 · Cited by 32 · see citing works
Antibiotics stewardship in Ghana: a cross-sectional study of public knowledge, attitudes, and practices among communities
Jimah, T., Fenny, A. P., & Ogunseitan, O. A. (2020) · One Health Outlook · doi:10.1186/s42522-020-00021-8 · Cited by 30 · see citing works
Fighting Antimicrobial Resistance: Development and Implementation of the Ghanaian National Action Plan (2017–2021)
Hein, W., Aglanu, L. M., Mensah-Sekyere, M., Harant, A., Brinkel, J., Lamshöft, M., Lorenz, E., Eibach, D., & Amuasi, J. (2022) · Antibiotics · doi:10.3390/antibiotics11050613 · Cited by 32 · see citing works
“, lack of surveillance, corruption), that some regulations might be contradictory [6] and that counterfeit and substandard medicines frequently enter the supply chain in many countries.”
BackgroundInfluential
Antibiotics non-adherence and its associated factors among households in southern Ethiopia
Hareru, H. E., Sisay, D., Kassaw, C., & Kassa, R. (2022) · SAGE Open Medicine · doi:10.1177/20503121221090472 · Cited by 38 · see citing works
Strengthening strategic management approaches to address antimicrobial resistance in global human health: a scoping review
Ahmad, R., Zhu, N., Leather, A. J. M., Holmes, A. H., & Ferlie, E. B. (2019) · BMJ Global Health · doi:10.1136/bmjgh-2019-001730 · Cited by 29 · see citing works
The impact of antimicrobial resistance awareness interventions involving schoolchildren, development of an animation and parents engagements: a pilot study
Appiah, B., Asamoah-Akuoko, L., Samman, E., Koduah, A., Kretchy, I. A., Ludu, J. Y., Odonkor, G., Nam, S. H., & Gyansa-Luterrodt, M. (2022) · Antimicrobial Resistance & Infection Control · doi:10.1186/s13756-022-01062-6 · Cited by 29 · see citing works
Evaluation of Healthcare Students’ Knowledge on Antibiotic Use, Antimicrobial Resistance and Antimicrobial Stewardship Programs and Associated Factors in a Tertiary University in Ghana: Findings and Implications
Sefah, I. A., Akwaboah, E., Sarkodie, E., Godman, B., & Meyer, J. C. (2022) · Antibiotics · doi:10.3390/antibiotics11121679 · Cited by 32 · see citing works
Development and Implementation of an Antimicrobial Stewardship Checklist in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Co-Creation Consensus Approach
Ashiru-Oredope, D., Garraghan, F., Olaoye, O., Krockow, E., Matuluko, A., Nambatya, W., Babigumira, P. A., Tuck, C., Amofah, G., Ankrah, D., et al. (2022) · Healthcare · doi:10.3390/healthcare10091706 · Cited by 28
Self-citation
Carriage of ESBL-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae and Escherichia coli among children in rural Ghana: a cross-sectional study
Akenten, C. W., Khan, N., Mbwana, J., Krumkamp, R., Fosu, D., Paintsil, E., Boahen, K., Osei-Mensa, J., Maiga-Ascofaré, O., May, J., et al. (2023) · Antimicrobial Resistance and Infection Control · doi:10.1186/s13756-023-01263-7 · Cited by 27 · see citing works
“This high rate of MDR could be a result of the extensive use of antibiotics in human medicine [39], in veterinary medicine [40] as well as other factors such as HGT and mobile genetic elements.”
Background
High Resistance to Antibiotics Recommended in Standard Treatment Guidelines in Ghana: A Cross-Sectional Study of Antimicrobial Resistance Patterns in Patients with Urinary Tract Infections between 2017–2021
Asamoah, B., Labi, A.-K., Gupte, H., Davtyan, H., Peprah, G. M., Adu-Gyan, F., Nair, D., Muradyan, K., Jessani, N., & Sekyere-Nyantakyi, P. (2022) · International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health · doi:10.3390/ijerph192416556 · Cited by 29 · see citing works
“AMR is a recognized threat in Ghana, and there is a national policy and action plan based on the global action plan on AMR [15].”
Background
Antibiotic‐Resistant Bacteria and Resistance Genes in Isolates from Ghanaian Drinking Water Sources
Odonkor, S. T., Simpson, S. V., Morales Medina, W. R., & Fahrenfeld, N. L. (2022) · Journal of Environmental and Public Health · doi:10.1155/2022/2850165 · Cited by 27 · see citing works
“Antibiotics are widely used in agriculture, particular for livestock rearing [79].”
Background
Prevalence of Pharmaceuticals in Surface Water Samples in Ghana
Azanu, D., Adu-Poku, D., Saah, S. A., & Appaw, W. (2021) · Journal of chemistry · doi:10.1155/2021/7829477 · Cited by 27 · see citing works
National Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance: stakeholder analysis of implementation in Ghana
Jimah, T., & Ogunseitan, O. (2020) · Journal of global health reports · doi:10.29392/001c.13695 · Cited by 25 · see citing works
High Levels of Outpatient Antibiotic Prescription at a District Hospital in Ghana: Results of a Cross Sectional Study
