Physician and former Health Minister, Dr Bernard Okoe Boye, has identified non-communicable diseases as the leading causes of death among Ghanaian adults, urging the public to adopt healthier lifestyles to improve longevity.
Speaking on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen show as part of the “Beginning the Year Right” series, Dr Okoe Boye said hypertension is the leading cause of death among adults aged 25 to 60, followed by diabetes and stroke.
He added that cancer—particularly breast and prostate cancer—and road traffic accidents complete the top five causes of death in Ghana.
According to him, hypertension and diabetes are major contributors to stroke and kidney disease, making lifestyle modification critical.
He advised Ghanaians to monitor their weight, improve their diet, reduce carbohydrate intake, engage in regular physical activity such as walking for at least 30 minutes daily, and undergo regular blood pressure checks.
Dr Okoe Boye also encouraged stress management through exercise and spiritual activities, noting that practices such as prayer and yoga can help reduce stress levels.
He further warned against reckless driving, revealing that nearly 1,500 lives were lost to road traffic accidents between January and June 2024 alone.
He urged motorists to avoid speeding, night driving and consuming alcohol before driving.
Dr Okoe Boye stressed that early detection makes breast and prostate cancer treatable and encouraged Ghanaians to prioritise their health, emphasising that prevention remains better than cure.
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