The National Cardiothoracic Centre at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH) has raised alarm over a surge in mortalities resulting from heart disease and stroke across the country, particularly among young adults.
According to the Head of the Centre, Prof. Alfred Doku, cardiovascular conditions now account for roughly 40 to 50 per cent of all deaths in Ghana.
Speaking on the sidelines of activities to mark World Heart Day 2026, Prof. Doku expressed grave concern over the age demographic most impacted, noting that these fatal events are increasingly occurring in individuals under the age of 50. This trend directly affects the country’s active workforce.
Prof. Doku explained that while Ghana’s national mortality figures were historically driven by infectious conditions such as malaria, tuberculosis, HIV, and malnutrition, improved control measures have shifted the burden toward non-communicable diseases.
“Close to 50% of people who die in Ghana die from stroke or heart disease. That is driving mortality in Ghana and occurs in younger people, those younger than 50 years, so the workforce are dying from heart disease and stroke,” he stated.
He identified hypertension as the primary underlying driver of this health crisis. He emphasised that the condition remains largely preventable and manageable through early detection, lifestyle modifications, and proper medical care.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/ Ghana