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We’re all at risk: Diabetes not ‘rich man’s disease’ – Cardiologist
● Dr. Francis Agyekum, Consultant Cardiologist
In the past, anytime the discussion or education about diabetes came up, many people in the low and middle income categories treated it with contempt because it was believed to be a “rich man’s disease.”
Why would anyone want to pay attention to a subject that, in their opinion, does not concern them? They would rather ignore it.
However, a Consultant Cardiologist at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital in the Greater Accra Region, Dr. Francis Agyekum, has said that the days when diabetes was described as a “rich man’s disease” are a thing of the past because everyone can be affected.
He, therefore, advised that people attach seriousness to the subject, as ignorance could make one engage in activities that could lead to getting the disease.
Dr. Agyekum, who is also a Senior Lecturer at the College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana Medical School, advised the public that anything a person consumed could affect the individual negatively or positively.
He said it was better to be well-informed so that one could consciously be involved in lifestyles and eating habits that would help them prevent the disease.
He explained that diabetes was a chronic disease which involved spending money on accessing healthcare and care in various forms that could be a long-term.
Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disease characterised by elevated levels of glucose, which leads over time to serious damage to the heart, blood vessels, eyes, kidneys, and nerves.
Dr. Agyekum made the remarks at the Merck Foundation Health Media Training in partnership with the First Lady of Ghana, Mrs. Rebecca Akufo-Addo, Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of the Merck Foundation and President of the Merck Foundation’s ‘More Than a Mother’ campaign, and the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA).
The programme was, among other things, aimed at promoting a healthy lifestyle and raising awareness about prevention and early detection of diabetes, and hypertension.
“Symptoms include excessive thirst (polydipsia), excessive appetite (polyphagia), excessive urination (polyuria), weight loss, vision changes, tingling feet and hands, and fatigue,” he said.
Dr. Agyekum, who is also the Vice President of the Ghana Society of Cardiology, said diabetes, a noncommunicable disease, occured from a combination of genetic, physiological, environmental, and behavioural factors, is a leading cause of death worldwide and an emerging global health threat.
While educating the media on Type 2 diabetes, he said it came with risk factors such as a family history of the disease, being 45 years of age or older, being overweight or obese, having high blood pressure, having high cholesterol, smoking, and being physically inactive.
He said to prevent it, there was a need to have a healthy body weight, and for the sake of accuracy and also to be assured of doing the right thing, the public should contact a health facility for the necessary assistance.
The Consultant Cardiologist highlighted the need for persons to be physically active, avoid tobacco use, and have a healthy diet, which ideally should be recommended by a dietician so as not to compromise one’s health.
By Dzifa Tetteh Tay
Ghana’s Finance Minister, Cassiel Ato Forson, says he and his deputy have publicly filed their annual tax returns to demonstrate leadership and encourage compliance among citizens.
In a facebook post, he explained that the move was meant to show that public officials must lead by example when it comes to fulfilling civic duties.
“Leadership must be demonstrated, not declared,” he said.
He commended Ghanaian taxpayers for their continued contribution to national development, noting that tax compliance plays a key role in sustaining government activities.
According to him, paying taxes is both a legal and moral responsibility. He stressed that all citizens, including public officials, professionals, and businesses, are equal before the law and must meet their tax obligations.
He added that tax revenue is essential for funding key sectors such as education, healthcare, infrastructure, and security.
The minister praised the Ghana Revenue Authority for its work, especially during the ongoing Tax and Good Governance Month in April. He said the initiative helps to educate the public and promote voluntary compliance.
He urged the authority to intensify public education and continue reforms aimed at simplifying tax processes, reducing compliance costs, and improving transparency.
He further encouraged individuals and businesses that are yet to file their returns to do so promptly, adding that support systems and digital platforms are available to assist them.
He said building a strong tax culture would strengthen the country’s economy, improve accountability, and promote fairness in society.
By: Jacob Aggrey
The Ghana Tourism Development Company Limited (GTD) in collaboration with the Department of Organisation and Human Resource Management, University of Ghana Business School (UGBS) has marked the 2026 World Safety Day Celebration in Accra.
The event held on Tuesday, April 28, 2026 at the Cedi Conference Centre, Legon was under the theme “Good Psychosocial Working Environment: A Pathway to Thriving Workers and Strong Organizations.”
The day is observed globally to promote safe and healthy working conditions and to raise awareness about both physical and psychological risks at the workplace.
The event formed part of efforts by stakeholders to deepen national conversations on workplace safety, particularly the growing concern about psychosocial well being.
In his keynote address, the Minister for Labour, Jobs and Employment, Dr Abdul Rashid Hassan Pelpuo stressed that workers must not be treated as machines but as human beings with dignity, rights and families.
He explained that unsafe work environments marked by fear, harassment, intimidation and excessive pressure reduce productivity and weaken organisations.
He noted that although physical hazards such as faulty equipment and unsafe buildings remain a concern, psychological risks including excessive workload, bullying, job insecurity and toxic communication are equally dangerous and must be addressed.
According to him, psychological hazards are real, measurable and preventable, and should be treated with the same urgency as physical risks.
He maintained that safe and healthy working conditions are not a luxury but a fundamental right that supports productivity and social justice.
Dr Pelpuo further stated that the government remains committed to strengthening occupational safety and health systems, adding that worker wellbeing is a core responsibility of leadership and not a public relations issue.
He urged employers to create environments where dignity is protected, and workers are empowered to speak without fear.
The Dean of University of Ghana Business School, Prof Ernest Y Tweneboah Koduah noted that the school is committed to shaping a better world of work that is equitable, productive and sustainable.
He announced that the school has secured accreditation from the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission to introduce a programme in organisational health and safety.
He explained that gaps in workplace safety in Ghana are linked to weak enforcement, underreporting and limited professional training.
He added that the new programme will equip graduates with the skills to prioritise employee wellbeing as a key organisational responsibility.
Prof Tweneboah Koduah urged organisations to assess psychosocial risks, invest in human resource capacity and create environments where workers can openly discuss mental health concerns.
He emphasised that collaboration between academia and industry is essential to addressing workplace safety challenges.
Delivering remarks on behalf of the Vice Chancellor, the Registrar of the University of Ghana, Emelia Naa Kwantsua Agyei Mensah described the event as historic, noting that it is the first time the university is marking the global observance.
She explained that the focus on psychosocial wellbeing reflects current realities in the world of work.
She stated that employee health, including mental and emotional wellbeing, directly affects productivity, morale and institutional performance.
Mrs Agyei Mensah added that the university is committed to creating a safe and supportive environment for staff and students, beyond minimum legal requirements.
She called on leaders to reflect on the kind of workplaces they create and to prioritise the wellbeing of employees.
CEO of the GTDC, Prof Kobby on his part noted that its participation aligns with its commitment under the Riyadh Declaration, which calls on member states to improve infrastructure and public safety, as well as enhance services, transport, connectivity and accessibility.
He indicated that the company intends to use the platform to highlight Ghana’s readiness to implement the declaration, with a strong focus on worker safety and wellbeing as a foundation for sustainable tourism development.
The event brought together policymakers, academics, industry players and students to discuss strategies for improving workplace safety and promoting healthier work environments across the country.
By: Jacob Aggrey
