A Nephrologist and Senior Lecturer at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology School of Medical Sciences, Dr. Elliot Koranteng Tannor has raised the alarm on what he says is the increasing prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in Ghana.

He identifies diabetes and hypertension as the primary drivers behind the alarming trend.

In an interview with Joy News on May 15, Dr. Tannor emphasised the shift in health concerns from infectious diseases to non-communicable diseases (NCDs).

He stated, ”It is very important that we realise now that what is killing us nowadays are not the infections anymore. Gone are the days when we used to worry so much about infections, TB, HIV, malaria, and so on, but in this dispensation now, the so-called non-communicable diseases are the major killers." 

Highlighting data from Ghana, Dr Tannor revealed that approximately one-in-four adults over 18 years suffers hypertension, with even higher rates observed in certain regions.

He stressed the detrimental role of excessive salt consumption in exacerbating hypertension, urging individuals to reduce their salt intake to prevent the onset of this condition.

 “So let's cut down our salt, let's not wait to get hypertension first before we cut down our salt. You might be too busy, and not have time to exercise, but use your daily activities as an exercise."

Moreover, Dr. Tannor expressed concern over the widespread use of aphrodisiacs among young men, cautioning against the potential long-term consequences on kidney health.

He warned; “The aphrodisiac, young men, I mean think, that's my worry, people don't even know what they are taking and they are just taking it because it has some potent something that they will give to you. 

“And what I say is that as a young man, you keep taking that aphrodisiac, go sleep with those 10, 20 women. Now when your kidney functions run down, they will leave you and go to somebody who probably has, you know, a well-functioning kidney, okay, and probably you will be dead and gone. 

“So please, don't aim to satisfy so many women for whatever you want to get out of it and lose your life in the short run.”