Amponsah, O., Nagaraja, S., Ayisi-Boateng, N., Nair, D., Muradyan, K., Asense, P. S. K., Wusu-Ansah, O. K., Terry, R., Khogali, M., & Buabeng, K. (2022) · International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health · doi:10.3390/ijerph191610286 · Cited by 24 · see citing works
“Over-the-counter antibiotics are also available and accessible even without prescriptions [33].”
BackgroundSelf-citation
Antimicrobial resistance national level dialogue and action in Ghana: setting and sustaining the agenda and outcomes
Koduah, A., Gyansa-Lutterodt, M., Hedidor, G. K., Sekyi-Brown, R., Asiedu-Danso, M., Asare, B. A., Ackon, A. A., & Annan, E. A. (2021) · One Health Outlook · doi:10.1186/s42522-021-00051-w · Cited by 24 · see citing works
Self-citation
Practices and challenges related to antibiotic use in paediatric treatment in hospitals and health centres in Niger and Uganda: a mixed methods study
Mambula, G., Nanjebe, D., Munene, A., Guindo, O., Salifou, A., Mamaty, A.-A., Rattigan, S., Ellis, S., Khavessian, N., van der Pluijm, R. W., et al. (2023) · Antimicrobial Resistance and Infection Control · doi:10.1186/s13756-023-01271-7 · Cited by 22 · see citing works
“This too can create opportunities for antimicrobial resistance and can have a negative effect on treatment outcomes and overall health care costs [27].”
Background
Assessing the impact of antimicrobial stewardship implementation at a district hospital in Ghana using a health partnership model
Amponsah, O., Courtenay, A., Ayisi-Boateng, N., Abuelhana, A., Opoku, D. A., Blay, L. K., Abruquah, N. A., Osafo, A. B., Danquah, C. B., Tawiah, P., et al. (2023) · JAC-Antimicrobial Resistance · doi:10.1093/jacamr/dlad084 · Cited by 21 · see citing works
Self-citation
Catheter-Related Bloodstream Infections among patients on maintenance haemodialysis: a cross-sectional study at a tertiary hospital in Ghana
Opoku-Asare, B., Boima, V., Ganu, V., Aboagye, E., Asafu-Adjaye, O., Asare, A. A., Kyeremateng, I., Kwakyi, E., Agyei, A., Sampane-Donkor, E., et al. (2023) · BMC Infectious Diseases · doi:10.1186/s12879-023-08581-6 · Cited by 20
“This higher culture positivity rate could be as a result of well enforced restrictions on use of antibiotics in their populations and also the ability to culture fastidious organisms in most of these centres [40] which is lacking in developing countries such as Ghana [41].”
Background
Thiazolidinedione and thiazole derivatives potentiate norfloxacin activity against NorA efflux pump over expression in Staphylococcus aureus 1199B strains
Pereira, P. S., de Lima, M. D. C. A., Neto, P. P. M., Oliveira–Tintino, C. D. D. M., Tintino, S. R., de Menezes, I. R. A., de Oliveira, J. F., Marchand, P., Coutinho, H. D. M., Rodrigues, M. D. D., et al. (2019) · Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry · doi:10.1016/j.bmc.2019.07.006 · Cited by 22 · see citing works
Leveraging donor support to develop a national antimicrobial resistance policy and action plan: Ghana’s success story
Opintan, J. (2018) · African Journal of Laboratory Medicine · doi:10.4102/ajlm.v7i2.825 · Cited by 19 · see citing works
Prevalence, Characterization, and Antimicrobial Resistance of Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamase-Producing Escherichia coli from Domestic Free-Range Poultry in Agogo, Ghana
Akenten, C. W., Ofori, L., Khan, N., Mbwana, J., Sarpong, N., May, J., Thye, T., Obiri-Danso, K., Paintsil, E., Fosu, D., et al. (2023) · Foodborne pathogens and disease · doi:10.1089/fpd.2022.0060 · Cited by 17 · see citing works
“Fluoroquinolones, such as ciproﬂoxacin, are important drugs in Ghana for the treatment of infections in humans (D’Arcy et al, 2021; Yevutsey et al, 2017).”
Isolation and Evaluation of the Antioxidant Capacity of Compounds from Ehretia asperula Zoll. & Moritzi
Duc, C. K. T., Trần, L., Nguyen, T. Q. C., Pham, N. Q., Trang, D. T. X., Luu, D., & Nguyen, T. T. (2024) · Indonesian Journal of Chemistry · doi:10.22146/ijc.94762 · Cited by 15
“Natural compounds are crucial in the development of novel active pharmaceuticals because they have antioxidant activity and few side effects [2-3].”
Background
Multi-drug resistant bacteria isolates from lymphatic filariasis patients in the Ahanta West District, Ghana
Aglomasa, B. C., Adu-Asiamah, C. K., Asiedu, S. O., Kini, P., Amewu, E. K. A., Boahen, K. G., Wireko, S., Amponsah, I. K., Boakye, Y. D., Boamah, V. E., et al. (2022) · BMC Microbiology · doi:10.1186/s12866-022-02624-9 · Cited by 17 · see citing works
“4 Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, College of Science, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana.”
ResultInfluential
