4 Million Ghanaians Battling Chronic Kidney Disease – Health Minister Discloses

The Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has disclosed that about four million Ghanaians, representing nearly 19 percent of the population, are currently battling chronic kidney disease.

He warned that the condition is emerging as a major public health challenge in the country, with a growing number of cases being recorded among young and economically productive people.

According to the Minister, non-communicable diseases (NCDs), including chronic kidney disease, now account for about 40 to 45 percent of deaths in Ghana, underscoring the need for stronger prevention, early detection and improved access to treatment.

Mr. Akandoh made the disclosure during the launch of the 2026 World Kidney Day 2026 activities organised by the Ghana Armed Forces Health Services at Burma Camp on Tuesday, March 10.

The event, held on the theme “Kidney Health for All: Caring for People, Protecting the Planet,” brought together policymakers, military leadership, health professionals and other stakeholders to highlight the growing burden of kidney-related diseases and the need for a coordinated national response.

Mr. Akandoh explained that kidney disease often progresses silently until it reaches advanced stages, making early screening and public education essential.

He noted that the condition is largely driven by preventable factors such as hypertension, diabetes, unhealthy diets, misuse of medication, delayed health-seeking behaviour and environmental pollution, including the contamination of water bodies through illegal mining and industrial waste.

The Minister said government was strengthening prevention and early detection through primary healthcare reforms aimed at encouraging routine screening for major NCD risk factors and expanding health education at the community level.

He added that the government’s proposed free primary healthcare policy would emphasise prevention and early diagnosis, with health workers expected to intensify outreach activities in communities, farms, churches and households to identify risk factors early.

Mr. Akandoh also revealed that government was working to expand dialysis services across the country through partnerships with the private sector.

He further indicated that the newly introduced Ghana Medical Trust Fund (MahamaCares) initiative is expected to provide financial support for the treatment of chronic diseases.

In addition, the Ministry of Health is finalising an organ transplant bill to establish a legal framework for ethical and safe organ transplants, which the Minister described as a long-term solution for patients suffering from end-stage kidney disease.

Deputy Minister of Defence, Ernest Brogya Genfi, noted that kidney health was not only a medical issue but also a national development and security concern, since the operational readiness of the country’s security services depended largely on the physical fitness of personnel.

He urged commanders across the services to prioritise routine medical screening for officers and soldiers, adding that a healthy force was critical to national security.

Mr. Genfi also commended the leadership of the Ghana Armed Forces, particularly the 37 Military Hospital and the Ghana Armed Forces Critical Care and Emergency Hospital, for championing awareness and early diagnostic initiatives to tackle kidney disease.

Chief of the Naval Staff, Godwin Livinus Bessing, emphasised that the strength of the military depended not only on equipment and strategy but also on the physical and mental fitness of personnel.

He explained that the kidneys perform critical functions necessary for endurance, stamina and survival, particularly in demanding operational environments where soldiers are exposed to dehydration, extreme conditions and prolonged physical exertion.

Rear Admiral Bessing warned that kidney disease often develops without obvious symptoms and could undermine the operational readiness of the Armed Forces if left undetected.

He therefore urged military personnel to prioritise regular medical screening, maintain adequate hydration during operations and adopt healthy lifestyle habits, including balanced nutrition and regular physical activity.

A medical specialist at the 37 Military Hospital, Commander (Dr) D.K. Antwi-Gaul, also noted that chronic kidney disease often remains undetected in its early stages until significant damage has occurred.

He indicated that in Ghana, approximately one in eight adults is likely to develop chronic kidney disease, while treatment options such as dialysis and kidney transplant remain extremely expensive for many families.

According to him, dialysis could cost patients close to GH¢2,000 per week, while a kidney transplant procedure could exceed $30,000, making prevention and early detection the most cost-effective strategy.

Commander Antwi-Gaul therefore advised the public to undertake routine health checks, control blood pressure and blood sugar levels, avoid excessive use of painkillers and unregulated herbal medicines, and maintain healthy diets.

He also stressed the need to protect the environment from pollution, noting that environmental contamination, toxic chemicals and unsafe water sources could significantly increase the risk of kidney disease.

The event also served as a platform to call for stronger collaboration among the health sector, environmental authorities, security agencies and development partners to address the growing burden of kidney disease in Ghana.