The Ghanaian Society of Cardiology, in collaboration with the Spot Stroke Fast Foundation and the FrankCare Foundation, conducted a free health screening at the Kejetia Market.
This initiative aimed to commemorate World Hypertension Day, which occurred on Saturday, May 17, benefiting hundreds of people.
The event began with a health walk that took participants through key locations in the city, concluding at the Kejetia Market.
Dr. Alfred Opata, representing the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, explained in an interview with Orange News that this initiative was vital due to the serious nature of hypertension.
He noted that many patients at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital suffer from strokes, with hypertension being a significant contributing factor.
Stroke cases are increasing daily and have become one of the leading causes of death both in Ghana and globally.
“Hypertension also leads to various heart diseases, so it is important for people to check their blood pressure. If individuals are unaware of their blood pressure levels, they are at risk of having strokes and other diseases,” he said.
Dr. Opata attributed the rise in cases to people’s recent lifestyles and dietary choices.
According to data from the Ashanti Regional Health Directorate, the region recorded 126,110 new cases of hypertension in 2022, 136,380 in 2023, and 140,216 in 2024.
Despite these alarming figures, health professionals are calling for greater awareness among Ghanaians regarding their hypertensive status.
The Ghana Health Service is initiating a nationwide campaign aimed at measuring the blood pressure of one million Ghanaians. In the Ashanti Region alone, the Regional Health Directorate is targeting 170,000 individuals.
Samuel Kwesi Nyaso, Secretary of the Spot Stroke Fast Foundation, revealed that hypertension cases among the youth have been on the rise in recent years, prompting the need for increased sensitization and health screenings.
He noted that six out of ten young people are affected by hypertension, with many unaware of their condition.
“”We’ve realized that hypertension is on the rise among the youth lately. Formerly, we used to think hypertension was just for the aged, but we’ve realized the situation is growing among the youth, particularly if you come to Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital,” he indicated.
Nyaso urged the public to voluntarily visit the hospital for screening to address the rising numbers.
