Introduction
In many African countries, including Ghana, healthcare is often reactive rather than proactive. The importance of wellness and preventive health cannot be overstated, especially as Ghana faces a growing burden of both communicable and Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) such as HIV and Hepatitis (communicable) and hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, cancers, etc (non-communicable).
In 2024, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), NCDs alone accounted for approximately 43% of all deaths in Ghana. With a healthcare system struggling with inadequate infrastructure and a shortage of professionals, the shift towards preventive health is not just necessary but urgent and essential for a healthier Ghana.
Understanding Preventive Health
Preventive health focuses on proactive measures taken to reduce the risk of disease before it occurs. This includes lifestyle modifications, regular screenings, vaccinations, and public health initiatives aimed at minimizing risk factors. Choosing prevention over cure leads to improved quality of life, enhanced productivity, and significant cost savings for individuals and the nation as a whole.
The Role of Wellness in Healthcare
Wellness is more than just the absence of illness; it is an active pursuit of a balanced and fulfilling life. Prioritizing wellness through regular exercise, balanced nutrition, responsible lifestyle choices, and routine medical check-ups significantly reduces the risk of chronic diseases.
Mental well-being also plays a crucial role, as stress management and emotional support help prevent anxiety and depression. When individuals and families embrace wellness, they create healthier home environments, leading to improved sleep, better productivity, and overall enhanced quality of life.
In Ghana, where preventable diseases place immense pressure on the limited healthcare facilities, a stronger emphasis on wellness will ease this burden. Encouraging corporate wellness programs, community health education, and routine medical screenings will contribute to a healthier and more productive population.
Insights from Corporate Wellness Programs in Ghana
At the maiden edition of the Ghana Employers Association’s Occupational Safety & Health (OSH) Conference 2024, where I was a speaker, we conducted a survey to assess the state of corporate wellness programs in Ghana and the level of patronage by the companies present at the event. We had ninety-six (96) respondents to this survey from top firms in Ghana spanning various industries such as Agriculture, Mining, Oil and Gas, Telecommunication, insurance, and Manufacturing, just to mention a few. From the survey, we found that:
- 80.2% of companies make it mandatory for staff to do pre-employment medicals.
- 62.5% offer annual wellness medicals for staff.
- Only 32.3% provide mental health support or CPR/basic life support training for staff.
- 54.2% provided health education sessions for their staff.
- 38.5% organize team bonding activities for staff.
- Alarmingly, 9.4% of companies offer no wellness services at all.
These statistics highlight that while many workplaces have some form of wellness programs, there is huge room for improvement, particularly in mental health support and life-saving skills training. Organizations must move beyond occasional screenings and adopt structured, regular wellness initiatives that actively engage employees in their health and well-being.
Key Preventive Health Strategies
Preventive health strategies are essential in reducing disease burden and improving overall well-being for all. A study published by the PLOS Global Public Health in 2024 estimates that 23.1% of Ghanaian adults are overweight, and 13.3% are obese, totaling approximately 36.4%. 19.3% of adult women (aged 18 years and over) and 5.6% of adult men are found to be living with obesity.
Another study by the Global Nutrition Report in 2021 revealed that Ghana has shown limited progress towards achieving the diet-related Non-Communicable Disease (NCD) targets.
In August 2024, the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) launched the “Free Annual Health Checkup” programme. This is a program targeted at providing free annual health screenings to citizens aged 18 and above. Though a great initiative, several questions remain. How do we get people to make use of this wonderful initiative? Is it going to cover all relevant annual wellness screening tests? What will be the quality of service to be provided? Etc. As it stands, we have more questions than answers.
It is worth noting that several clinics across the country also have wellness packages that the public can patronise in a proactive attempt to safeguard their health. In my candid opinion, we must intensify efforts to raise awareness and encourage proactive health-seeking behaviors.
At the workplace, wellness programs that incorporate fitness initiatives and stress management strategies can significantly improve employee health and productivity. Additionally, media and community outreach should be leveraged to promote disease prevention.
The Economic Benefits of Preventive Health
Investing in wellness and preventive healthcare reduces the economic burden on individuals, employers, and the healthcare system. The simple truth is that treating chronic diseases is far more expensive than preventing them.
According to the World Bank, Ghana loses over $200 million annually due to productivity losses from preventable illnesses. As a developing country, I am of the view that the government and private stakeholders must prioritize policies that support preventive healthcare to create a healthier, more productive workforce and society.
Conclusion
A prosperous Ghana is achievable with a strong primary healthcare (PHC) system as one of its main pillars. By prioritizing regular check-ups, embracing healthier lifestyles, and integrating wellness initiatives in schools, workplaces, and religious institutions, Ghana can reduce the prevalence of chronic diseases and improve public health outcomes. Policymakers must take decisive steps to cement primary healthcare as the foundation of Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
Additionally, primary healthcare must be strengthened to ensure that more health professionals, including, but not limited to, Physician Assistants and Community Health Nurses at the sub-district level, are equipped to deliver quality preventive care. The long-term impact will be healthier communities, less strain on hospitals, and a more productive nation.
As I always say, prevention is not better than cure—prevention is the cure. If we do not seal the leaks now, we will soon be overwhelmed by the flood.
About the Author
Samuel Agyekum is a healthcare business and wellness consultant. He serves as the Occupational Health Manager for Rabito Clinic, a clinician at the Office of the President Medical Centre, and the CEO of Prevenza Health Consult and the Prevenza Foundation. Passionate about holistic health, he works to promote sustainable wellness initiatives in corporate and community settings.
