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Volume 23
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Article

A Qualitative Exploratory Study of Facilitators and Barriers Influencing Organ Donation in Ghana: Insights for Health Policy and Advocacy

by
Amoah Kwadwo
1,2,3,
Fordjuor Gladys
4,
Lartey Seth
1,3,
Bonsaana Gilbert Batieka
5,
Abaidoo Benjamin
6,*,
Tetteh John
7,
Aidam Enam Afi Mana
4,
Darko Kwame Asante
4,
Oteng Kwame
4,
Fuseini Alhassan
5,
Forgah Amanda Evelyn
5,
Quaye Mohammed Alphazaazi
5,
Abdul-Rahaman Lahari Salma
5,
Mamani Amina Ponaa
5,
Boateng Dorcas Baah
5,
Charinga Josiah
5,
Ansing Ida Mbamah
5,
Kusi Lawrence
1,
Asante Adjei Collins
2,
Oduro Awo Yaa Karikari
8,
Wryter Bertha Ellen
2,
Blankson Kojo
2,
Odoi Nafisatu Odokai
2,
Sam-Brew Dora
2,
Krow Mabel Oparebea
2,
Addy James
9,
Oboo-Gyan Michael Gyamera
9,
Berzack Shannan
10 and
Nariani Ashiyana
11add Show full author list remove Hide full author list
1
Eye Department, Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Adum-Kumasi P.O. Box 1934, Ghana
2
Eye Department, Cape Coast Teaching Hospital, Cape Coast P.O. Box CT 1363, Ghana
3
Eye, Ear, Nose and Throat Department, School of Medicine and Dentistry, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi AK-448-4944, Ghana
4
Eye Department, Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, Korle Bu, Accra P.O. Box KB369, Ghana
5
Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, University for Development Studies, Tamale P.O. Box TL1350, Ghana
6
Ophthalmology Unit, Department of Surgery, University of Ghana Medical School, Accra P.O. Box 4236, Ghana
7
Department of Community Health, University of Ghana Medical School, Accra P.O. Box 4236, Ghana
8
Eye Unit, The Bank Hospital, Block F6, Shippi Road, Cantonments, Accra P.O. Box CT 1224, Ghana
9
Cure Blindness Project, Ghana Office, 12 Morendo Street, Lapaz, Accra P.O. Box 863, Ghana
10
Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, 11200 SW 8th St AHC2, Miami, FL 33199, USA
11
Cure Blindness Project, Norwich, VT 05055, USA
 
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*
Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2026, 23(6), 762; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph23060762 (registering DOI)
Submission received: 25 March 2026 / Revised: 3 May 2026 / Accepted: 11 May 2026 / Published: 5 June 2026
(This article belongs to the Section Global Health)
Versions Notes

Abstract

Background: Organ donation and transplantation are among the greatest scientific discoveries of our time, which have restored hope and life to many. However, several factors influence the global organ donation rate. It is, therefore, important to understand the Ghanaian context of facilitators and barriers to donation to dispel cultural myths and misconceptions about organ donation. This study aims to qualitatively explore the facilitators and barriers influencing organ donation in Ghana. Methods: This was a qualitative exploratory study conducted among health professionals at four major tertiary hospitals in Ghana. Participants were chosen using the purposive sampling technique. Using a structured interview guide, an in-depth interview was conducted to gather qualitative data, which was then tape-recorded and transcribed. Thematic content analysis was used to manually analyze the data. Results: Of the 25 expert participants, the majority (15, 60.0%) were female. The majority (15, 60.0%) were between 40 and 59 years. The mean age was 42.4 ± 8.0 years. The average number of years of work experience was 15.8 ± 7.1 years. Themes identified for facilitators of organ donation included increased awareness and knowledge campaign, societal influence, and legislative support. Themes for barriers were inadequate knowledge, socio-cultural influence, religious beliefs, and ethical concerns. Conclusions: Increased awareness and knowledge campaigns, societal influence, and legislative support are the significant facilitators of organ donation in Ghana, whereas inadequate knowledge, socio-cultural, and religious influence are important barriers to organ donation in Ghana.
Keywords: organ donation; facilitators; barriers; motivators; transplant; organ banking; tissue banking organ donation; facilitators; barriers; motivators; transplant; organ banking; tissue banking

Share and Cite

MDPI and ACS Style

Kwadwo, A.; Gladys, F.; Seth, L.; Batieka, B.G.; Benjamin, A.; John, T.; Mana, A.E.A.; Asante, D.K.; Kwame, O.; Alhassan, F.; et al. A Qualitative Exploratory Study of Facilitators and Barriers Influencing Organ Donation in Ghana: Insights for Health Policy and Advocacy. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2026, 23, 762. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph23060762

AMA Style

Kwadwo A, Gladys F, Seth L, Batieka BG, Benjamin A, John T, Mana AEA, Asante DK, Kwame O, Alhassan F, et al. A Qualitative Exploratory Study of Facilitators and Barriers Influencing Organ Donation in Ghana: Insights for Health Policy and Advocacy. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2026; 23(6):762. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph23060762

Chicago/Turabian Style

Kwadwo, Amoah, Fordjuor Gladys, Lartey Seth, Bonsaana Gilbert Batieka, Abaidoo Benjamin, Tetteh John, Aidam Enam Afi Mana, Darko Kwame Asante, Oteng Kwame, Fuseini Alhassan, and et al. 2026. "A Qualitative Exploratory Study of Facilitators and Barriers Influencing Organ Donation in Ghana: Insights for Health Policy and Advocacy" International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 23, no. 6: 762. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph23060762

APA Style

Kwadwo, A., Gladys, F., Seth, L., Batieka, B. G., Benjamin, A., John, T., Mana, A. E. A., Asante, D. K., Kwame, O., Alhassan, F., Evelyn, F. A., Alphazaazi, Q. M., Salma, A.-R. L., Ponaa, M. A., Baah, B. D., Josiah, C., Mbamah, A. I., Lawrence, K., Collins, A. A., ... Ashiyana, N. (2026). A Qualitative Exploratory Study of Facilitators and Barriers Influencing Organ Donation in Ghana: Insights for Health Policy and Advocacy. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 23(6), 762. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph23060762

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