At least one in every five Ghanaians has elevated blood pressure, according to the Ministry of Health, highlighting the growing burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in the country.
The Ministry says the situation requires stronger preventive measures, including healthier diets, regular health checks and increased physical activity to reduce the risks associated with hypertension and other NCDs.
The disclosure was made by the Acting Head of Public Health at the Ministry of Health, Dr Mavis Sakyi, during a stakeholder dialogue on low- and no-calorie sweeteners in Accra.
According to Dr Sakyi, findings from Ghana’s 2023 national survey showed that 20 per cent of the population had elevated blood pressure, with women recording a higher prevalence than men.
She explained that the figure means that, statistically, one out of every five people in Ghana could have elevated blood pressure.
Hypertension cases remain high
The latest figures from the Ministry of Health also point to a persistent hypertension challenge.
Reported hypertension cases increased from 549,527 in 2023 to 583,720 in 2024, before declining slightly to 577,374 in 2025.
Despite the slight reduction recorded in 2025, the figures indicate that hypertension continues to affect a substantial number of people in Ghana.
The health concern is particularly significant because poorly controlled high blood pressure can contribute to serious complications, including stroke, heart failure and chronic kidney disease.
Unhealthy lifestyles driving NCDs
The Ministry of Health has identified several lifestyle and behavioural factors contributing to the country’s growing NCD burden.
These include unhealthy diets, excessive consumption of salt and sugar, alcohol use, tobacco use, physical inactivity, overweight and obesity.
Dr Sakyi also highlighted low fruit and vegetable consumption as a concern. According to the Ministry, a national survey found that Ghanaians consumed fruits on average only two days a week.
The combination of changing lifestyles and food environments has increased exposure to risk factors associated with hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and other NCDs.
Ministry calls for stronger prevention
With hypertension affecting a significant proportion of the population, health authorities are advocating greater emphasis on prevention and early detection.
Dr Sakyi urged Ghanaians to adopt healthier eating habits, remain physically active and undertake regular health checks.
The focus on prevention comes amid a broader concern about the economic and social consequences of NCDs. The World Health Organization has previously estimated that NCDs account for about 45 per cent of deaths in Ghana, underlining the scale of the challenge facing the country’s health system.
Early detection is particularly important because conditions such as hypertension can remain unnoticed for long periods while gradually increasing the risk of serious complications.
NCDs also pose an economic threat
The rising prevalence of NCDs is not only a public health concern but also an economic issue.
President of the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI), Kofi Nsiah-Poku, warned that increasing levels of NCDs and obesity could place significant financial pressure on households, businesses and the wider economy.
He noted that rising healthcare costs, reduced workforce participation and lower productivity could have broader implications for economic growth.
According to him, maintaining a healthy population is essential to sustaining industrial development and productivity.
Call for evidence-based food policies
The stakeholder dialogue also examined the role of low- and no-calorie sweeteners in Ghana’s food environment.
The meeting brought together government representatives, health professionals, consumer groups and players in the food and beverage industry to discuss nutrition, food policy and evidence-based approaches to healthier diets.
Dr Sakyi said Ghana should consider its own dietary patterns, consumer behaviour, product composition and existing standards when determining appropriate limits for sweeteners rather than relying solely on international guidelines.
She argued that policies should be based on scientific evidence while taking Ghana’s specific circumstances into account.
Ghana’s hypertension challenge requires collective action
The Ministry of Health’s latest figures provide another indication of the growing importance of NCD prevention in Ghana.
With one in five people recording elevated blood pressure, health experts and policymakers face the challenge of improving public awareness, encouraging healthier lifestyles and ensuring that people can access screening and appropriate treatment.
For individuals, regular blood pressure checks, healthier diets and increased physical activity can play an important role in reducing cardiovascular risks. At the national level, stronger preventive health policies and coordinated action across government, industry and communities will be crucial in addressing Ghana’s rising NCD burden.
