In a staggering find from the newly released Global Burden of Disease study, stroke has broken into the number one position as the foremost cause of death in Ghana, surpassing traditional threats such as lower respiratory infections and neonatal conditions.

Based on GBD 2023 estimates for Ghana, evaluating deaths per 100,000, stroke is identified as the leading cause in 2023, progressing from the second position in 2013, recording a staggering +4.4% rise in mortality.

It surpasses other non-communicable diseases as well as communicable diseases like malaria, which has moved to the fourth position, recording a remarkable -40.4% fall. Taking the third position, another non-communicable disease, ischemic heart disease, has moved up by +12.5%.

“This is not a statistic, but a wake-up call for all Ghanaian families,” says Dr. Ama Mensah, a neurologist working at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital. “Strokes affect all age groups, all regions, but it can be largely preventable. The time to act is now."

In the midst of this challenge faced by Ghana,− as a result of urbanization, diets, as well as the lack of screening in rural areas− it becomes a matter of life and death to comprehend strokes. Below, we'll outline the causes, symptoms, as well as local ways to prevent strokes, utilizing findings from GBD, as well as local expertise from the Ghana Health Service.

What Is a Stroke?

The Unseen Culprits Behind Ghana's Strokes
A stroke, also known as a "brain attack," results from a cut off of blood supply to the brain, which can be a result of a blockage within a blood vessel, creating an "ischemic stroke" accounting for 85% of strokes, versus a burst blood vessel, creating a "hemorrhagic stroke."

Brain tissue dies within minutes from lack of oxygen. In Ghana, where more than 27% of the adult population has high blood pressure, it's especially serious because high blood pressure is the leading controllable risk factor, causing the artery to be weak, leading to a blockage.

Key causes/risk factors identified as being prevalent in Ghana include:
High Blood Pressure (Hypertension): The so-called silent killer, often missed until it's too late. It causes almost half of strokes here, thanks to high sodium-rich diets consisting mainly of processed foods.

Diabetes & High Cholesterol: Both on the rise in proportion to our consumption of sweetened beverages & fried foods, both contribute to a hardening of the arteries, paving the way for obstruction. Alone, diabetes can double the chance of a stroke.

Smoking and Usage: In the case of Ghana, a staggering 5-7% of the nation smokes, though passive smoking in areas such as markets, bars, & trotro stations poses a concealed risk, tripling the threat of clot formation.



Lifestyle Environment Factors: Alcohol consumption, as well as a lack of physical exercise. Research indicates a 61% rise in the incidence of stroke in Ghana from 2016 to 2021, mainly among those under 50 years of age.

The GBD highlights the fact that non-communicable diseases, such as stroke, are increasingly surpassing communicable diseases. If nothing is done, 3 out of 4 people affected by stroke will be dead within eight years of being diagnosed.

Spotting the Signs: Act FAST to Save a Life.
Strokes manifest sudden symptoms, while time is of essence because, without treatment, 1.9 million brain cells die every minute.

In Ghana, a traffic-congested city can take hours, so early recognition can be the difference between recovery versus disability. The FAST mnemonic has been advocated by the GHS as follows:
Face Drooping: The face droops on one side, or it is numb—ask the person to smile.

Arm Weakness: Numbness or weakness in an arm or leg, on one side. Raise both arms. Does one hang lower than the other?

Speaking Difficulty: Slurred speech, difficulty speaking, or confusion—Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence, "The sky is blue."

Time to Call: If presenting symptom occurs, go to the nearest hospital. Record start of time for clot-busting agents such as tPA, which will only work within 4.5 hours.

Others would include severe headache without a cause, loss of sight, dizziness, or loss of balance. Women in Ghana may have some additional symptoms, such as feelings of exhaustion, nausea, as well as delayed health care.

PR Prevention: Empowering Ghanaians to Turn the tide
The bright spot? A startling 80% of strokes can be prevented. And it's much, much deeper than any medication.

Adjusted to fit the Ghana context, here's how you can prevent strokes:
Control Blood Pressure; Keep it below 140/90 mmHg. Free screenings available at CHPS compounds/NHIS clinics.

If hypertensive, follow medication strictly and reduce sodium intake.
Eat Heart Smart: Adopt a Ghanaian diet—enrich it with waakye, beans, kontomire stew, and fruits such as mangoes, pawpaw, banana, oranges, instead of fufu, oily soups. Cut back on sugar intake to prevent diabetes; 1,500-2,000 calories a day if you’re overweight.



Exercise/Move More: Walk 30- 45minutes a day—brisk walks to the market, floor dances, whatever it takes. Exercise reduces stroke by 25%--a matter of utmost importance to our young, sedentary generation.

Stop Smoking and Reduce Alcohol Intake : Join GHS quit-smoking programs, or support organizations. For alcohol, limit your intake to a drink a day, max – one small Star lager, not several at the durbar.
Manage Chronic Conditions: Annual screening for diabetes, cholesterol.

Community Action: Churches, as well as markets, can offer FAST workshops.
The political will is essential, according to researchers, who recommend a set of national guidelines, additional stroke units (at the moment, only a few exist), as well as campaigns to match our success in dealing with malaria.

The rise of stroke within the GBD rankings, from second to first, is emblematic of a preventable crisis. But we can change this narrative. If you/your loved one experiences FAST, report. Your brain, as well as our future Ghana, will thank you.