Nearly one in five Ghanaians may be living with chronic kidney disease as cases surge nationwide

Health specialists say hospitals are recording unprecedented numbers of patients with kidney disease, with many only seeking medical care after the illness has progressed to its final stages, leaving dialysis or kidney transplantation as the only treatment options.

Public health experts say without stronger investment in prevention, early diagnosis and public education, Ghana could face an even greater burden of chronic kidney disease in the coming years, placing additional pressure on an already stretched healthcare system.

Nearly one in five Ghanaians could be living with chronic kidney disease (CKD), many without knowing they have the condition, as doctors warn of a sharp increase in cases across the country.