The prevalence of high blood pressure (hypertension) in Ghana is high and rapidly increasing, with recent estimates suggesting that between 28% and 50%
of adults are affected. Hypertension is a major
public health issue in the country, often under-diagnosed and linked to rapid
urbanization, with higher
rates observed in urban areas (up to 54%) compared
to rural areas.
It is at the backdrop of this that the Consolidated
Bank Ghana Limited (CBG) rolled out a free health screening programme, targeting
about 1,000 residents in the Baatsona and Spintex communities in the Greater
Accra Region.
The
exercise was focused on helping residents know their blood pressure, diabetes
and cholesterol levels.
It was
also used to encourage them to take responsibility for their health and give
medical advice where necessary.
Lack of awareness has always been a major obstacle in
the fight against blood pressure in Ghana. A major concern is the high rate of
undiagnosed cases. Studies indicate that up to 66% of people with high blood
pressure are unaware of their condition.
Obesity and overweight
rates are high and rising in Ghana, particularly in urban areas and among
women. A recent health survey found that 50.2% of women aged 15-49 were
overweight or obese, with nearly 43% of the total adult population affected,
driven by dietary shifts and sedentary urban lifestyles.
High cholesterol and
related lipid disorders are also a significant and growing public health
concern in Ghana
. While historically
considered lower in African populations, dyslipidaemia—abnormal levels of
lipids—is now highly prevalent, particularly
in urban areas.
The CBG
health screening formed part of the bank’s effort to promote preventive health
care and support Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) three on good health and
well-being.
Another
area of focus in its free health screening is diabetes. Diabetes prevalence in
Ghana is rising rapidly, with estimates ranging from 4.0% to 8.3percent. It is
a major non-communicable disease (NCD) threat, particularly affecting urban
areas and older adults, while also emerging in younger populations.
According
to CBG, the Health Train is a flagship health outreach initiative aimed at
improving preventive healthcare and promoting health awareness in the
communities where the bank operates.
The
inaugural exercise, which held at the Power of Worship International Ministries
(POWI) in Baatsonaa, provided hundreds of congregants and community members
with free health screenings, including blood pressure, blood sugar (diabetes),
and cholesterol checks.
Speaking
on behalf of the Managing Director, Dr Naomi Wolali Kwetey, Mavis Frempong,
Head of Corporate Communications, Marketing, and Brands at CBG, reaffirmed the
Bank’s commitment to improving community health outcomes.
“Consolidated
Bank Ghana is a wholly Ghanaian-owned bank, and as part of our CSR policy, we
focus on education, health, and community development. This first quarter, we
are deliberately prioritising health, and that is why we are here today,” she
said.
CBG
Health Train targets about 1,000 beneficiaries across three locations, with the
Baatsonaa outreach serving as the first stop.
She
noted that the 2026 health campaign is themed “Know Your Numbers,” underscoring
the importance of understanding one’s health status as a foundation for
long-term well-being.
Mrs
Frempong further disclosed that, in addition to the screenings, CBG will roll
out additional health initiatives throughout the year to strengthen community
healthcare delivery.
“As we
always say, a healthy mind resides in a healthy body. Health is central to
productivity and prosperity,” she noted.
The
Founder and General Overseer of Power of Worship International Ministries,
Prophet Daniel Amoateng, expressed profound appreciation to CBG for selecting
the church as the first host community.
“We
are grateful to CBG for bringing this important health intervention to our
congregation and community. This initiative speaks to the bank’s genuine
concern for the well-being of the people, and we are honoured to partner with
CBG on this impactful programme,” he said.
According
to the bank, the CBG Health Train will continue its journey to additional
selected communities to empower Ghanaians to live healthier, more informed
lives.
It further
added that the initiative aligns with CBG’s Corporate Social Responsibility
(CSR) agenda and supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG)
3—Good Health and Well-Being.







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