Newly elected President of the Ghana Medical Association (GMA), Prof. Ernest Yorke, has linked the growing rate of diabetes in the country to a mix of lifestyle changes and hereditary factors.
Speaking in an interview on Citi Eyewitness News on Monday November 17, Prof. Yorke explained that while genetics plays a role, modern habits are significantly increasing people’s risk.
He reflected on how daily life has changed over the years, noting that physical activity has drastically reduced.
“When we were growing up you had a girlfriend, you walk to her house, after speaking to her she will walk you back to your place, you go back. There was no telephone; we did a lot of walking,” he said. “Even within my hospital Korle Bu where I work, I have seen people drive in between departments so we have become quite sedentary.”
Prof. Yorke added that unhealthy eating habits are worsening the situation.
“So that is one factor. So we are packing on calories… Eating junk and poor food. We think that we’ve come of age. We are eating lots of shawarmas, fried rice,” he said.
His comments come shortly after he was elected President of the GMA for the 2025–2027 term. Prof. Yorke won the presidential race with 1,857 votes, representing 53.6 percent of valid ballots cast in the Association’s November 15 elections.
Other elected officers include Dr. Arko Akoto-Ampaw as Vice President, Dr. Richard Selormey as General Secretary and Dr. Anane-Frimpong as Assistant General Secretary. Dr. Kwaku Appiagyei was elected Treasurer, while Dr. Charles Bayel and Dr. Louisa Nkrumah won the male and female executive positions respectively.
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Prof. Ernest Yorke elected President of Ghana Medical Association
