People must transform their lifestyles to curb NCDs — ARB Apex Bank MD

Ghanaians have been encouraged to undergo a total transformation in their lifestyles in response to the growing threat of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs).

Research indicates that over 94,000 Ghanaians die annually from NCDs such as diabetes, hypertension, kidney failure and cancer. Despite ongoing efforts, the country’s response to this crisis remains insufficient.

The Managing Director of the ARB Apex Bank, Alex Kwasi Awuah, who made the call, said as the number of NCDs continued to rise, there was a need for collective action in transforming lifestyles for a healthy citizenry that would also benefit economic activities and progress.

He made the call when he joined members of staff to embark on a health walk last weekend.

Activities

Participants walked along the scenic route from Ayi Mensah to the Peduase Lodge on the Accra-Aburi Road. Colleagues from affiliated financial institutions including the Ga Rural Bank, the La Community Bank, the Abokobi Rural Bank and the Akuapem Rural Bank joined the walk, underscoring the spirit of collaboration within the sector.

After completing the walk, participants engaged in lively aerobic sessions to further energise their bodies. This was followed by a variety of fun activities such as table tennis, oware, draught, ludo and even a bouncy castle for children, making the event inclusive and enjoyable.

Proactive measures

Describing the trend as troubling, Mr Awuah emphasised the need for proactive measures to address the health crisis, stressing “We must take action now to address the growing number of non-communicable diseases in our country.

Changing our lifestyle is the first step towards reducing these preventable deaths.

“Health is wealth and we all have to take our health seriously by modifying the lifestyles that are injurious to our health, a situation that also had the potential to affect productivity and ultimately economic progress,” he emphasised.

The Head of the Human Capital Department, Francisca Dedei Afufu, encouraged employers and employees to prioritise incorporating healthier habits into their New Year’s resolutions.

She said fostering wellness as a key objective will not only improve individual health but also contribute to a more productive and engaged workforce.

“We need to lead by example and encourage a culture of wellness in our workplaces and communities,” Afufu concluded.