White Paper: Bridging the gap between surveillance data and antimicrobial stewardship in long-term care facilities—practical guidance from the JPIAMR ARCH and COMBACTE-MAGNET EPI-Net networks
Sibani, M., Mazzaferri, F., Carrara, E., Pezzani, M., Arieti, F., Göpel, S., Paul, M., Tacconelli, E., Mutters, N., & Voss, A. (2020) · Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy · doi:10.1093/jac/dkaa427 · Cited by 14
Antibiotic prescription for under-fives with common cold or upper respiratory tract infection in Savannakhet Province, Lao PDR
Keohavong, B., Vonglokham, M., Phoummalaysith, B., Louangpradith, V., Inthaphatha, S., Kariya, T., Saw, Y. M., Yamamoto, E., & Hamajima, N. (2019) · Tropical Medicine and Health · doi:10.1186/s41182-019-0143-z · Cited by 14 · see citing works
Assessing antibiotic dispensing without prescription through simulated client methodology in developing countries: A comprehensive literature review from 2009 to 2021
Ahmad, T., Khan, S., Mallhi, T., Mannan, A., Rahman, A. U., Salman, M., Saleem, Z., Khan, H., Khan, Z., Karataş, Y., et al. (2023) · Journal of public health · doi:10.1007/s10389-023-02032-x · Cited by 13 · see citing works
“Antibiotics are the only efficacious tools available to fight morbidity and mortality resulting from infectious diseases (Yevutsey et al. 2017).”
Resistance Status of Bacteria from a Health Facility in Ghana: A Retrospective Study
Inusah, A., Quansah, E., Fosu, K., & Dadzie, I. (2021) · Journal of Pathogens · doi:10.1155/2021/6648247 · Cited by 13 · see citing works
“high (>40%) resistance to the generally inexpensive broadspectrum antibiotics: tetracycline, cotrimoxazole, cefuroxime, and chloramphenicol; this observation concurs with findings from a number of previous studies in Ghana [5, 25, 26].”
Result
A cross-sectional study on the prevalence of antibiotic use prior to laboratory tests at two Ghanaian hospitals
Donkor, G., Dontoh, E., & Owusu-Ofori, A. (2019) · PLoS ONE · doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0210716 · Cited by 13 · see citing works
Health system interventions and responses to anti-microbial resistance: A scoping review of evidence from 15 African countries
Alhassan, J., & Abdallah, C. K. (2024) · PLOS Global Public Health · doi:10.1371/journal.pgph.0003688 · Cited by 12
Perceived antimicrobial dispensing practices in medicine outlets in Ghana: A maximum difference experiment design
Nyarko, E. N. Y., Akoto, F. M., & Doku-Amponsah, K. (2023) · PLoS ONE · doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0288519 · Cited by 12 · see citing works
“This would allow for the evidence-based selection of antimicrobials for treating infectious diseases [37] and contribute significantly to the fight against antimicrobial resistance [7].”
BackgroundResult
Antibiotic Use in a Municipal Veterinary Clinic in Ghana
Adeapena, W., Afari-Asiedu, S., Najjemba, R., van Griensven, J., Delamou, A., Buabeng, K. O., & Poku-Asante, K. (2021) · Tropical Medicine and Infectious Disease · doi:10.3390/tropicalmed6030138 · Cited by 12 · see citing works
“There are no guidelines for the prescription of antibiotics in animal health [12,13].”
BackgroundSelf-citation
White Paper: Bridging the gap between surveillance data and antimicrobial stewardship in the animal sector—practical guidance from the JPIAMR ARCH and COMBACTE-MAGNET EPI-Net networks
Compri, M., Mader, R., Mazzolini, E., Angelis, G. D., Mutters, N. T., Rajendran, N. B., Galia, L., Tacconelli, E., & Schrijver, R. (2020) · Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy · doi:10.1093/jac/dkaa429 · Cited by 12
Antimicrobial Stewardship: Knowledge and Attitudes of Pharmacy Staff on Antibiotic Dispensing Patterns, Use and Resistance in Benin
Allabi, A. C., Agbo, A. G., Boya, B., & Mudenda, S. (2023) · Pharmacology &amp Pharmacy · doi:10.4236/pp.2023.146014 · Cited by 14 · see citing works
Antimicrobial resistance of clinical bacterial isolates according to the WHO’s AWaRe and the ECDC-MDR classifications: the pattern in Ghana’s Bono East Region
Walana, W., Vicar, E. K., Kuugbee, E. D., Sakida, F., Yabasin, I. B., Faakuu, E., Amfoabegyi, S., & Ziem, J. B. (2023) · Frontiers in Antibiotics · doi:10.3389/frabi.2023.1291046 · Cited by 8 · see citing works
Green-Engineered PEI/PVA-Functionalized Silk Fibroin Nanoparticles for Heat-Stable Delivery of Clitoria ternatea L. Anthocyanins: Formulation, Characterization, and Sustainability Assessment
Trương, G., Duc, C. K. T., Ha, P. T. M., Hone, N., Duong, T. N. T., Nguyen, N.-Y., Luong, H., Trần, Q. T. B., Nguyen, M. Q., & Phạm, D. T. (2025) · ACS Omega · doi:10.1021/acsomega.5c03790 · Cited by 9
Clinical characteristics of external bacterial ocular and periocular infections and their antimicrobial treatment patterns among a Ghanaian ophthalmic population
