The Ghana AIDS Commission (GAC) has announced plans to roll out condom vending machines across the country by the last quarter of 2026 as part of efforts to improve access to condoms and strengthen HIV prevention.
The machines will be installed at strategic public locations, including lorry stations, mosques, shopping malls and sports stadia, allowing people to obtain condoms discreetly without having to buy them directly from vendors.
According to a MyJoyOnline report published on July 27, 2026, the announcement was made during a dissemination meeting on the 2026 HIV Estimates and Projections in Accra, where stakeholders reviewed Ghana’s HIV situation and discussed measures to strengthen the country’s response.
As part of the initiative, the Commission also plans to install vending machines in washrooms at ministries, departments, agencies and financial institutions under its national HIV and wellness policy.
Speaking at the event, Director-General of the Ghana AIDS Commission, Dr Kharmacelle Prosper Akanbong, said the machines would be tailored to suit the needs of different communities.
“The machines will not all be the same. Depending on the peculiar characteristics of a local population, the machine deployed could be electronically operated or manually administered,” he explained.
Dr Akanbong recalled that Ghana previously introduced condom vending machines that dispensed three condoms for 50 pesewas. However, the programme was discontinued after many of the machines were vandalised by people attempting to steal the coins inside.
“People were forcefully emptying the machines to take the coins,” he said, adding that the new machines will include improved security features to minimise vandalism.
He also assured the public that concerns over condom shortages reported last year have been addressed following the government’s procurement of additional supplies, which are now available nationwide.
The condom vending machine project forms part of the Commission’s broader strategy to improve access to condoms and lubricants while expanding HIV prevention services across the country.
Also speaking at the meeting, the World Health Organization’s Technical Lead for HIV, Tuberculosis and Hepatitis in Ghana, Dr Kafui Senya, called for sustained efforts to reduce new HIV infections, eliminate stigma and discrimination, and ensure equitable access to prevention and treatment services.
Programme Manager of the National AIDS and STIs Control Programme, Dr Emmanuel Akwoulo Agyigewe Teviu, urged stakeholders to intensify HIV prevention campaigns and promote integrated, people-centred healthcare.
Chair of the Governing Board of the Ghana AIDS Commission, Kakra Essamuah, also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening Ghana’s national HIV response and improving access to prevention, treatment and care services.
