Ghana
Leading cause: Heart Disease · 74% plant-based · 64.3 yr life expectancy · UHC 56/100
What People Eat
Cardiovascular and dietary profile drawn from WHO Global Health Estimates. Plant-based score reflects the share of whole plant foods (grains, legumes, vegetables, fruit, nuts) in the typical national diet.
Disease Burden
Leading cause of death: Heart Disease · 138 / 100k
Bars show each rate against the global range; the tick marks the world median.
Heart disease (138/100k) leads and is rising fastest in cities, while the traditional diet of cassava, plantain, yam, and legumes keeps rural chronic-disease rates lower. Limited coverage (UHC ~56) and infectious disease still shape the 64-year life expectancy.
Healthcare System
Sources: WHO UHC Service Coverage Index (SDG 3.8.1) & WHO Global Health Expenditure Database. Latest available year.
What Could Improve
- Slow the urban shift to fried and ultra-processed foods and sugary drinks driving rising CVD.
- Expand hypertension and diabetes screening alongside the existing national insurance scheme.
Explore the evidence: Heart Disease
WHO Global Health Estimates · 2022 · age-standardized country data
→ 138 CVD deaths per 100k · 74% plant-based diet