Duah, I. O., Tchiakpe, M. P., Borquaye, L. S., Amoah, K., Amankwah, F., Kumah, D. B., Ofori, L., Danso-Appiah, A., Prempeh, B. O., Gbedema, S., et al. (2022) · Scientific Reports · doi:10.1038/s41598-022-14461-x · Cited by 9
Antimicrobial stewardship capacity and infection prevention and control assessment of three health facilities in the Ashanti Region of Ghana
Amponsah, O., Owusu-Ofori, A., Ayisi-Boateng, N., Attakorah, J., Opare-Addo, M., & Buabeng, K. (2022) · JAC-Antimicrobial Resistance · doi:10.1093/jacamr/dlac034 · Cited by 9
Self-citation
Antibiotics governance in aquaculture: knowledge, practices, and challenges among stakeholders on the Volta Lake in Ghana
Dandi, S. O., Evensen, Ø., Addo, S., Abarike, E. D., Abobi, S. M., Doke, D. A., Lyche, J. L., Mutoloki, S., Obiakara-Amaechi, A. I., Cudjoe, K. S., et al. (2025) · One Health Outlook · doi:10.1186/s42522-025-00141-z · Cited by 9 · see citing works
“Never-theless, unreported, unregulated, and illegal antibiotic usage is increasing alongside the rapid growth of the food-producing industry, including aquaculture [49, 54].”
Exploring knowledge, perceptions, and practices of antimicrobials, and their resistance among medicine dispensers and community members in Kavrepalanchok District of Nepal
Marasini, S., Sharma, S., Joshi, A., Kunwar, S., Mahato, R., Shrestha, A., & Karmacharya, B. (2024) · PLoS ONE · doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0297282 · Cited by 8 · see citing works
Use and Quality of Blood Cultures for the Diagnosis of Bloodstream Infections: A Cross-Sectional Study in the Ho Teaching Hospital, Ghana, 2019–2021
Boakye-Yiadom, E., Najjemba, R., Thekkur, P., Labi, A., Gil-Cuesta, J., Asafo-Adjei, K., Mensah, P., van Boetzelaer, E., Jessani, N. S., & Orish, V. (2023) · International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health · doi:10.3390/ijerph20176631 · Cited by 8 · see citing works
“This problem is also compounded by the fact that being a tertiary facility, some of these patients would have received prior antimicrobial therapy either from their referring facilities or from self-administration as commonly practised in the community [57,58].”
Background
A Point Prevalence Survey of antibiotics use patterns at Tanga Regional Referral Hospital in Tanzania
Mutatina, A. W., Lomnyak, E. M., Bizimana, T., Francis, E., Msasi, D., Nuhu, Z., Magembe, E., & Sangeda, R. (2025) · Antimicrobial Stewardship and Healthcare Epidemiology · doi:10.1017/ash.2025.10199 · Cited by 7
“31,32 Several barriers may contribute to the underutilization of microbiology services, including clinicians not requesting tests, high costs, stockouts of reagents, incomplete patient records, and a lack of skilled personnel.”
Multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacterial colonization in patients, carriage by healthcare workers and contamination of hospital environments in Ghana
Yeboah, E. E. A., Agyepong, N., Mbanga, J., Amoako, D. G., Abia, A. L. K., Owusu-Ofori, A. K., & Essack, S. Y. (2023) · Journal of Infection and Public Health · doi:10.1016/j.jiph.2023.10.045 · Cited by 9 · see citing works
“This may be an underestimation, especially in Ghana, where people can access unprescribed antibiotics through unauthorized outlets and may not be familiar with the names of antibiotics especially in rural areas (Afari-Asiedu et al., 2020; Yevutsey et al., 2017).”
Background
Bacteria and Their Antibiotic Resistance Profiles in Ambient Air in Accra, Ghana, February 2020: A Cross-Sectional Study
Azaglo, G. S., Khogali, M., Hann, K., Pwamang, J., Appoh, E., Appah-Sampong, E., Agyarkwa, M. A.-K., Fiati, C., Kudjawu, J., Hedidor, G., et al. (2021) · Tropical Medicine and Infectious Disease · doi:10.3390/tropicalmed6030110 · Cited by 7 · see citing works
“Ghana has good policy and regulatory systems to assess antibiotic use and resistance in the country [30], and regular data and information from ambient air samples can add to the evidence base.”
Background
Recovery of clinically relevant multidrug‐resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae lineages from wastewater in Kumasi Metropolis, Ghana
Ekhosuehi, A., Ikhimiukor, O. O., Essandoh, H. M. K., Asiedu, N. Y., Aighewi, I. T., Sunmonu, G. T., Odih, E. E., Oaikhena, A. O., Cyril‐Okoh, D., Yeboah, C., et al. (2024) · Environmental Microbiology Reports · doi:10.1111/1758-2229.70018 · Cited by 7 · see citing works
Antimicrobial susceptibility profile of oral and rectal microbiota of non‐human primate species in Ghana: A threat to human health
Adade, E., Tawiah, P., Roos, C., Chuma, I., Lubinza, C., Mfinanga, S., Knauf, S., & Sylverken, A. (2023) · Veterinary Medicine and Science · doi:10.1002/vms3.1271 · Cited by 6 · see citing works
