Ghana AIDS Commission
The Ghana AIDS Commission (GAC) is a supra-ministerial and multi-sectoral body established under the Chairmanship of His Excellency The President of the Republic of Ghana in 2002. As the highest policy making body on HIV/AIDS, it provides effective and efficient leadership in coordination of all programs and activities of all stakeholders through advocacy, joint planning, monitoring and evaluation for the eventual elimination of the disease.
The 47 members of the Ghana AIDS Commission include the President and the Vice President of the Republic, 15 Ministers of State and two members of Parliament, indicating Ghana's commitment to the fight against HIV/AIDS at highest political levels. In the context of effective stakeholder involvement, the following constituencies are represented at the Commission as members:
- Ghana Health Service
- Ghana HIV and AIDS Network,
- National Association of Network of Persons Living with HIV,
- Christian and Muslim community,
- National House of Chiefs
- Ghana Employers Association
- Labour Organization
The Ghana AIDS Commission is supported by a Secretariat that operates through
- five committees
- technical working groups (key populations, anti-stigma, expanded and communications)
- technical support units in each of Ghana's 10 regions which collaborate with regional and district AIDS committees
As portrayed in its institutional motto, "Working actively and in partnership to combat HIV and AIDS", the Commission collaborates and works closely with a wide-range of organizations including development partners in carrying out its mandate of management and co-ordination of HIV and AIDS activities in the country. It provides funding support to Ministries, Departments, Agencies (MDAs), non-governmental organizations, community-based organizations, private sector enterprises, faith-based organizations and other civil society organizations to undertake HIV/AIDS activities in the country.