Health authorities in Ghana's Ashanti Region are sounding an alarm about a rise in deaths connected to hypertension. They call the condition a "silent time bomb" for public health.
The region recorded 138,710 hypertension cases in 2025. This is a slight drop from 140,260 cases in 2024. However, health leaders remain concerned about the serious dangers posed by the condition.
Hypertension is a major reason for outpatient visits. It accounts for about 2.9 per cent of all hospital visits in the Ashanti Region. In 2025, hypertension caused 3.3 percent of all hospital admissions. Worse, it was linked to 10.4 percent of all deaths in the region that year.
Complications from high blood pressure are increasing. These include heart attacks, strokes, and heart failure. Cases of hypertension have been rising overall. From 2022 to 2024, cases grew from 126,110 to 140,260.
Dr. Fred Adomako-Boateng, the Ashanti Regional Health Director, stated this during the World Hypertension Day launch. He emphasized the need for action. "You cannot control what you do not measure, and you cannot treat what you do not detect," he explained.
The health directorate is launching a campaign. It is called "Measure 1 Million." This program aims to screen one million Ghanaian adults for hypertension. Activities will happen in communities across the country.
This screening campaign will target adults aged 18 and above. The goal is to screen them by December 31, 2026. It aligns with Ghana's national health strategies. This includes the Non-Communicable Disease Policy. It also connects with the WHO Global Hearts Initiative.
The campaign focuses on preventative care. Early detection is key to managing hypertension. This helps prevent fatal complications like strokes and heart failure. Public participation is vital for the campaign's success.