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80% of cardiovascular deaths preventable —Cardiologist
A Cardiologist, Dr Martin Tibuakuu, has disclosed that eight out of 10 deaths related to cardiovascular diseases are can be prevented.
According to him, heart disease was a major cause of death in Ghana and globally but then if basic steps were followed, a lot of the deaths can be avoided.
“Heart related issues are worrying concerns not just for Ghana but the world over; however, what is assuring is that observing simple steps like the ‘A-B-C-D-E’ of the condition can prevent eight out of 10 deaths of cardiovascular related deaths,” he explained.
Dr Tibuakuu, who is also Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Akomaplus Health and Wellness Foundation, made this revelation when he spoke to The Spectator on Monday, at the forecourt of the Accra Metropolitan Assembly during the launch of Akomaplus Health and Wellness Foundation to mark World Health Day.
Breaking what he termed as the ‘A-B-C-D-E’ basics in managing the condition, he said they represent Awareness, Blood Pressure, Cholesterol, Diabetes and Exercise.
On awareness, he stated that it was important to educate the community about heart disease risk factors, since knowledge would empower one to recognise early warning signs and act swiftly.
On blood pressure, he asserted that patients must monitor their blood pressure regularly because hypertension was a silent killer, but can be managed with routine checks and lifestyle changes.
The ‘C’, he explained, represents cholesterol and cigarettes: “Know your cholesterol levels. High cholesterol is a major risk factor, but diet, exercise, and when needed, medication can keep it in check. Finally, quit smoking, which is dangerous to the heart.”
Again, D for diabetes and diet which he cautioned that, screen for diabetes and appropriately control your blood sugars. Adopt a heart-healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats. Limit salt, sugar, and processed foods to protect the heart.
Finally, he stated the ‘E’ goes for exercise because it was important in staying active.
“Even 30 minutes of brisk walking daily strengthens one’s heart, improves blood circulation, and supports overall well-being,” he indicated.
Dr Tibuakuu said embracing the ‘A-B-C-D-E’ framework can prevent up to 80 per cent of heart disease-related deaths and must be the call to action for everyone.
Additionally, he underlined that it was very important for one to be intentional about his or her diet, adding that those who smoke should make a point to desist from it.
He mentioned that by doing this alone can prevent some of the deaths associated with heart attack.
Moreover, Dr Tibuakuu said the steps to follow were within everyone’s reach because huge equipment were not required.
He said the systems were not in place to support people with cardiovascular challenges in Ghana; however, prevention should be the ultimate goal and key.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
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The National Identification Authority (NIA) has announced the commencement of enforcement of the National Identity Register (Amendment) Regulations, 2026 (L.I. 2523), warning institutions that fail to comply with the new requirements of possible fines of up to 2,000 penalty units.
The Authority says it will deploy a Biometric Verification Implementation Task Force to inspect institutions and ensure they comply with the regulations, following the expiration of a three-month grace period granted to businesses and public institutions.
Speaking at a press briefing in Accra on Monday, November 2, 2026, the NIA’s Corporate Affairs representative, William Ampomah Emmanuel Darlas, said the Authority had completed its public education and stakeholder engagement activities and was now moving into the enforcement and compliance monitoring phase.
He explained that the regulations require institutions that verify the identities of customers or applicants as part of their operations to use the NIA’s approved biometric verification platform instead of relying solely on visual inspection of the Ghana Card.
Under the new rules, institutions are prohibited from photocopying, scanning or keeping copies of the Ghana Card for identity verification purposes.
Mr Darlas stressed that simply collecting a customer’s Ghana Card, looking at the photograph and comparing it with the person presenting it would no longer be accepted as a valid method of identity verification.
He, however, clarified that the Ghana Card remains the country’s official national identity document and that citizens are not required to register for a new card or capture their biometrics again under the new regulations.
He said the new system is intended to reduce identity fraud, impersonation and other crimes by ensuring that the person presenting the Ghana Card is the actual owner.
According to him, the biometric verification process will rely on information already captured during Ghana Card registration, including fingerprints, iris details and facial features stored in the card’s chip.
Mr Darlas warned institutions against using third-party companies or individuals to access the NIA’s identity verification platform, insisting that the Authority does not work with intermediaries.
He said institutions seeking access to the National Identity Register must deal directly with the NIA and complete its official onboarding process.
The process requires institutions to prove that they are legally registered companies in Ghana, obtain certification from the Data Protection Commission and work with the NIA’s technical team to establish the necessary connection to its platform.
He further cautioned institutions already connected to the platform against subletting their access to other businesses, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises.
He disclosed that the Authority had received reports of some institutions providing their verification services to other businesses without the NIA’s approval and warned that those involved would face legal action.
Mr Darlas said organisations that fail to comply with L.I. 2523 could face fines ranging from 500 to 2,000 penalty units, depending on the nature of the offence.
He explained that the NIA does not have the authority to impose the fines directly but would take offenders to court for the appropriate punishment.
He indicated that Institutions found guilty could also face additional administrative measures, including being barred from accessing the NIA’s verification platform in the future.
The NIA representative further clarified that the new regulations do not prohibit all institutions from physically using the Ghana Card during transactions.
The Managing Director of the Ghana Publishing Company Limited, Nana Kwesi Boatey, has revealed how he transformed a major overstaffing challenge into a success story through the government’s 24-Hour Economy initiative.
Speaking at the Government Accountability Series on Monday, November 2, Mr. Boatey disclosed that when he assumed office in February 2025, and inherited a bloated workforce of 250 employees doing work that could be efficiently handled by 150 people, a situation that created serious liquidity challenges for the state-owned company.
Instead of resorting to downsizing, he adopted an innovative approach by instituting a 24-hour operational system.
Under the new system, staff were redistributed across three shifts: 7 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., 10 a.m. – 7 p.m., and 10 p.m. – 4:30 a.m.
This not only ensured optimal use of labour but also maximized machine utilization and improved overall output.
According to him, the single move redefined the productivity culture within the company, reinforcing discipline, accountability, and efficiency.
The Ghana Publishing Company’s turnaround is being cited as a practical example of how the 24-Hour Economy policy can drive growth without job losses.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