“The resistance to Penicillin antibiotics may be due to the inappropriate use of these broad-spectrum antibiotics in humans and in animal husbandry leading to the selection for resistant bacteria (Yevutsey et al., 2017).”
Background
Assessment of the quality of antimicrobial prescribing among hospitalized patients in a teaching hospital in Ghana: findings and implications
Sefah, I. A., Nyamadi, D. M., Kurdi, A. B., Bugri, A. A., Kerr, F., Yamoah, P., Pichierri, G., & Godman, B. (2023) · Hospital Practice · doi:10.1080/21548331.2023.2241344 · Cited by 7 · see citing works
“Ghana is no exception with the introduction and monitoring of its NAP [15–17].”
Background
Protected but not from Contamination: Antimicrobial Resistance Profiles of Bacteria from Birds in a Ghanaian Forest Protected Area
Modupe, S. L., Yaa, N.-B., Henaku, O. E., Ohya, K., Suzuki, M., Opare, O. J., & Baboreka, K. B. (2021) · Environmental Health Insights · doi:10.1177/11786302211017687 · Cited by 6 · see citing works
Antibiotic resistant bacteria in raw cow milk and milk products retailed in the northern region of Ghana; a food safety challenge
Vicar, E. K., Feglo, P., Acquah, S., Williams, W., Saba, C., & Mensah, G. (2021) · doi:10.18502/jfsh.v5i4.5701 · Cited by 6
“The lack of regulation and testing can also contribute to the overall resistance of microorganism (25).”
Background
Antibiotic susceptibility of uropathogens: a 3-year retrospective study at Ho Teaching Hospital of Ghana
Deku, J. G., Aninagyei, E., Kpodo, C. E., Bedzina, I., Kinanyok, S., Asafo-Adjei, K., Mensah, P., Duneeh, R. V., Sewornu, R., & Duedu, K. O. (2024) · Discover Medicine · doi:10.1007/s44337-024-00073-z · Cited by 5 · see citing works
“%) resistance to the generally affordable antibiotics such as tetracycline, cotrimoxazole, cefuroxime, and chloramphenicol, and this observation is consistent with results from previous studies in Ghana [13, 19].”
Substantial Intestinal Microbiota Differences Between Patients With Ulcerative Colitis From Ghana and Denmark
Mirsepasi-Lauridsen, H., Vranckx, K., Nielsen, H. V., Andersen, L., Archampong, T., Krogfelt, K., & Petersen, A. (2022) · Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology · doi:10.3389/fcimb.2022.832500 · Cited by 5 · see citing works
“coli among the Ghana UC patient groups in comparison with the healthy control group might be explained by the increased use of antibiotics, as antibiotics are widely used, especially when patients suffer from intestinal disorders/diseases such as IBD (Yevutsey et al., 2017).”
Background
Analysis of knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to antibiotics and antimicrobial resistance awareness among community members in Ghana and Burkina Faso
Gibernau, E. C. I., Aglanu, L. M., Zakane, A., Dekker, D., Jahn, A., Sié, A., Amuasi, J., & Souares, A. (2025) · Antimicrobial Resistance and Infection Control · doi:10.1186/s13756-025-01594-7 · Cited by 4 · see citing works
“As the poor level of AMR awareness among the general population has been well documented by other studies [43–45], this highlights the need of an intervention to sensitize people about this matter [44, 45].”
Evaluation of Antimicrobial Activity of Aloe vera Gel Extract on Hospital‐Acquired Methicillin‐Resistant Staphylococcus aureus
Gyamerah, J., Kumi, J., Nyarko, E. N. Y., Ampofo, J., Hamidu, S., Ampem-Danso, E., Adjei, V. Y., & Owusu, F. (2025) · BioMed Research International · doi:10.1155/bmri/8787650 · Cited by 4 · see citing works
“Antimicrobial resistance is a serious public health concern in Ghana, because it is complicated to treat infections caused by resistant bacterial strains, which could quickly spread across the population to endemic and epidemic levels [16].”
Antimicrobial use of patients with sexually transmitted infection symptoms prior to presentation at five health facilities in Southern Ghana
Attram, N., Dela, H., Behene, E., Kyei, N., Ocansey, K., Yanney, J. N., Nyarko, E., Addo, K., Koram, K., Fox, A., et al. (2023) · Antimicrobial Resistance and Infection Control · doi:10.1186/s13756-023-01351-8 · Cited by 4 · see citing works
“Identification of pharmacists as the primary source for obtaining antimicrobials for symptomatic treatment of urethritis or cervicitis aligns with previous research and signifies a persistent and crucial aspect of healthcare access and medication distribution [23].”
Background
Challenges in the distribution of antimicrobial medications in community dispensaries in Accra, Ghana
Greene, H. C., Makovi, K., Abdul-Mumin, R., Bansal, A., & Frimpong, J. A. (2023) · medRxiv · doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0281699 · Cited by 4
