Dr. Wallace Odiko-Ollennu Warns as Non-Communicable Diseases Now Account for 45% of Deaths in Ghana

Ghana is facing a critical public health challenge as non-communicable diseases (NCDs) now account for 45% of all deaths in the country, according to Dr. Wallace Odiko-Ollennu, Programme Manager for the Non-Communicable Disease Control Programme. This 'silent epidemic' is increasingly overtaking infectious diseases as the leading cause of mortality, driven by a combination of low public awareness, unhealthy lifestyles, and systemic gaps in long-term care. Health experts are sounding the alarm that chronic conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, and various cancers are becoming more prevalent across all demographics, necessitating an urgent shift in the nation’s healthcare priorities. Dr. Efua Commeh, the Municipal Director of Health at La Nkwantanang-Madina, revealed that approximately 21.7% of Ghanaian adults aged 18 to 69 are hypertensive, yet fewer than half are even aware of their condition. Speaking during the 2026 World Patient Safety Day panel, Dr. Commeh emphasized that risk factors such as poor diets, physical inactivity, and tobacco use are exacerbated by lack of early detection. In coastal fishing communities, for instance, specific dietary habits are linked to higher hypertension rates. She called for the integration of NCD management into nursing and midwifery training curricula and urged for more robust public education to help citizens recognize symptoms and seek early treatment. The clinical management of these diseases was also a focal point during the 2026 World Patient Safety Day discussions at FOCOS Hospital in Accra. Dr. Arthur Sackeyfio, Head of Orthopaedics, emphasized that patient safety must be a collective responsibility that extends across the entire care journey, from initial diagnosis to post-discharge follow-up. He stressed the importance of meticulous care, effective communication between healthcare providers and patients, and the proactive engagement of patients as partners in their own safety protocols. Dr. Sackeyfio advocated for the use of institutional audits and feedback loops to continuously improve safety practices and reduce errors in the management of chronic conditions. To combat these rising trends, health officials are collaborating with community and religious leaders to promote preventive measures. A recent seminar for Muslim leaders introduced the 'Meatless Monday' initiative, which encourages a reduction in meat consumption and a transition to healthier eating habits. This partnership aims to align spiritual teachings with public health strategies to mitigate NCD risk factors within communities. Moving forward, experts agree that a combination of clinical vigilance, lifestyle modification, and strong community support systems will be essential to reversing the high mortality rate and improving the quality of life for those living with chronic diseases in Ghana.