News
Rise in kidney cases in Ashanti Region
A staggering 13.5 per cent of the population in the Ashanti region is affected by chronic kidney disease, according to Dr Suleiman Suabil, a Physician Specialist at Obuasi AngloGold Hospital.
Speaking at the World Kidney Day event organised by AngloGold Ashanti, Obuasi mine, Dr Suabil revealed that about 17.6 per cent of patients require dialysis in the Ashanti region.
“Globally, 10-14 per cent of the population is affected by kidney disease, with 14 per cent in Sub-Saharan Africa and 13.5 per cent in Ghana,” Dr Suabil disclosed.
He noted that kidney disease was a silent killer, with many people unaware of their kidney status until it’s too late. “Most people admitted to medical wards have chronic kidney disease, but only one out of 10 people are aware of their kidney status.”
Dr Suabil identified diabetes, hypertension, unhealthy lifestyle choices, excessive alcohol consumption, smoking, unhealthy diet, abuse of herbal medication, lack of exercise, and excessive weight gain as major causes of chronic kidney disease.
The World Kidney Day event, held at Obuasi-Anyinam in the Ashanti region, included free health screening and education sessions on kidney health.
Mr Emmanuel Masseh, representing Edmund Oduro Agyei, AGA-Obuasi Mine Community Relations Manager, emphasised the importance of preventive healthcare measures.
“Through our outreach programmes, we aim to bring quality healthcare to the doorsteps of our communities,” Mr Masseh said.
“Events like this mini clinic empower the public with knowledge to protect their health and seek medical assistance when needed,” he added
The event was supported by partners including Nananom, Anyinam Community, AGA Health Foundation, Otumfuo Health Foundation, Ghana Health Services, and Quantum.
As Ghana grapples with the alarming rise in kidney disease cases, events like World Kidney Day serve as a reminder of the importance of prioritising kidney health and promoting preventive healthcare measures.
From Kingsley E. Hope, Obuasi
The Chairperson of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) Abena Osei Asare has expressed concerns about the failure of the Administrator of the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund) Mr. Paul Adjei to honour invitation of the Committee to assist in dealing with abandoned projects cited in the 2024 Auditor-General’s report.
She emphasised that some of the projects have been abandoned for more than 20 years and it kept reoccurring in the Auditor-General’s report yearly, stressing that the GETFund Administrator could assist by prioritising these projects.
However, he has failed to personally appear before the Committee since the commencement of the Committee’s public hearing in the 9th Parliament.
According to the 2024 Auditor-General’s report on Pre-University Educational Institutions, nine (9) Institutions with 16 projects awarded by the GET Fund Secretariat had been abandoned/delayed for a period ranging between three (3) and 28 years.
Some of the affected schools include Adanwomoase Senior High School (Boys and Girls dormitory abandoned for 12 years), Atoa Senior High School (Home Economics Block abandoned for 27 years), Beposo Senior High School (Dinning Hall and Kitchen Complex abandoned for 10 years and lastly KNUST Senior High School (Three storey classroom block abandoned for 20 years).
The Parliamentary Select Committee on Energy continued its oversight responsibilities with a working visit to the National Petroleum Authority (NPA) yesterday.
Chairman of the Committee, Emmanuel Kwasi Bedzrah, said the visit formed part of efforts to familiarize members with the Authority’s operations and to explore ways Parliament could provide the necessary support.
He explained that the NPA’s work is focused on regulating Ghana’s downstream petroleum sector, a critical area for national energy security.
Mr. Bedzrah noted that the Committee is particularly interested in assessing whether the country has adequate petroleum stock to meet demand.
He noted that rising geopolitical tensions, including the ongoing US–Iran conflict, could have adverse effect on Ghana’s energy supply and pricing.
He further disclosed that the Committee intends to engage closely with the Authority on a proposed new petroleum bill.
According to him, a draft of the legislation will be reviewed and possibly presented to Parliament under a certificate of urgency.
News1 week ago“We are working to transform the Kwahu Business Village into an international conference hub”
- News1 week ago
Kwahu Business Forum:My engagement with President Mahama has boosted my business — Lydia Forson
- News1 week ago
DeniiNoi Foundation Supports Taifa Polyclinic with Medical Equipment
