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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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Parliament appeals for release of GH¢5.6 million to Petroleum Commission

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The Parliamentary Select Committee on Energy has appealed to the Ministry of Finance to release GH¢5.6 million to the Petroleum Commission to enable it to establish and operate a world-class data centre.

According to the Committee, access to the funds will strengthen the Commission’s capacity to manage critical upstream petroleum data and improve its operations.

Speaking during the appeal, Chairman of the Committee, Emmanuel Kwasi Bedzrah, said the move was crucial to efforts to revitalise Ghana’s upstream petroleum industry and increase oil production.

He noted that although investment and hydrocarbon production had declined in recent years, Parliament’s approval of an extension of the petroleum agreement to 2030 had attracted additional funding and contributed to an increase in production from about 80,000 to 120,000 barrels per day.

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Meanwhile, concerns have been raised over repeated budget allocations for oil exploration in the Voltaian Basin.

Mr. Bedzrah stressed that funds approved for exploration must produce tangible results, adding that the Committee would require clear evidence of progress before supporting future budget allocations for the programme.

The appeal was made during a working visit to the Petroleum Commission as part of the Committee’s oversight activities to assess its operations and management procedures.

During the engagement, the Chief Executive Officer of the Petroleum Commission, Emeafa Hardcastle, took the Committee through the Commission’s working procedures and mandate, which includes regulating, managing and coordinating upstream petroleum activities.

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She disclosed that since assuming office in 2025, government had pursued measures to reverse the decline in crude oil production, sustain output and reposition Ghana as an attractive destination for investment in Africa’s increasingly competitive petroleum sector.

In addition, she said government had secured fresh commitments of about US$35 billion to help revitalise the sector.

As part of the oversight exercise, the Committee is expected to conclude its monitoring visit with engagements at the National Petroleum Authority (NPA) and the Ghana Oil Company Limited (GOIL).

By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme

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“No civilisation deserves to be annihilated” – Mahama calls for dialogue on global conflicts at UNGA 81

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President John Dramani Mahama has called for solidarity and dialogue in resolving global conflicts, insisting that no civilisation deserves to be wiped out.

“No human civilisation deserves to be annihilated, certainly not a member state of the United Nations,” President Mahama stated in his address at the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York.

He called for solidarity with nations facing terrorism, especially the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), and for a uniform approach to conflicts in Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

On the Middle East, the President called for a return to negotiations, saying “The current Middle East crisis is having a deleterious effect on the world economy.”

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“I believe that dialogue can resolve even the most intractable of problems,” he added.

By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme

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