News
Health experts call for lifestyle changes
Ghana joined the world on May 17 to observe World Hypertension Day on the theme; “Measure Your Blood Pressure Accurately, Control it, Live Longer.”
The theme reminds all individuals to check to know their blood pressure regularly and to keep it under control to impact overall longevity.
In Ghana, approximately 3.7 million Ghanaians aged 18 to 69 years have hypertension with 1.9 million unaware of their status, with risk factors such as unhealthy diets, physical inactivity, tobacco and alcohol use, driving prevalence rate.
Health experts advise that lifestyle changes particularly with regard to dietary choices could have far-reaching impact on managing one’s blood pressure.
Below are five best foods Ghanaians can eat to control hypertension as recommended by Meatless Monday Ghana, a campaign that seeks to promote healthy eating, reduce disease risk and protect the environment.
Fruits
Fruits rich in potassium like bananas and fresh coconuts are beneficial for blood pressure management. Berries, like blueberries are known for their nitric oxide content and can also help lower pressure.
Again, fruits containing folate, such as limes, oranges, and grapefruits can help increase blood pressure in individuals with low blood pressure while other fruits with potential benefits for hypertension control are watermelon, tomatoes, avocado, and papaya or pawpaw.
Research, funded by British Heart Foundation, has suggested beetroot juice, a concentrated source of nitrates might help lower blood pressure.
Vegetables
Green leafy vegetables like cocoyam leaves, commonly known as Kontomire, Cassava leaves, Gboma, Spinach and Moringa provide a rich source of potassium, magnesium and folate and other relevant nutrients, which can help lower blood pressure.
Wholegrains
Wholegrains such as maize or corn, millet, brown rice, sorghum and oats which contain more nutrients and fiber than refined starchy carbs like white bread, pasta and polished rice.
Eating more fibre has been linked to a lower risk of heart and circulatory diseases while soluble fiber from oats may help in lowering blood pressure.
Lean Protein
Meatless Monday advised Ghanaians to revert to lean protein sources such as chicken, fish, eggs, and beans, which are helpful in lowering weight and blood pressure.
Fortified Plant-based Milk
It said fortified plant-based milk like almond, soy, and oat milk can offer around 240 mg of calcium per cup, which has high levels of calcium strongly linked to reduction of blood pressure.
Similarly, low-fat dairy like semi-skimmed milk and low-fat natural yogurt also give calcium and protein without excess saturated fat.
Meatless Monday campaign believes that diet is not the only factor in reducing blood pressure. It stressed the need for all hypertensive patients to take prescribed medicines and consider being more physically active; stop smoking; and maintaining a healthy weight.
By Abigail Annoh
At least six people have been confirmed dead following a stampede at the El-Wak Sports Stadium in Accra today, November 12, 2025, during an ongoing military recruitment exercise according to the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF)
“The Ghana Armed Forces deeply regrets to inform the general public of a tragic stampede nrinr to the commencement of the 2025/2026 recruitment exercise today Wednesday 12 November 2025 at the El-Wak Sports Stadium, Accra,” GAF confirmed in a statement.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the stampede was triggered by an unexpected who breached security protocols and rushed into the gates ahead of scheduled screening surge of applicants hours.
“The unfortunate incident led to the death of 6 potential recruits and many others injured. The injured are currently receiving emergency medical care at the 37 Military Hospital. Ghana Armed Forces assures the general public that medical teams are working tirelessly to stabilise affected individuals,” the statement revealed.
Meanwhile, arrangements are being made to notify the families of the deceased.
The Ghana Armed Forces has extended its deepest condolences to the families of the deceased and wishes a swift recovery to those injured.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
The Ghana Armed Forces and the Ghana Police Service have launched simultaneous joint operations in parts of the Ashanti, Volta and Ahafo regions to arrest persons linked to recent attacks on anti-galamsey teams and other security officials.
The swoops, which began at dawn on Wednesday, November 12, are taking place in Dadwene and Anwona in the Ashanti Region, Ehi in the Volta Region, and Hwediem, Kenyase, Guaso and Marhani in the Ahafo Region.
According to a statement from the Ghana Armed Forces, the exercise is intelligence-led and targets individuals suspected of attacking members of the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS), some police officers, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) officials, and journalists.
The Armed Forces and Police warned that anyone who tries to obstruct security operations, especially anti-galamsey activities, will face the full force of the law.
They assured residents in the affected areas that enough security measures have been taken to protect innocent citizens and urged them to remain calm and continue their daily activities without fear.
The statement commended civil society groups, the media and members of the public for condemning the recent attacks on security personnel and encouraged continued cooperation in the fight against illegal mining.
By: Jacob Aggrey
