Alarming Rise in Non-Communicable Diseases: 45% of Ghanaian Deaths Attributed to NCDs
A staggering 45% of deaths in Ghana are caused by non-communicable diseases (NCDs), according to a recent survey by the World Health Organization (WHO). This alarming statistic was revealed by Dr. Ohene Kwabena Sarfo, Medical Doctor at Legon Hospital and CEO of OKS Medical Consult, during the launch of “Daily Vitals Memoir,” a book aimed at helping individuals track and manage their health outcomes.
Dr. Sarfo emphasized the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to reduce exposure to risk factors contributing to NCDs, such as hypertension, diabetes, mental health disorders, and cancer. He stressed that Ghanaians must prioritize their health, given the suboptimal state of the country’s healthcare system.
To combat the growing burden of NCDs, Ghana has adopted the WHO’s Package of Essential Noncommunicable Disease Interventions (PEN) to scale up essential NCD services. Dr. Fidelis Atia, Medical Superintendent of Jasikan Municipal Hospital in the Oti Region, advised the public to reduce their consumption of unhealthy foods, such as sugary, salty, oily, and fatty foods, which contribute to the rise of NCDs in Ghana.
Dr. Atia specifically cautioned against excessive consumption of Shawarma and Pizza, citing their high salt and spice content. He also warned the youth against smoking and alcohol, highlighting the severe consequences for their overall well-being.
These concerns are echoed by the Eastern Regional Hospital’s Medical Director, Dr. Arko Akoto Ampaw, who noted that non-communicable diseases are the leading cause of death at the facility.¹ The Ghana Non Communicable Diseases Alliance (GhNCDA) also reported that NCDs claim the lives of 94,400 people in Ghana annually.
