A Principal Dietitian at the Upper East Regional Hospital, Mr. Innocent Braimah, has sounded the alarm on the growing public health threat posed by excessive salt intake in Ghana, particularly as it relates to the rise in hypertension cases across all age groups.
Speaking to the Ghana News Agency (GNA) during the regional launch of World Hypertension Day in Bolgatanga, Mr. Braimah revealed that the average Ghanaian consumes more than double the World Health Organization’s recommended daily salt intake — a habit significantly increasing the risk of high blood pressure.
“While the WHO recommends less than five grams of salt per day — about a teaspoon — the average intake is around 11 grams,” he said. “This is deeply worrying and is a major driver of the high hypertension burden we’re seeing, even among the youth.”
World Hypertension Day, marked annually on May 17, seeks to raise awareness about the disease, dubbed the “silent killer,” because of its often symptomless progression until severe health complications emerge.
Mr. Braimah led a medical outreach at the launch where participants underwent blood pressure screening, random fasting blood sugar tests, weight checks, and BMI assessments. He emphasized that high blood pressure can remain undetected for years, making regular checks essential.
“Hypertension is no longer a disease of the aged. Younger people are increasingly affected due to poor diet, sedentary lifestyles, stress, and other avoidable risk factors,” he said.
The dietitian categorized the causes of hypertension into modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors. While age, genetics, and race are beyond individual control, factors such as excess salt intake, alcohol consumption, physical inactivity, smoking, and stress can be addressed to prevent or manage the condition.
He urged Ghanaians to adopt healthier eating habits, reduce their reliance on salty fast foods, and take proactive steps to monitor their health. “The message is simple: check your BP regularly, reduce your salt, and move more,” he concluded.
