A stroke specialist at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital has issued a warning that one in every four people alive today will suffer a stroke at some point in their lifetime. Dr. Freda Amoaten, a neurologist attached to the hospital's Stroke Unit, made the disclosure on the Citi Breakfast Show on Friday, October 30, 2026. She emphasized that the global burden of stroke continues to grow at an alarming pace, with roughly 12 million new stroke cases recorded worldwide each year.
According to Dr. Amoaten, approximately 100 million people are currently living with the effects of stroke. She noted that someone, somewhere in the world, suffers a stroke roughly every two seconds. The neurologist cited global statistics, highlighting the urgent need for public education and awareness about the condition. Stroke occurs when blood supply to part of the brain is interrupted, either due to a clot blocking a vessel or a vessel bursting and causing bleeding inside the brain.
Ghana's case numbers have been rising since 2021, with about 25,000 stroke cases recorded in the country that year, according to figures from the Ghana Health Service. Although Dr. Amoaten did not provide an updated national figure for 2026, she warned that the numbers have continued to climb in recent years. The condition has traditionally been seen as a disease of older people, but it is increasingly affecting younger age groups, making public education and early screening more urgent.
Dr. Amoaten identified high blood pressure as one of the leading risk factors for stroke and urged the public to check their blood pressure and blood sugar levels regularly and to stay physically active. She advised people to "know your numbers and control your blood pressure," noting that medication exists to help manage hypertension and reduce stroke risk. The neurologist emphasized that prevention cannot eliminate stroke risk entirely but remains the most effective way to cut down the burden of the disease.
While prevention is key, Dr. Amoaten assured the public that effective treatment and care exist for stroke patients. She urged anyone affected to seek medical attention promptly rather than delay. Her comments highlight continuing gaps in hypertension screening, public awareness, and rehabilitation support for stroke survivors in Ghana, areas that need far greater attention to control the country's rising case numbers.
The rising case numbers in Ghana underscore the need for increased public awareness and education about stroke prevention and treatment. Dr. Amoaten's warning emphasizes the importance of early screening and management of risk factors, such as high blood pressure and diabetes. By taking proactive steps, individuals can reduce their risk of suffering a stroke and ensure timely medical attention if symptoms occur.
The Korle Bu Teaching Hospital's Stroke Unit is working to address the growing burden of stroke in Ghana. Dr. Amoaten's comments serve as a call to action for the public, healthcare professionals, and policymakers to prioritize stroke prevention, education, and care. By working together, it is possible to reduce the impact of stroke on individuals, families, and communities across the country.
Key points
- One in four people will suffer a stroke in their lifetime, with 12 million new cases recorded worldwide each year.
- Ghana's stroke case numbers have been rising since 2021, with 25,000 cases recorded that year.
- High blood pressure is a leading risk factor for stroke, and prevention remains key to reducing the burden of the disease.
