Study suggests Akans face higher genetic risk of Kidney disease
The Head of the Department of Medicine and Therapeutics at the University of Ghana Medical School, Prof. Vincent Boima, has indicated that emerging research points to possible genetic differences among ethnic groups in Ghana that may influence susceptibility to kidney disease.
He explained that preliminary findings from ongoing studies suggest that people of Akan descent may have a higher likelihood of carrying genetic variants linked to kidney disease compared to Ga and Ewe populations.
Prof. Boima further noted that similar trends have been observed in Nigeria, where Igbo populations appear to show a greater genetic risk than Yoruba and Fulani groups.
He made these remarks during his inaugural lecture on Wednesday, May 14, at the Great Hall of the University of Ghana, titled “From Genes to Minds: Holistic Pathways to Precision Kidney Care in Africa.”
In an interview with Citi News after the lecture, he emphasised that researchers are still investigating the reasons behind these variations, but said the data could help explain differing rates of kidney disease across population groups, especially among younger people.
“We are still trying to understand why these differences exist, but the data suggest there are genetic risk variations among populations,” he stated.
Prof. Boima also advocated for more targeted and personalised approaches to kidney disease prevention and treatment, noting that access to renal care across many African countries remains limited and costly.
He warned that the economic burden of kidney disease continues to rise and called for stronger public education, as well as expanded early screening programmes to detect chronic kidney disease before it becomes severe.
The lecture attracted academics, healthcare professionals, researchers, and students from various institutions.
In her closing remarks, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ghana, Prof. Nana Aba Appiah Amfo, sparked laughter when she humorously suggested that inter-ethnic marriages could, in theory, help address some of the genetic disparities highlighted, while also highlighting the broader societal implications of the research.
Source: Citi Newsroom
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