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 80% of cardiovascular deaths preventable —Cardiologist

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A Cardiologist, Dr Martin Tibuakuu
A Cardiologist, Dr Martin Tibuakuu

 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.

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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.”

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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.

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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.

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 By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme

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OSP to assess extortion allegations against Afenyo-Markin

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The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has taken note of public allegations of extortion and related conduct made against the Minority Leader of Parliament, Alexander Afenyo-Markin.

The allegations were made by the Chief Executive of the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod), Sammy Gyamfi.

In a brief statement, the OSP said it has also received a joint petition submitted by two persons, as well as two separate petitions from other persons, in relation to the same allegations.

“Given the nature of the allegations, the OSP will assess the case and determine whether it falls within its statutory mandate and whether further investigative action is warranted,” the statement said.

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The development comes amid a heated public feud between the Minority in Parliament and the leadership of GoldBod over the operations of the Domestic Gold Purchase Programme.

The Minority, led by Afenyo-Markin, has accused GoldBod and the Bank of Ghana of causing a loss of over $1.7 billion, citing the International Monetary Fund’s August 2026 report. The Minority has vowed to pursue the matter as Parliament has reconvened for an emergency sitting.

GoldBod, on the other hand, has rejected claims by some NPP MPs, including Tano South MP Dr Gideon Boako, that it owes the Bank of Ghana GH¢1 billion in overdrafts, describing the claim as “false and malicious.”

In the latest twist, GoldBod CEO Sammy Gyamfi has accused the Minority Leader of extortion and related conduct, an allegation that has triggered petitions to the OSP.

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The OSP is mandated under Act 959 to investigate and prosecute specific cases of alleged or suspected corruption and corruption-related offences involving public officers and politically exposed persons.

By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme

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Justin Kodua Frimpong files nomination to seek re-election as NPP General Secretary

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General Secretary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Justin Kodua Frimpong, has filed his nomination to contest the position of General Secretary again as the party begins its rebuilding efforts ahead of the 2028 general elections.

He was accompanied by party stalwarts and supporters who were in high spirits, expressing confidence that he is the right person to hold the position.

Speaking after filing his nomination, Mr Kodua Frimpong assured the rank and file of the party that he would not disappoint them.

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“I can assure you that the faith the rank and file of the party have had in me, I will never disappoint them,” he said.

He also pledged to run a clean campaign devoid of personal attacks.

“I can assure you that our internal campaign will be devoid of personal attacks,” he told his fellow contestants and the rank and file of the party as he seeks to retain his position.

His tenure has seen the party through the 2024 general elections, where the NPP lost power to the National Democratic Congress (NDC) after eight years in government.

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The party is currently in a rebuilding phase, with internal elections scheduled to elect new national executives to lead its reorganization towards the 2028 polls.

The General Secretary position is considered one of the most influential in the party’s administrative structure, responsible for the day-to-day running of the party secretariat and implementation of party decisions.

By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme

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