Detection and quantification of antibiotic residues in urine samples of healthy individuals from rural and urban communities in Ghana using a validated SPE-LC-MS/MS method
Bekoe, S., Orman, E., Asare-Nkansah, S., Sørensen, A., Björklund, E., Adosraku, R., Hansen, M., & Styrishave, B. (2020) · SN Applied Sciences · doi:10.1007/s42452-020-03742-7 · Cited by 4 · see citing works
Informal over-the-counter supply of antibiotics in Ghana: A qualitative analysis of practices in community pharmacies
Nortey, R., Kretchy, I., & Opare-Addo, M. (2025) · Exploratory Research in Clinical and Social Pharmacy · doi:10.1016/j.rcsop.2025.100696 · Cited by 3 · see citing works
“14,15 Despite this well-defined legislative framework for control, antibiotics are supplied and distributed from community drug retail outlets without any regard to the existing FDA classification and permissions.”
Audit of antibiotic utilization patterns and practice for common eye infections at the ambulatory clinic of a teaching hospital in Ghana: Findings and implications
Sefah, I. A., Quagraine, A. M., Kurdi, A. B., Mudenda, S., & Godman, B. (2024) · PLoS ONE · doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0313019 · Cited by 4 · see citing works
Implementing essential diagnostics-learning from essential medicines: A scoping review
Nyanchoka, M., Mulaku, M., Nyagol, B., Owino, E. J., Kariuki, S., & Ochodo, E. (2022) · PLOS Global Public Health · doi:10.1371/journal.pgph.0000827 · Cited by 2 · see citing works
Exploring households’ access and utilization of antibiotics for their livestock: A cross-sectional study in Ghana and Burkina Faso
Gibernau, E. C. I., Krumkamp, R., Aglanu, L. M., Zakané, A., Jahn, A., Sié, A., Amuasi, J., & Souares, A. (2025) · Journal of Global Antimicrobial Resistance · doi:10.1016/j.jgar.2025.04.020 · Cited by 3 · see citing works
Analyses of Antimicrobial Use and Prescription Patterns in a Companion Animal Practice in Accra, Ghana, from 2015 to 2021
Turkson, P. K. (2023) · Small Animal Advances · doi:10.58803/saa.v2i2.13 · Cited by 2
A review of some medicinal plants with the potential to defeat antimicrobial resistance: Cases of Benin, Togo, Ghana, Burkina Faso, and Cape Verde
Dougnon, V. T., Legba, B. B., Gbaguidi, B., Agbodjento, E., Agbankpe, A. J., Rocha, D. K., Ayi, I., Azonbakin, S. A., Diallo, A., Bonkoungou, I. J. O., et al. (2022) · International Journal of One Health · doi:10.14202/ijoh.2022.124-160 · Cited by 7 · see citing works
“However, national action is underway to raise awareness of bacterial resistance, building knowledge through research and surveillance and the development of NAPs in line with the Global Plan of Action on AMR [38].”
Background
Characterization of Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamase-Producing Escherichia Coli From Domestic Free-Range Poultry In Agogo, Ghana
Akenten, C. W., Ofori, L., Mbwana, J., Sarpong, N., May, J., Thye, T., Obiri-Danso, K., Paintsil, E., Philipps, R. O., Eibach, D., et al. (2022) · doi:10.21203/rs.3.rs-1268707/v1 · Cited by 2
Clinical Characteristics of External Ocular and Periocular Infections and Their Antimicrobial Treatment Patterns Among a Ghanaian Ophthalmic Population; A Multicenter Study
Duah, I. O., Tchiakpe, M. P., Borquaye, L. S., Amoah, K., Amankwah, F., Kumah, D. B., Ofori, L., Danso-Appiah, A., Prempeh, B. O., Gbedema, S., et al. (2022) · doi:10.21203/rs.3.rs-1249919/v1 · Cited by 2
The effectiveness of Ghana’s antibiotic control policy framework: an analysis using the Anderson governance framework
Nortey, R., Kretchy, I., Opare-Addo, M., & Buabeng, K. (2026) · Journal of Pharmaceutical Policy and Practice · doi:10.1080/20523211.2026.2670691 · Cited by 1 · see citing works
“At the same time, participants acknowledged that maintaining the status quo also implied endorsing the irrational use of antibiotics, a challenge well documented in Ghana and similar contexts (Afari-Asiedu et al., 2018; Torres et al., 2019; Yevutsey et al., 2017).”
Self-citation
Bridging the Evidence-to-Policy Gap: Strengthening Capacities in Low- and Middle-Income Countries to Translate Antimicrobial Resistance Data and Evidence into Effective Policies
Parajulee, P., Gunarathna, S., Burnett, A., Hwang, J., Lee, J.-S., El-Jardali, F., & Sarkar, S. (2026) · Antibiotics · doi:10.3390/antibiotics15030255 · Cited by 1
“In Ghana, examples include pressure for inappropriate antibiotic use, weak regulatory enforcement, inconsistent protocol adherence, supply chain barriers, and limited legal mandates [32,33].”
Prevalence and types of medication errors among children under five (5) years in 3 primary health care facilities in the Western region of Ghana: a retrospective quantitative study
