Hypertension , often called high blood pressure, has quietly become one of Ghana’s most dangerous public health crises.
It creeps in without symptoms, striking down thousands each year with strokes, heart attacks, kidney failure, and other life-threatening complications.
Recent studies paint a worrying picture: nearly one in three Ghanaian adults is hypertensive, and many do not even know it.
The lack of early warning signs means diagnoses often come too late, after irreversible damage has been done.
This silent epidemic is being fuelled by unhealthy diets laden with salt, sugar, and saturated fats; sedentary urban lifestyles; excessive alcohol consumption and tobacco use; stress; and an aging population.
The consequences are devastating. Hospitals are overwhelmed, resources stretched thin, and families burdened with medical costs they can ill afford.
Hypertension-related illnesses now rank among the leading causes of hospital admissions in Ghana, diverting funds and attention from other pressing health challenges.
In our view, this is not a crisis we can afford to ignore. Addressing hypertension demands a multi-pronged, all-hands-on-deck approach.
First, public education must become a priority. Health authorities, civil society, and the media must launch sustained campaigns to teach Ghanaians about the risks of hypertension, the importance of routine blood pressure checks, and the benefits of healthier diets and regular exercise.
Second, screening should be made more accessible. Free or subsidised blood pressure checks, especially in rural and underserved areas, will help detect cases early and prevent complications.
Third, policymakers must act decisively. Stronger regulations are needed to rein in the marketing of unhealthy foods, alcohol, and tobacco products. Affordable access to life-saving antihypertensive medications should be non-negotiable.
Fourth, workplaces, schools, and communities must become health-conscious spaces. Encouraging physical activity, promoting nutritious meals, and supporting stress management will all contribute to a culture of prevention.
Finally, research must underpin every effort. Local studies on hypertension trends and risk factors will ensure policies are tailored to Ghana’s unique health landscape.
Hypertension may be silent, but its effects echo loudly across households, communities, and the national economy.
We must not wait for this epidemic to overwhelm us further. Through education, prevention, early detection, and stronger healthcare infrastructure, Ghana can turn the tide.
The time for action is now. A healthier future for our nation depends on it.