The Ghana Health Service (GHS) has underscored the urgency of the situation, highlighting the consumption of fast foods as a significant contributor to the country’s increasing prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs).
This concern was raised during the 47th Annual General & Scientific Meeting of the Ghana Chapter of the West African College of Physicians.
Dr. Afua Commey, Deputy Programme Manager for the Non-Communicable Diseases Control Programme at GHS, addressed the issue, noting a troubling rise in NCD risk factors in Ghana. She attributed this increase to changing lifestyles, including a growing preference for fast foods such as fried chicken, burgers, and pizza, which are also being integrated into the diets of younger generations.
Dr Commey explained, “The risk factors for NCDs are becoming more prevalent in Ghana. Our embrace of fast foods is linked to this trend, with many adopting new lifestyles, including frequent visits to fast food outlets. This shift in eating habits is contributing to a rise in conditions such as hypertension.”
She also highlighted a concerning statistic: only about 50% of those diagnosed with hypertension are being treated, reflecting a broader issue with managing these diseases. This low treatment rate can be attributed to factors such as limited access to healthcare, lack of awareness about the condition, and the high cost of medication.
Dr. Sammy Ohene, Vice President for the Ghana Chapter of the West African College of Physicians, has emphasized the critical role of mental health in the spectrum of non-communicable diseases, underlining the need for a comprehensive approach.
The GHS’s findings point to a need for a shift in public health strategies, including raising awareness about the health risks associated with fast food consumption and promoting healthier dietary habits.
