The Head of the Department of Medicine and Therapeutics at the University of Ghana Medical School, Prof. Vincent Boima, has disclosed that emerging research points to possible genetic differences in kidney disease risk among ethnic groups in Ghana.
According to Prof. Boima, preliminary findings suggest that Akans may be more likely to carry high-risk gene variants linked to kidney disease compared to Gas and Ewes. He noted that similar trends have also been observed in Nigeria, where Igbos appear to face a higher genetic risk than Yorubas and Fulanis.
The revelation was made during his inaugural lecture at the University of Ghana on Wednesday, May 14. The lecture, held at the Great Hall, was themed “From Genes to Minds: Holistic Pathways to Precision Kidney Care in Africa.”
Speaking to journalists after the event, Prof. Boima explained that researchers are still investigating the reasons behind the disparities but said the findings could help explain the growing burden of kidney disease among some population groups, particularly young people.
“We are still trying to understand why these differences exist, but the data suggest there are genetic risk variations among populations,” he stated.
He further called for targeted and precision-based approaches to kidney disease prevention and treatment across Africa, warning that access to renal care remains both limited and expensive in many countries.
Prof. Boima also raised concern over the increasing financial burden associated with kidney disease and urged authorities to intensify public education and early screening programmes to detect chronic kidney disease before it develops into severe complications.
The lecture attracted academics, medical professionals, researchers, and students from the University of Ghana and other institutions.
Adding a lighter moment to the event, Vice-Chancellor Nana Aba Appiah Amfo drew laughter from the audience when she jokingly suggested that inter-ethnic marriages could, in theory, help address some of the genetic disparities highlighted in the research.
