Copyright gbcghanaonline
By: Joycelyn Tseyiboe Ama Nephrologist and Physician specialist, DR. Akosua Ampomah Asomaning, speaking on GTV’s breakfast show on October 3,2025, raised concerns over the increasing number of young Ghanaians being diagnosed with kidney disease. According to Dr. Akosua, about 13 percent of Ghanaians are currently living with some form of kidney disease. Even more worrying, she said the condition is now affecting people in their 20s, 30s and 40s, the country’s productive age group. Dr. Akosua, also explained that diabetes and hypertension remain the leading causes of kidney failure in Ghana. However, she noted that other factors such as genetic conditions, infections, and exposure to harmful substances are also contributing significantly. “Many young people take unregulated herbal medications and other toxic substances. Some are also exposed to heavy metals like lead through cooking utensils and local brewing processes, which can severely damage the kidneys,” she said. Dr. Akosua added that frequent use of recreational drugs, unsafe local alcoholic drinks, and unmonitored use of aphrodisiacs are also posing serious health risks. She further noted that kidney disease is often called a “silent killer” because it may not show symptoms until about 90 percent of kidney function has been lost. Common signs include swollen legs or face, tiredness, reduced urine output, and high blood pressure. Baba, a kidney transplant survivor, recounted his difficult journey since being diagnosed in 2015. “Being on dialysis was hell,” he said. “I had to do it three times a week for over three hours each time. Sometimes there were no working machines, and even water for dialysis was a problem.” He revealed that the treatment cost was overwhelming, but with support from colleagues, students, and his family — including his wife who became his donor — he was able to undergo a successful kidney transplant in 2019. Baba said his experience taught him the importance of regular medical checkups and lifestyle changes. Dr. Akosua is therefore urging Ghanaians to avoid self-medication, reduce intake of harmful substances, and check their blood pressure and sugar levels regularly to prevent kidney disease. She emphasized that early detection and proper management remain key to saving lives and reducing the burden of kidney failure in Ghana.
