Malaria in Ghana, 2015–2024: A Narrative Review of Morbidity, Mortality, and Implications for Elimination in Africa

Malaria remains a significant public health challenge in Ghana and across sub-Saharan Africa. This narrative review assessed trends in malaria morbidity and mortality in Ghana from 2015 to 2024 and examined their implications for malaria elimination. Data on reported malaria cases and deaths were sourced from WHO World Malaria Reports and surveillance annexes, while information on parasite species and mosquito vectors was obtained from published literature. Trends were analyzed using descriptive methods. Reported malaria cases remained high, ranging from approximately 4.9 to 7.0 million annually, with a peak of 7,003,155 cases in 2017. After a marked decline in 2018, cases remained relatively stable through 2024. In contrast, malaria-related deaths decreased from 2,137 in 2015 to 74 in 2024, representing a reduction of over 96%. The case fatality rate declined from 0.038% to 0.0014%. Plasmodium falciparum remained the predominant parasite, and Anopheles gambiae sensu lato and Anopheles funestus were identified as the principal vectors. Although Ghana has achieved substantial reductions in malaria mortality, persistently high morbidity indicates ongoing transmission and continued challenges. Enhanced vector control and improved surveillance of insecticide and antimalarial drug resistance are essential to reduce transmission further and sustain progress toward elimination in Ghana and other endemic countries.