Auntie Ama, a 45-year-old teacher from Kumasi, felt constantly tired but blamed it on her hectic schedule. It wasn’t until her legs swelled like overfilled water bags that she visited Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital. The diagnosis? Stage 3 kidney disease. Like many Ghanaians, she had missed the early whispers of her failing kidneys.

Why Early Detection Matters:
In Ghana, over 13% of adults suffer from chronic kidney disease (Ghana Renal Registry, 2022), yet most seek help only when dialysis becomes urgent. Your kidneys can lose up to 90% function before showing severe symptoms. Here’s what to watch for:

1. The Exhaustion That Won’t Quit

   • Real-life example: “I slept 10 hours but still felt like I’d run a marathon,” says Kofi, a Takoradi taxi driver.

   • Science bit: Damaged kidneys can’t make enough EPO hormone, leading to anemia.

2. Swellings That Tell a Story

   • Puffy eyes in mornings? Swollen ankles after sitting? These aren’t just signs of aging.

   • Local observation: Many attribute this to “eating too much salt” (partly true), but it’s often the kidneys struggling.

3. Urine Changes You Can’t Ignore

   • Foamy urine = protein leaking (like when your sieved kontomire broth stays cloudy)

   • Running to pee at night? Could be your kidneys’ concentration ability failing.

4. The Itch That Won’t Scratch Away

   • Patient quote: “I scratched until I bled—no ointment helped until dialysis,” shares Adwoa from Tamale.

   • Waste buildup acts like fiberglass under your skin.

5. Blood Pressure on a Rampage

   • In Ghana, 1 in 4 adults has hypertension (GHS 2023)—a fast track to kidney damage.

The Ghana Factor:

• Cultural myth busting: “Back pain means kidney trouble” – False! Most early kidney disease causes no pain.

• Action step: Free screenings at local health centers during Kidney Week (March 6–12).

Conclusion:
Your kidneys filter 180 liters of blood daily—give them attention. Notice 2+ symptoms? Visit any Ghana Health Service clinic for a urine dipstick test (less than GH¢10). Share this to save a life!