Heart Disease, Stroke Now Cause Nearly 50% of Deaths in Ghana – Korle Bu Cardiothoracic Centre

The National Cardiothoracic Centre at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital is raising alarm over the surge in deaths from heart disease and stroke in Ghana, especially among young people.

Head of the Centre, Prof. Alfred Doku, says the two conditions now account for an estimated 40 to 50% of all deaths in the country.

Speaking on the sidelines of activities to mark World Heart Day 2026, Prof. Doku said what is even more worrying is that the deaths are occurring in people younger than 50 years, meaning the workforce is being hit hardest.

He explained that in the past, mortality in Ghana was largely driven by malaria, tuberculosis, HIV and malnutrition, but those are being better controlled. Now, non-communicable diseases have taken over.

“Close to 50% of people who die in Ghana die from stroke or heart disease. That is driving mortality in Ghana and occurs in younger people, those younger than 50 years, so the workforce are dying from heart disease and stroke,” he said.

According to him, the main driver is hypertension, which is largely preventable with lifestyle changes, early detection and proper management.