A visit to a dialysis centre in Accra, Kumasi, or Tamale reveals that kidney failure is not just a disease of old age, but also affects many Ghanaians in their economically productive years. A 2026 systematic review covering 27 Ghanaian studies and 11,245 participants estimated a pooled chronic kidney disease prevalence of 19 per cent among the populations studied. The review identified chronic glomerulonephritis, hypertension, and diabetes as the principal causes of kidney disease in Ghana.
The review also found that kidney disease disproportionately affects men between 20 and 50 years. However, it would be inaccurate to suggest that most young dialysis patients developed the condition solely from consuming energy drinks or alcoholic bitters. Energy drinks have not been established as a leading direct cause of chronic kidney disease in Ghana, but frequent or excessive consumption may increase risks that can ultimately harm the kidneys.
Energy drinks contain considerable amounts of caffeine and added sugar, which can cause palpitations, temporarily raise blood pressure, and contribute to dehydration, particularly when consumed during strenuous work or exercise in Ghana’s hot climate without adequate water. Regular consumption of sugar-sweetened drinks can also promote weight gain and Type 2 diabetes, one of the recognised causes of kidney disease.
Scientific reports have described acute kidney injury after extremely high energy-drink consumption, especially when combined with dehydration, intense physical activity, or alcohol. However, much of the direct evidence comes from case reports and laboratory studies, making claims that one ordinary can automatically “destroys the kidneys” medically misleading.
Mixing energy drinks with alcohol presents an additional danger, as caffeine does not neutralise alcohol or make a person sober. It may simply make the drinker feel more alert, encouraging further drinking even while judgement and coordination remain impaired. The combination is associated with dehydration, higher blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, injuries, and risky behaviour.
Ghanaians must also be cautious about alcoholic bitters and products promoted as sexual-performance enhancers. “Herbal” does not automatically mean harmless, and alcoholic bitters are not substitutes for clinically tested medicine. Poorly prepared herbal remedies and other potentially toxic substances have been identified among the contributors to acute kidney injury in Ghana.
The financial consequences of kidney disease can be devastating, with patients spending an average of about GH¢3,600 on dialysis treatment over a 30-day period, excluding major transportation and income losses. Prevention begins with simple but important choices, such as drinking enough water, reducing sugary and energy drinks, and controlling blood pressure and blood sugar. Regular screening is equally important, particularly for anyone with hypertension, diabetes, obesity, or a family history of kidney disease.
Key points
- A 2026 review estimated a 19% prevalence of chronic kidney disease among Ghanaian populations.
- Energy drinks and alcoholic bitters are not substitutes for clinically tested medicine and can harm the kidneys.
- Prevention begins with simple choices, such as drinking enough water and controlling blood pressure and blood sugar.
