At least one in five Ghanaians has elevated blood pressure, according to the Ministry of Health (MoH), highlighting the growing impact of hypertension and non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in Ghana.
Data from the Ministry of Health showed that reported hypertension cases in Ghana rose from 549,527 in 2023 to 583,720 in 2024. Although the number declined slightly to 577,374 cases in 2025, hypertension continues to affect a significant number of people across the country.
Findings from a 2023 national health survey further revealed that about 20% of Ghana’s population had elevated blood pressure, with women recording a higher prevalence than men.
High Blood Pressure Raises Health Concerns
Health authorities are concerned about the prevalence of hypertension because poorly controlled high blood pressure can increase the risk of serious health complications, including stroke, heart failure and chronic kidney disease.
These conditions can create significant financial and social pressures for individuals, families and the wider Ghanaian economy through increased healthcare costs and loss of productivity.
Speaking at a stakeholder dialogue on low- and no-calorie sweeteners (LNCS) in Accra last Friday, Acting Head of Public Health at the Ministry of Health, Dr Mavis Sakyi, called for stronger preventive measures to address the country’s growing burden of NCDs.
She stressed the importance of maintaining a healthy diet, regular medical check-ups and increased physical activity as key measures for reducing the risk of hypertension and other lifestyle-related diseases.
Dr Sakyi noted that if five people were selected from the population, statistically, one could be expected to have elevated blood pressure, with women recording a higher prevalence.
Unhealthy Diet and Lifestyle Linked to NCDs
The Ministry of Health identified several major risk factors for non-communicable diseases in Ghana, including unhealthy diets, excessive consumption of salt and sugar, alcohol use, tobacco use, physical inactivity, overweight and obesity.
Dr Sakyi explained that changing lifestyles and food environments have increased people’s exposure to these health risks.
She also highlighted the low consumption of fruits and vegetables among Ghanaians. According to national survey findings, people in Ghana consumed fruits on average only two days per week, raising concerns about dietary quality and nutrition.
Health experts continue to encourage the public to adopt healthier eating habits, increase physical activity and undergo regular blood pressure checks to help detect hypertension early.
Ghana Reviews Policy on Low-Calorie Sweeteners
The stakeholder roundtable in Accra focused on low- and no-calorie sweeteners, nutrition and Ghana’s food policy environment.
The meeting brought together government institutions, healthcare professionals, consumer organisations and representatives from the food and beverage industry to discuss evidence-based health policies, food innovation and informed consumer choices.
Participants reviewed scientific evidence concerning the safety and effectiveness of low- and no-calorie sweeteners and examined their potential role in supporting healthier diets and addressing the increasing prevalence of NCDs and obesity in Ghana.
The event was organised by the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI) in partnership with the International Sweeteners Association (ISA).
Dr Sakyi said Ghana should consider its own dietary patterns, food product composition, consumer behaviour, existing standards and available scientific evidence when determining acceptable intake levels for low- and no-calorie sweeteners.
She argued that a context-specific approach to nutrition policy would allow Ghana to establish appropriate standards while ensuring that public health policies remain evidence-based.
NCDs Could Affect Ghana’s Economic Growth
President of the Association of Ghana Industries, Kofi Nsiah-Poku, warned that the increasing burden of NCDs and obesity could have serious economic consequences for households, businesses and the country.
He said rising healthcare expenses, reduced participation in the workforce and declining productivity could place additional pressure on the Ghanaian economy.
The AGI President, who is also Chief Executive Officer of Kinapharma, said NCDs should therefore be regarded not only as a public health challenge but also as an important economic and development issue.
According to him, maintaining a healthy population is essential for industrial development, workforce productivity and sustainable economic growth.
Experts Call for Science-Based Health Policies
Director-General of the International Sweeteners Association, Laurent Oger, stressed the importance of scientific evidence in shaping public health and nutrition policies.
He welcomed the engagement among stakeholders and said discussions surrounding low- and no-calorie sweeteners should continue to rely on credible scientific research and assessments by food safety authorities.
The discussions come at a time when Ghana is seeking stronger strategies to tackle hypertension, obesity, diabetes and other non-communicable diseases, while encouraging healthier lifestyles and evidence-based nutrition policies.
Source: newsthemegh.com