The Ghanaian Genome (GhGenome) project's director, Professor Fiifi Ofori-Acquah, has urged the government to launch a countrywide initiative that will screen each newborn for sickle cell disorders.
"We recommend screening babies for sickle cell because if you are diagnosed with sickle cell, you may be given a treatment to prevent you from developing infections that could be deadly," he added.
At the University for Development Studies (UDS) in Tamale, Professor Ofori-Acquah, who is also the president of the Sickle Cell Foundation of Ghana, made the announcement at a lecture titled "The Ghanaian DNA."
The goal of the public presentation was to inform the audience about genetics and the crucial part it plays in health, well-being, and attendees included students from second-cycle colleges, representatives of the university community, and some traditional leaders.
The West African Genetic Medicine Institute at the University of Ghana launched the (GhGenome) project as a way to increase access to all areas of genetic health in the nation.
Professor Ofori-Acquah lamented the lack of a nationwide screening programme for sickle cell illnesses in the nation, despite the knowledge that hereditary diseases were a concern there. Simply said, that is unacceptable.
He discussed the GhGenome project's educational initiatives on the contribution of genetics to the development of illnesses now attributed to a variety of incorrect causes.
The effort, he said, was concentrated on four primary areas, including public lectures given around the country.
on the Ghanaian genome and free statewide genetic illness screening in collaboration with local traditional leaders, with a focus on sickle cell disease, breast cancer, and prostate cancer.
The creation of postgraduate genetics training programmes, funding for citizen training in genetic health professions, and DNA sequencing of 1,000 Ghanaian youngsters with serious genetic illnesses such as sickle cell disease, cancer, and uncommon diseases made up the remaining activities.
He urged individuals to be informed about genetic abnormalities and to benefit from opportunities for free screenings to be checked for them.
Professor Seidu Al-Hassan, vice chancellor of UDS, stated in a speech read on his behalf that the nation's genetic disease situation was urgent and that everyone should be examined, in particular.
In the meanwhile, the GhGenome project, in conjunction with UDS, organised a free public health screening for residents of Tamale and Sagnarigu for sickle cell diseases as well as breast and prostate cancers as part of its awareness drive to educate the public about genetics. The ceremony, held in the forecourt of the Chief of Sagnarigu's palace, screened a total of 365 persons, including 174 youngsters and 191 adults.
The free public health screening exercise was organised by Dr Amma Benneh-Akwasi Kuma, a consultant haematologist at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital. She added, "For adults, among the disorders, we are experiencing include those with increasing high blood pressure. Some of them are aware of their predicament, yet occasionally they neglect to take their medications.
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