In Ghana, chronic illnesses such as diabetes and hypertension are not only health threats but also economic burdens, as illustrated by the experiences of Trudy Nartey and Kwesi Yeboah Nketiah. Nartey, 45, was diagnosed with diabetes in her twenties and struggled to maintain employment at a private firm that eventually terminated her after repeated requests for medical leave. She spent almost two years unemployed, unable to afford medication, before securing a government job that offered more stability.
Meanwhile, 31‑year‑old Kwesi collapsed from dizziness and was hospitalized, where he was diagnosed with hypertension. He now takes medication daily but worries about lifelong treatment and the psychological toll of a chronic condition he never expected.
World Health Organization data underscore the scale of the problem: global diabetes cases rose from 200 million in 1990 to 830 million in 2022, with 14 % of adults aged 18+ affected. Hypertension touches 1.4 billion adults worldwide, with only 23 % under control. In Ghana, a 2023 WHO STEPS survey found 21.7 % of adults had hypertension and 5.2 % had raised blood glucose, yet many remain undiagnosed.
Dr Abdul Wahab Agbeve, Director of Agbeve Hospital, warns that both diseases can damage kidneys, leading to costly dialysis or transplantation. He stresses that early diagnosis, proper treatment and regular monitoring can prevent severe complications that disrupt work and drain household finances.
Employers face staffing pressures and added costs when employees miss work or require frequent medical visits. Yet chronic illness does not automatically render an employee unproductive; with adequate care and workplace accommodations, many continue to perform effectively.
These stories highlight the urgent need for early screening, accessible treatment and supportive work environments to safeguard both health and livelihoods in Ghana.
