The Director of the National Cardiothoracic Centre (NCC), Dr. Kow Entsua-Mensah, has raised concerns about the growing threat of cardiovascular diseases in Ghana. At the launch of World Heart Day 2026 at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital in Accra, Dr. Entsua-Mensah cautioned that diabetes, high cholesterol, obesity, physical inactivity, unhealthy diets, tobacco use, and harmful alcohol consumption could progressively damage the cardiovascular system. He emphasized that the fight against cardiovascular diseases requires collaboration among the government, healthcare institutions, corporate organizations, schools, workplaces, faith-based organizations, civil society, and the media.
Dr. Entsua-Mensah's revelations have sparked a renewed call to action for Ghanaians to adopt healthier lifestyles. However, the issue of spatial planning has also come under scrutiny. The country's urban planning has been criticized for prioritizing development over public spaces, making it difficult for residents to engage in outdoor exercises. Narrow streets, lined with shops, hawkers, and motorbikes, pose significant challenges to those seeking to walk or cycle.
The lack of parks, walkways, and open fields in many Ghanaian neighborhoods is a major concern. Estates are often built with high walls, electric fencing, and gates, but lack recreational spaces. What were once designated as open spaces are often converted into commercial activities, such as container shops, car washes, or churches. This has resulted in a scarcity of safe spaces for residents to engage in physical activity.
Despite these challenges, there are signs that Ghanaians are eager to prioritize their health. Every Saturday, keep-fit clubs can be seen jogging and exercising along highways and in the Aburi Mountains. However, these activities often require police escorts, highlighting the need for dedicated spaces for exercise. The sidewalk, a crucial infrastructure for pedestrians, is often occupied by traders, mechanics, and parked vehicles, forcing pedestrians onto the road.
The relationship between spatial planning and diet is also significant. The proliferation of fried-food stalls and markets near schools, lorry stations, and junctions makes unhealthy choices more accessible and affordable. Fresh fruits and vegetables are often sold further away, at higher prices, making it difficult for residents to make healthy choices. Urban planning policies can play a crucial role in promoting healthy eating habits.
To address these issues, stakeholders are calling for a multi-faceted approach. The enforcement of planning laws and the protection of open spaces are critical. The Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies must work to reclaim sidewalks and ensure that new estates provide parks and walkways. Existing infrastructure, such as streetlights, must also be maintained to ensure public safety.
Collaboration among stakeholders, including planners, pastors, headteachers, employers, and assembly members, is essential to finding solutions. By working together, it is possible to create environments that promote physical activity and healthy living. The goal is to make healthy choices easier, more convenient, and more accessible to all Ghanaians.
Key points
- Dr. Kow Entsua-Mensah emphasizes the need for collaboration to combat cardiovascular diseases.
- Poor spatial planning in Ghana contributes to a lack of safe spaces for physical activity.
- Addressing these challenges requires a multi-faceted approach, including policy changes and community engagement.
