Health Experts Warn of Rising Stroke Incidence Among Young Ghanaian Men Amid National Healthy Living Campaign

Health experts in Ghana are sounding an alarm over a sharp increase in stroke cases, with data from 2025 revealing a staggering 29,483 recorded instances, translating to roughly 87.36 cases per 100,000 people. Most concerning to medical professionals is the shifting demographic of the disease; whereas stroke was once considered an ailment of the elderly, it is increasingly affecting men between the ages of 30 and 49. Regions such as Ashanti, Greater Accra, and Volta have emerged as high-incidence areas, with many patients presenting severe hemorrhagic strokes. Dr. Mavis Sakyi of the Ministry of Health noted that the trend is largely driven by poorly managed hypertension and diabetes, often exacerbated by sedentary lifestyles and worsening dietary habits across the country. Dr. Thomas Agbemaple, a Senior Physician Specialist at the 37 Military Hospital, has revealed that approximately 80 percent of these cases are ischaemic strokes, which occur when blood vessels are blocked by cholesterol buildup. Speaking during the Citi Breakfast Show, Dr. Agbemaple pointed to the westernization of the Ghanaian diet as a primary culprit. The increasing reliance on high-fat, oily foods has led to a surge in lifestyle-related non-communicable diseases. According to the physician, eight out of ten stroke cases in the current climate are directly linked to the choices individuals make regarding what they eat and how they live, suggesting that the crisis is largely preventable through behavioral change. In response to this growing public health threat, medical experts are urging Ghanaians to make immediate and drastic changes to their diets. Dr. Agbemaple specifically advised a reduction in the consumption of popular but high-risk foods such as fried rice, jollof, and chips, which are major contributors to high cholesterol and elevated blood pressure. These warnings form a central part of a broader national effort to promote Food Is Medicine strategies. The Ministry of Health is currently working on integrating nutrition-based interventions into the national healthcare framework to improve patient outcomes and reduce the long-term healthcare costs associated with chronic conditions. To support these efforts, Channel One TV and Citi FM have launched a month-long initiative titled the Healthy Living Project, which is set to run throughout September 2026. The campaign, themed Changing Habits. Transforming Lives, specifically targets the middle class and encourages sustainable lifestyle adjustments rather than fleeting fitness trends. Each week of the project will focus on different pillars of health, including weight management, physical activity, and balanced nutrition, culminating in the Citi Business Olympics. By prioritizing practical improvements and professional medical guidance, the initiative aims to curb the rising tide of strokes and empower Ghanaians to take control of their long-term health.