By Ebenezer Chike Adjei NJOKU
Dr. Davies Kofie Adedze, a leading advocate for regenerative medicine, has stated that stem cell therapy could significantly reduce the country’s burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and other leading causes of death.
According to him, the conventional approach to managing NCDs—primarily through medication and lifestyle adjustments—often fails to address the underlying cellular damage that fuels disease progression.
“We are treating symptoms rather than causes, which means patients remain dependent on long-term medication,” he told the B&FT.
Stem cell therapy offers a different approach by harnessing the body’s own regenerative capabilities to repair damaged tissues and restore normal function.
Dr. Adedze, who is the Medical Director at Mary-Lucy Hospital and Fertility Centre further noted that this innovative treatment has shown promising results in patients with conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and joint degeneration.
“In cases where organs or tissues are severely impaired, stem cell therapy has the potential to restore function, reducing the need for costly procedures like dialysis or surgery. For many patients, this could mean fewer hospital visits, improved quality of life, and long-term cost savings,” he explained.
Ghana is facing a growing crisis of NCDs such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer, and chronic respiratory conditions. These illnesses, once considered rare in Sub-Saharan Africa, now account for over 37 percent of deaths in the region—a figure expected to surpass infectious diseases as the leading cause of death by 2030. Globally, NCDs are responsible for nearly 75 percent of all deaths.
The country’s first nationwide NCD risk factor survey, launched by the Ministry of Health and the World Health Organization, highlights concerning trends. Tobacco use is at 4.8 percent, shisha smoking at 7.8 percent, and alcohol consumption at 2.5 percent.
Additionally, 22.8 percent of adults aged 18-29 regularly consume processed foods high in salt, while physical inactivity affects 14.6 percent of women and 5.5 percent of men. “This surge in lifestyle-related diseases is placing an unsustainable burden on our healthcare system,” Dr. Adedze noted.
“We are seeing more hospitalizations, more reliance on long-term medication, and higher treatment costs. Stem cell therapy could offer a more sustainable solution,” he added.
A medical and economic opportunity
Stem cell therapy is a rapidly advancing field of medicine that uses the body’s own regenerative cells to repair damaged tissues, restore organ function, and potentially reverse disease progression. In contrast to conventional treatments that require lifelong medication or repeated surgeries, stem cell therapy targets the underlying cause of chronic conditions.
The economic implications of adopting regenerative medicine are significant. Ghana’s healthcare system is under pressure from the rising cost of managing chronic diseases, with treatment expenses draining both public resources and household incomes. Stem cell therapy, though initially costly, could prove more cost-effective in the long run by reducing hospital admissions, medication dependency, and disability-related productivity losses.
The global regenerative medicine market is expanding rapidly, with projections estimating its value at over US$60 billion by 2030. Ghana has the potential to position itself as a regional leader in this field, attracting medical tourism, research funding, and private-sector investment.
“Countries that invest early in stem cell research are seeing economic and healthcare benefits. Ghana should not be left behind,” Dr. Adedze remarked.
The case for Stem Cell regulation and investment
Despite its potential, stem cell therapy remains underutilised in Ghana due to regulatory uncertainty and limited public awareness. Currently, there are no formal policies governing its use, leaving both medical professionals and patients in a legal and ethical gray area.
Countries such as Japan, South Korea, and the United States have implemented clear frameworks to regulate regenerative medicine, ensuring both patient safety and medical advancement. In contrast, Ghana has yet to develop comprehensive guidelines that would facilitate responsible adoption of the technology.
Dr. Adedze noted that investment in research infrastructure is critical. Establishing dedicated stem cell research centers and clinical trials would allow Ghana to develop evidence-based protocols, ensure ethical oversight, and train local medical professionals.
Public-private partnerships could also accelerate progress, bringing in funding and expertise from global health institutions.
Beyond treatment – a strategy for prevention
While stem cell therapy is a promising solution for treating chronic diseases, Dr. Davies argues that it should be integrated into a broader national strategy to combat NCDs. He advocates for preventive healthcare policies, including better nutrition education, exercise promotion, and early screening programmes.
“The ultimate goal should be to reduce the incidence of these diseases through proactive health measures,” he said. “But for those already affected, stem cell therapy provides an opportunity to improve health outcomes and reduce the long-term economic impact of chronic illnesses.”
Ghana’s first steps in Stem Cell adoption
Ghana took its first major step toward stem cell treatment in 2022, when the Greater Accra Regional Hospital established the country’s first stem cell therapy center. The facility was launched to provide advanced treatment options for chronic diseases, marking an important milestone for regenerative medicine in the country.
“This was a significant development, but more needs to be done to expand access to these treatments across Ghana,” Dr. Adedze stated.
He believes that with the right investment, policy reforms, and awareness campaigns, Ghana could lead Africa in stem cell research and application.
A defining moment for Ghana’s healthcare future
As the prevalence of NCDs continues to rise, Ghana faces a choice: continue managing chronic diseases with traditional, high-cost treatments or invest in medical innovations that could transform healthcare delivery.
Dr. Adedze remains optimistic about the potential of stem cell therapy to reshape Ghana’s medical landscape. “This is not a futuristic concept—it is already happening globally,” he said. “If Ghana embraces this technology, we can improve public health, reduce healthcare costs, and position the country as a leader in medical innovation. The time to act is now,” added.
