As of 2025, every Ghanaian aged 30 years and above has a 25% probability of dying before reaching their 65-year life expectancy. Unfortunately, a significant number of those affected are working-class individuals, upon whom the country depends not only to support the already aging population but also to contribute immensely to national development. Interestingly, Ghana’s average life expectancy was around 46 years in 1957 when the country gained independence, contrary to the common belief that “people used to live much longer in the olden days.”
These lower life expectancy rates in the past were primarily due to infectious diseases, such as malaria and tuberculosis, along with maternal-related complications. A comprehensive study on healthcare in Ghana (1957–2017) confirms these findings. However, significant progress has been made since independence. Public health interventions, including health education, tuberculosis treatments, insecticide-treated mosquito nets, and widespread anti-malarial programs, have contributed to the increase in life expectancy. Despite this progress, Ghana still lags behind other African nations like Mauritius and Algeria, where life expectancies range between 75 and 76 years.
In less than half a century before the start of the 21st century, major healthcare shifts in Ghana have resulted in a new public health crisis—the rise of chronic diseases, including hypertension, diabetes, and cardiovascular disorders. About five decades ago, these illnesses were not a major concern, but today, they account for nearly 50% of all mortalities and morbidities. This rapid surge presents two key challenges:
A growing elderly population burdened by chronic illnesses, which Ghana is not adequately prepared to manage. The urgent need to curb the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases, especially among younger adults.
These concerns are evidenced by the rising number of stroke cases among young individuals and the increased need for dialysis for patients suffering from end-stage kidney failure.
Ghana has recently invested in new healthcare infrastructure, leading to the construction of hospitals equipped with ultramodern facilities and specialized medical departments. These improvements, supported by the World Health Organization (WHO), have strengthened early detection and preventive care efforts through public health outreach programs.
One key initiative is the Global Regulatory and Fiscal Capacity Building Program (Global RECAP), which aims to address physical inactivity among Ghana’s increasingly sedentary population. Additionally, the Ghana Medical Trust Fund, introduced by the government, serves as a financial support system for chronic disease management, complementing the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS). Healthcare professionals and public health officials have intensified prevention-focused community engagements, promoting early screening and detection of chronic illnesses.
Despite these policy efforts, the rate of chronic diseases continues to rise aggressively, especially among youth, exacerbated by increased life expectancy. As a result, Ghana faces the risk of losing more than 50% of its population to chronic disease-related mortality and morbidity over the next decade.
To mitigate this impending crisis, Ghana must rethink its healthcare strategy, shifting towards an aging-centered approach. One crucial step would be the integration of gerontologists into healthcare policymaking at district and primary healthcare levels. This would ensure that the country is adequately prepared to support older adults and prevent fatal end-of-life experiences for those who have contributed immensely to national development.
The Ministry of Health must enact strategic policies focusing on the long-term health and well-being of Ghana’s aging population. Preparing for this new phase in public health will be essential in ensuring that extended lifespans do not equate to increased disease burden but instead lead to a healthier, more sustainable future for all.
Written by: Ahmed Danquah
For: Ghanaian Scholars Abroad
