Accra, March 15, — Health professionals have sounded the alarm over the rising prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in Ghana, estimating that nearly four million people—about 13 per cent of the adult population—are living with the condition, often unknowingly.
Dr Mensah Amoah, a Physician Specialist and Nephrology Fellow, told the press that the disease had become a major public health concern due to late diagnosis in most cases.
He explained that, unlike in many developed countries where early detection is common, patients in Ghana frequently seek medical care only when the disease has progressed to its final stage—Stage Five, also known as kidney failure.
“At that stage, the kidneys have completely failed, leaving dialysis or kidney transplant as the only options, both of which are costly and not easily accessible to many Ghanaians,” he said.
Dr Amoah noted that a significant number of patients affected were between 20 and 50 years old, the most economically active segment of the population.
He described CKD as a “silent disease” because it often presents no symptoms in its early stages, leading many individuals to believe they are healthy until the condition becomes severe.
Despite this, he stressed that early detection could significantly slow or prevent progression.
“When identified early, simple and relatively affordable medications used to control conditions like hypertension and diabetes can delay or halt the disease,” he said.
Dr Amoah recommended routine screening, including annual urinalysis and kidney function tests, as the most effective means of early detection.
He explained that urine tests could reveal warning signs such as protein or blood in the urine, which may indicate underlying kidney damage.
“Persistent abnormalities in repeated tests signal that further investigation is needed,” he added.
He said urinalysis services were widely available and covered under the National Health Insurance Scheme, making them accessible to the public.
The specialist identified people living with hypertension, diabetes, HIV, hepatitis B, kidney stones and cancer as high-risk groups who should undergo regular checks.
He emphasised that lifestyle choices played a crucial role in prevention, urging the public to reduce salt intake, eat balanced diets rich in vegetables, maintain a healthy weight and engage in regular physical activity.
He warned that processed foods such as canned products, salted fish, corned beef and sausages contained high salt levels that could elevate blood pressure—a leading cause of kidney disease.
Regular exercise, including brisk walking or jogging for 30 to 60 minutes three to five times weekly, could help reduce the risk of hypertension and diabetes, he said.
Dr Amoah also cautioned against the excessive use of certain painkillers and unregulated herbal medicines, noting that some could damage the kidneys over time.
He cited the case of a 21-year-old woman who developed severe kidney complications after prolonged use of herbal remedies for menstrual issues.
“When she reported to the hospital, she had already developed high blood pressure and stage four kidney disease. After discontinuing the herbal treatment and receiving care, her condition improved to stage three,” he said.
He advised the public to seek professional medical guidance before using herbal products regularly.
Dr Amoah acknowledged that maintaining a healthy diet could be challenging due to the affordability and availability of processed foods but encouraged the consumption of whole fruits instead of sugary drinks and processed juices.
GHBUSS
15 March 2026
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