A recent report has revealed that 19.1% of Ghana’s adult population is affected by hypertension, with the Ghana Health Service documenting over 600,000 outpatient department (OPD) visits related to the condition.
In 2024, the Ashanti Region alone recorded 140,246 cases of hypertension, comprising 97,036 females and 43,180 males.
During a media engagement on Monday, Ashanti Regional Director of Health Services, Dr. Fredrick Adomako Boateng, disclosed a steady rise in hypertension cases over the years.
The region recorded 121,829 cases in 2021, 126,110 in 2022, and 136,380 in 2023 through routine screening exercises.
Findings from the 2023–2024 Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD) Risk Factor Assessment Survey further revealed that 24.8% of adults in Ghana have never had their blood pressure checked, while 19.1% are already living with the condition.
To address the growing burden, Dr. Adomako Boateng announced that the Regional Health Directorate will roll out public education campaigns, community outreach programs, and free blood pressure screenings across communities, health facilities, and workplaces.
Source: Oyerepafmonline.com/ Joseph Marfo
