The National Cardiothoracic Centre (NCTC) of the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH) recently organised a health walk in Accra to encourage Ghanaians to incorporate physical activity into their daily routines. The event, which marked World Heart Day 2026, aimed to raise awareness about the importance of preventing cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) through healthier lifestyles. The walk started and ended at the Efua Sutherland Children’s Park, with participants walking through principal streets of the central business district.
The health walk was part of a broader effort to promote regular exercise and educate the public about the need to prevent CVDs. The programme also featured a practical demonstration of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and basic life support. This was designed to equip participants with the skills to respond to medical emergencies. Participants were taught how to check whether a person who had collapsed was responsive and breathing, call for emergency assistance, and perform chest compressions where necessary.
According to the Director of the NCTC, Dr Kow Entsua-Mensah, CVDs remain a major cause of death in Ghana, affecting an increasing number of people in their 30s, 40s, and 50s. He emphasised that many cardiovascular conditions could be prevented or managed through early detection, healthier lifestyles, and timely treatment. Dr Entsua-Mensah urged the public to take advantage of health facilities at the community and district levels to undergo routine health checks.
Dr Entsua-Mensah encouraged Ghanaians to regularly check their blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol levels, maintain a healthy weight, exercise regularly, reduce salt and processed food intake, get adequate sleep, and avoid smoking. He stressed that adopting healthy habits and knowing key health indicators could significantly reduce the burden of CVDs in the country. The Director's comments underscored the importance of personal responsibility in maintaining heart health.
This year’s World Heart Day theme, “Heart disease can hide in plain sight: Don’t miss a beat,” highlights the importance of recognising the signs and symptoms of cardiovascular diseases. The theme aims to encourage people to take steps to prevent and control CVDs. By promoting awareness and education, the NCTC hopes to empower Ghanaians to take control of their heart health.
The NCTC's efforts to promote heart health are particularly relevant in Ghana, where CVDs are a significant public health concern. The Centre's initiatives aim to address the growing number of people affected by CVDs, particularly those in their 30s, 40s, and 50s. By encouraging healthier lifestyles and regular exercise, the NCTC hopes to reduce the incidence of CVDs and promote overall well-being.
The health walk and related activities organised by the NCTC demonstrate the Centre's commitment to promoting heart health in Ghana. By engaging the public and providing education on CVD prevention, the NCTC is working to reduce the burden of cardiovascular diseases in the country. The Centre's efforts are a step towards creating a healthier and more informed community.
Key points
- The National Cardiothoracic Centre urges Ghanaians to adopt healthier lifestyles to prevent cardiovascular diseases.
- CVDs remain a major cause of death in Ghana, affecting an increasing number of people in their 30s, 40s, and 50s.
- Regular exercise and healthy habits can significantly reduce the burden of CVDs in Ghana.