Baolenwo, A. B., Efua, S.-D. V., & Vida, A. (2025) · BMC Primary Care · doi:10.1186/s12875-025-03072-w · Cited by 1
“Both underdosing and overdosing pose significant risks, including treatment failure, drug toxicity and the emergence of drug-resistant strains especially for antibiotics and antimalarial [38–40].”
Improvements in Prescribing Indicators and Antibiotic Utilization Patterns Following Antimicrobial Stewardship Intervention at a District Hospital in Ghana
Abruquah, N. A., Amponsah, O., Nair, D., Opoku, D. A., Konadu, E., Prajitha, K. C., Osafo, A. B., Buabeng, K., & Ayisi-Boateng, N. (2025) · Tropical Medicine and Infectious Disease · doi:10.3390/tropicalmed10100282 · Cited by 1
“Healthcare services in the country are delivered through private and public facilities [11].”
InfluentialSelf-citation
Level of self-confidence among nurse practitioners in rural public health facilities regarding antimicrobial stewardship programs
Nzayini, Z., Dlungele, A. P., & Mathibe, L. (2025) · Antimicrobial Stewardship and Healthcare Epidemiology · doi:10.1017/ash.2025.178 · Cited by 1
“14,15 Recently, Anstey Watkins and colleagues reported successfully initiating treatment for various conditions including antimicrobial therapy.”
Pharmaceutical perspective of drivers of antimicrobial resistance and control strategies in Ghana: a best-worst scaling experiment modeling
Akoto, F., Nyarko, E., Nortey, P., & Doku-Amponsah, K. (2025) · Discover Public Health · doi:10.1186/s12982-025-00942-7 · Cited by 1 · see citing works
“Recent studies have focused on AMR in Ghana [24–26], but they lack quantification of the drivers of antimicrobial resistance and strategies for controlling it.”
Influential
Prevalence, Diagnostic Accuracy, and Antimicrobial Resistance Patterns of Uropathogens in Urinary Tract Infections at a Health Facility in Kumasi, Ghana
Antwi‐Boasiako, M. N., Ayensu, F., Awuah, A., Mutala, A., Boampong, K., & Badu, K. (2025) · MicrobiologyOpen · doi:10.1002/mbo3.70028 · Cited by 1 · see citing works
“Ghana has developed a national policy and action plan aligned with the World Health Organization's Global Action Plan on AMR, recognizing AMR as a critical public health threat (Yevutsey et al. 2017).”
Prevalence and antimicrobial susceptibility of gram-negative bacteria in the urine of females in their reproductive ages in the Tamale Teaching Hospital
Ibrahim, R., Duwiejuah, A. B., & Osei, K. (2025) · Journal of Health, Population and Nutrition · doi:10.1186/s41043-025-00853-y · Cited by 1
“However, indiscriminate use and uncontrolled access are causing microorganisms to become resistant to treatment [47].”
Self-medication with antibiotics- a survey among traders in the central business district of Accra, GhanaPreprint
Ofori, S. K., Akowuah, E., Babatunde, D., Amankwa, C., & Baiden, F. (2021) · medRxiv · doi:10.1101/2021.10.31.21265726 · Cited by 1 · see citing works
“However, the prescription and 90 dispensing by ineligible individuals promote the inappropriate use of antibiotics for self91 medication, especially among vulnerable groups [13].”
Background
Outpatient prescription audit in a tertiary care hospital at Puducherry
N., B. L., B, M., A, L., P, P., P, M., & G., S. (2019) · International Journal of Basic & Clinical Pharmacology · doi:10.18203/2319-2003.ijbcp20195274 · Cited by 1 · see citing works
Assessment of awareness and practice gaps related to antimicrobial resistance among medical practitioners
Sane, I., Gupte, J., & Karandikar, Y. (2026) · International Journal of Research in Medical Sciences · doi:10.18203/2320-6012.ijrms20263689
Viral diarrhea in Ghana: a scoping review of disease burden, epidemiology, and control strategies
-, A. A. K., Arthur, S. E., Yeboah-Manu, M., Jones, M. B., & Kyei, G. B. (2026) · Frontiers in Public Health · doi:10.3389/fpubh.2026.1840821
“This often leads to inappropriate antibiotic prescribing, increasing antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in the country (85).”
Antibiotic dispensing practices and patterns of non-prescription antibiotic sales among retail drug outlets in Ghana
Donkor, B., Badu, K., Boampong, K., Boamah, V., & Assor, V. E. (2026) · BMC Public Health · doi:10.1186/s12889-026-28725-y
“Common pathogens including streptococci, Salmonella, and E. coli have exhibited multiple drug resistance at rates as high as 78.7% across teaching, regional, and district hospitals in Ghana [5].”
Influential
Rising tide of antibiotics and antibiotic resistance: insights from urban environments and hospital effluents in Accra, Ghana
Tettey, R., Tettey, P., Amprako, D. N., Egyir, B., Arko‐Mensah, J., Adzakpah, G., Addo, S. O., Oppong‐Kyekyeku, J., & Fobil, J. N. (2026) · Journal of Water and Health · doi:10.2166/wh.2026.272

