National Cardiothoracic Centre Warns of Undiagnosed Hypertension as Health Experts Advocate for Science-Based Nutrition and Heart Health

Professor Alfred Doku, Head of the National Cardiothoracic Centre, has issued a stark warning regarding Ghana’s cardiovascular health landscape, revealing that over 70% of Ghanaians living with hypertension are unaware of their condition. Speaking at the 2026 World Heart Day press launch in Accra, Professor Doku described the situation as a "silent risk factor" that serves as a primary contributor to the country's rising rates of strokes, kidney failure, and heart disease. Because hypertension often presents no visible symptoms, a vast majority of the population remains at risk without proper diagnosis, highlighting an urgent need for regular medical screenings and lifestyle interventions.

In tandem with these clinical concerns, the Ghana Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (GAND) has moved to address common dietary misconceptions, specifically warning the public that skipping breakfast is not a reliable or recommended strategy for weight loss. While some studies suggest breakfast skippers might consume fewer calories daily, GAND emphasizes that the practice can lead to adverse health effects, including increased LDL cholesterol and higher risks of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. The Academy advocates for a balanced, personalized approach to dieting, urging Ghanaians to seek professional guidance rather than adhering to generalized weight-loss trends that may compromise long-term metabolic health.

Furthering the effort to combat non-communicable diseases through policy, the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI) and the International Sweeteners Association (ISA) recently hosted a high-level roundtable in Accra. The engagement focused on the role of low and no-calorie sweeteners and the development of the Nutrient Profile Model in Ghana's food policy. Leaders including Seth Twum-Akwaboah of the AGI and Laurent Oger of the ISA emphasized that science-based policymaking and collaboration between the food industry and health stakeholders are essential for promoting healthier consumer choices and managing caloric intake across the population.

These collective developments underscore a critical push for a more health-conscious Ghanaian society, where clinical awareness and nutritional science work in harmony. As the National Cardiothoracic Centre works to close the diagnostic gap for hypertension, the simultaneous focus on professional dietary advice and evidence-based food regulations provides a framework for reducing the national health burden. Moving forward, health experts agree that bridging the gap between scientific research and public awareness will be the most effective way to improve the long-term well-being of the nation.