Death Of Hypertensive-Related Disease On The Rise Among Minors - Prof . Paul Poku

Prof. Paul Poku Sampene Ossei, a Consultant Pathologist at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH), has revealed that hypertensive-related deaths among minors between the ages of 12 and 15 in Ghana are on the rise.

He attributed this to the unwillingness of some deceased families to conduct post-mortem examinations on their loved ones in order to determine the causes of death for future research aimed at enhancing the quality of healthcare in the nation.

Prof. Paul Poku Sampene Ossei, Associate Professor at the School of Medical Sciences (SMS) at KNUST, attributes the unwillingness of the deceased's family to archaic religious beliefs, which he asserts must be disregarded.

On Friday, May 12, 2023, Prof. Paul Poku Sampene Ossei made the announcement on the morning program 'Nyansapo' hosted by Captain Koda on Otec FM.

Prof. Paul Poku Sampene Ossei asserted that noncommunicable diseases such as hypertension, cancer, and diabetes have surpassed infectious diseases such as pneumonia and malaria.

"Deaths from hypertension are on the rise in Ghana, and what's more worrisome is that minors between the ages of 12 and 15 are dying from hypertension-related illnesses. The situation is dire and requires urgent action, he lamented.

"More worrisome is the fact that some diseased family members do not want their deceased relatives to undergo post-mortem examinations to determine the cause of death," he added.

Prof. Paul Poku Sampene Ossei's hypothesis does not contribute to a future study that may assist medical practitioners in enhancing the quality of healthcare in the nation.

In order to reduce hypertension-related mortality, the Consultant Pathologist advised the general public to engage in sufficient physical activity, consume nutritious foods, limit alcohol consumption, quit smoking, and get sufficient rest.