Dr. Wallace Odiko-Ollennu and Health Experts Warn of Rising 'Silent Epidemic' as NCDs Claim 45% of Deaths in Ghana

Ghana is currently battling a "silent epidemic" as non-communicable diseases (NCDs) now account for approximately 45% of all deaths in the country. This alarming statistic, highlighted by Dr. Wallace Odiko-Ollennu, Programme Manager for the Non-Communicable Disease Control Programme, underscores a significant shift in the nation's health landscape where chronic conditions are increasingly overtaking infectious diseases. Health officials warn that low public awareness, unhealthy lifestyles, and a lack of early detection are fueling this crisis, necessitating an urgent and coordinated national response.

Dr. Efua Commeh, Municipal Director of Health at La Nkwantanang-Madina, revealed during World Patient Safety Day 2026 events that 21.7% of Ghanaian adults aged 18 to 69 are hypertensive, yet fewer than half of those affected are aware of their condition. Chronic diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, and various cancers are becoming more prevalent due to risk factors like poor diet, tobacco use, and physical inactivity. In response, health officials are collaborating with faith leaders to promote initiatives like "Meatless Monday," aimed at reducing meat consumption and integrating spiritual teachings with public health strategies to mitigate the NCD burden, particularly in vulnerable coastal and urban communities.

Beyond prevention, the medical community is calling for a transformation in how NCDs are managed within the healthcare system. Dr. Arthur Sackeyfio, Head of Orthopaedics at FOCOS Hospital, emphasized that patient safety must be treated as a collective responsibility that extends across the entire care journey—from initial diagnosis to post-discharge follow-up. Speaking at a panel discussion, Dr. Sackeyfio stressed the importance of meticulous care, effective teamwork among professionals, and the active involvement of patients as partners in their own safety protocols. He argued that institutional learning from medical incidents and routine audits are essential for improving long-term management outcomes.

To address these systemic challenges, experts are advocating for a multi-pronged approach that includes regular community health screenings and the integration of NCD management into nursing and midwifery training curricula. Dr. Commeh urged healthcare providers to improve communication with patients, ensuring that treatment discussions account for individual socio-economic circumstances to enhance adherence. As Ghana's healthcare system adapts to this growing burden, the focus remains on fostering a culture of continuous vigilance and proactive health management to curb the rising mortality rates associated with these manageable yet deadly conditions.