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Check your health status regularly… Non-communicable diseases show no symptoms – Health expert
Professor Peter Lamptey (inset) making his presentation while
the audience listen attentively
A professor in Global Non- Communicable Diseases (NCDs) at London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine- England, Professor Peter Lamptey, has noted that issues on NCDs must be addressed both nationally and internationally, especially through financial support in order to curb the risk of increase.
He stated that Africa was currently experiencing a triple disease burden; endemic and epidemic, current and future pandemic (HIV, COVID) and lastly the explosive burden of NCDs thus the situation would worsen if immediate measures were not taken.
Professor Lamptey on Wednesday, at the 2023 Harvard University Joseph S. Agyepong Distinguished Lecture on Public Health in Africa at the University of Ghana- Legon, in Accra.
The professor was speaking on the topic: “Combatting Non Communicable Diseases: Africa’s Greatest Health Challenges.”
Despite the fact that NCDs were not transmissible, he noted that some were caused by infections such as gastric and cervical cancers amongst others, adding that Ghanaians must give it the requisite attention.
He mentioned some underlining risk factors of NCDs such as the usage of tobacco, unhealthy diet, the harmful use of alcohol, air pollution and insufficient physical activities.
“Looking at the long exposure of NCDs it is unlikely for one to recover as compared with someone infected with communicable diseases such as COVID-19 or HIV,” he said.
Again, Professor Lamptey cited some cultural perceptions and negligence of Ghanaians that impeded public health workers while discharging their duties in the prevention of NCDs.
He advised that people should regularly check their health status by visiting health facilities “since NCDs did not exhibit any symptoms and it could take decades before patients could identify the symptoms.”
He further said that people who presumed to be healthier because they felt and looked well, should be careful
Executive Chairman of the Jospong Group of Companies, Dr Joseph Siaw Agyepong and his wife, Adelaide Siaw Agyepong donated GHc500, 000 to support NCDs advocacy in Ghana.
This was due to the fact that not much money had been committed towards the education of the general public to trigger behavioural change.
The 4th edition of the annual lecture, co-hosted by the Harvard University CAS, formed part of activities of the University of Ghana’s 75th Anniversary.
On her part, Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof Nana Aba Appiah Amfo, said the University looked forward to pragmatic measures which could address NCDs from an African perspective.
By Yunusah Essandoh
The spokesperson for Dr. Bawumia, Dennis Miracles Aboagye, has criticised the implementation of the NDC government’s No Fee Stress policy, arguing that the programme has failed to deliver on its core promise.
According to him on Starr fm, the policy, which was introduced to ensure stress free payment of fees for level 100 tertiary students, has rather turned into what he described as post stress support.
He explained that students are required to pay their fees first before applying for reimbursement, a situation he believes defeats the purpose of the policy.
He questioned claims by government officials that the policy has been successful and that citizens are happy.
In his view, such claims do not reflect the lived realities of many Ghanaians. He stressed that while some people may appear satisfied, many others continue to struggle.
Dennis Miracles Aboagye pointed to the situation of trained teachers and nurses who have been picketing for nearly six months, demanding employment.
He noted that government responses suggesting it cannot accommodate all of them contradict claims of economic stability.
He further argued that economic indicators such as a stable currency mean little to people who are unable to secure jobs or access promised support.
He observed that telling an unemployed teacher or a struggling student that the cedi has strengthened does not address their immediate challenges.
On the issue of tertiary education, he maintained that no level 100 student benefited from stress free fees in 2025, despite the policy being announced.
He added that in 2026, students have already reported to school without receiving the promised support.
He insisted that asking students to pay fees first and seek reimbursement later amounts to support after hardship, not stress free education.
According to him, this approach goes against what was promised during the policy announcement.
Dennis Miracles Aboagye questioned why a government that presents the economy as strong is unable to fulfil what he described as simple and clear promises.
He added that there is a fundamental problem with the way the economy is being managed and indicated that he is prepared to explain his position further.
By: Jacob Aggrey
Dancehall musician Shatta Wale has issued a strong public statement calling for an end to what he describes as continuous attacks on his brand, following an apology from media commentator Awal Mohammed.
In the statement, Shatta Wale acknowledged the apology but stressed that persistent criticism and what he sees as deliberate attempts to damage his image must stop.
He noted that for many years, he has spoken for the streets, the youth, and people who feel ignored by society, while also promoting Ghana on the global stage and creating jobs through his work.
He expressed concern that some media personalities, commentators, and influential figures continue to target his name unfairly.
According to him, the issue goes beyond music and touches on respect, fairness, and national maturity.
The musician warned that continued disrespect toward voices that represent ordinary people could have wider consequences.
He emphasised that the Shatta Movement remains strong and organized, and that the patience of the masses should not be taken for granted.
He added that if systems continue to fail the people, they have the ability to organize politically through numbers and truth, not violence or hate.
Shatta Wale clarified that his message was not a threat but a reminder of reality, stressing that attacking a symbol that represents millions of people can have social, cultural, and democratic effects.
He called for respect, fairness, and unity, saying the voice of the people will always rise.
The statement comes after Awal Mohammed recently described Shatta Wale fans during a public discussion as junkies.
The comments triggered backlash from fans of the musician, prompting Awal to later issue an apology.
By: Jacob Aggrey