Authors: Yevutsey, S. K., Buabeng, K. O., Aikins, M., Anto, B. P., Biritwum, R. B., Frimodt-Møller, N., & Gyansa-Lutterodt, M.
Affiliations: Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (GH)
University of Ghana (GH)
Corresponding author: Yevutsey, Saviour Kwame
ORCID: Buabeng, Kwame Ohene
Aikins, Moses
Anto, Berko Panyin
Biritwum, Richard B.
Venue: BMC Public Health
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Published: 2017-11-23
Volume: 17
Issue: 1
Pages: 896-896
ISSN: 1471-2458 (ISSN-L)
DOI: 10.1186/s12889-017-4910-7
PMC: PMC5701378
OpenAlex: W2768228521
Cited by: 126
References: 44
Citations by year: 2026: 11 · 2025: 20 · 2024: 13 · 2023: 19 · 2022: 23 · 2021: 14 · 2020: 13 · 2019: 10 · 2018: 3
FWCI: 0.72
Type: journal article
Language: en
Open access: gold
doi.org
Licence: cc-by
Locations: BMC Public Health (publishedVersion, cc-by)
PubMed Central (publishedVersion, cc-by)
PubMed (publishedVersion)
DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals) (submittedVersion, cc-by-sa)
Funders: Udenrigsministeriet
University of Ghana
Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology
Statens Serum Institut
Danish International Development Agency
Topics: Life Sciences › Immunology and Microbiology › Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology › Antibiotic Use and Resistance
Life Sciences › Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology › Molecular Medicine › Antibiotic Resistance in Bacteria
Social Sciences › Economics, Econometrics and Finance › Economics and Econometrics › Pharmaceutical Economics and Policy
Keywords: antibiotic use, antimicrobial resistance, antimicrobial policy, antimicrobial regulation, Ghana, antimicrobial prescribing guidelines, veterinary antibiotics, antimicrobial surveillance
MeSH terms: Animals, Anti-Bacterial Agents, Drug Resistance, Microbial, Ghana, Health Policy, Humans, Legislation, Drug

About these checks

Registry, retraction, Cites and statistics results are computed, not judged, with one exception: a printed reference that no index lists is read once by a model before it counts as a citation error. Claims are extracted by a model and kept only when their quote appears verbatim in the text; each cited source is then checked, with a model’s help, for whether it says what the claim relies on. Those verdicts can be wrong — read the claim’s quote and the cited source before relying on one.

Statistics and arithmetic are recomputed, not judged.

Confidence bands are shown only for fields calibrated on our annotated test set. None is calibrated yet, so no band is shown.

What counts as a claim ›How we measure confidence ›How we check this ›

Are you an author, or do you see a problem with this page? Request a review

Situational analysis of antibiotic use and resistance in Ghana: policy and regulation

Abstract

Integrity signals

Claims the paper makes

Claims other papers make about this one

Self-check

Cites

Cited by

Record

About these checks