The Head of the Department of Medicine and Therapeutics at the University of Ghana Medical School, Vincent Boima, has revealed that emerging research suggests some ethnic groups in Ghana may carry a higher genetic predisposition to kidney disease than others.
According to him, findings from ongoing studies indicate that Akans may be more likely to carry high-risk gene variants associated with kidney disease compared to Gas and Ewes.
Prof. Boima added that similar patterns have also been observed in Nigeria, where Igbos appear to have a higher genetic risk of kidney disease compared to Yorubas and Fulanis.
He disclosed this during his inaugural lecture held 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.”
Prof. Boima stressed that researchers are still working to fully understand the underlying causes of these disparities, but noted that the findings could help explain the burden of kidney disease among certain 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 said.
Prof. Boima called for more precise and targeted approaches to kidney disease treatment and prevention, noting that access to renal care in many African countries remains limited and expensive.
He also warned that the financial burden associated with kidney disease is increasing and urged stronger community education and early screening programmes to help detect chronic kidney disease before it progresses into severe complications.
The lecture brought together academics, medical professionals, researchers, and students from across the University of Ghana and other institutions.
In her closing remarks, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ghana, 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, while also underscoring the broader social implications of the findings.
