The first Vascular Surgeon in Kumasi, Dr Anita Essenam Agbeko, has bemoaned lack of vascular surgeons in the country.
Speaking on Ghanakoma morning show on Akoma 87.9 FM in Kumasi with Sir John, on Friday, June 12,2026, Dr Agbeko called for more specialists to address a critical workforce shortage.
With a high rate of trauma or peripheral vascular disease and complex vascular conditions, the severe lack of trained surgeons leads to preventable morbidities, pushes for expanded training and infrastructure.
She admitted that, while general surgeons and cardiothoracic specialists do their best to handle elementary cases, the country faces a critical lack of formally trained dedicated vascular surgeons.
The only vascular surgeon in the northern sector of the country, mentioned that the whole country has three vascular surgeons and this is hampering their operations.
There is a heavy burden of trauma, especially road traffic accidents, and rising rates of peripheral vascular care.
She advocated for more deliberate manpower training, advanced surgical equipment, and upgraded diagnostic capabilities across the country.
She said the country faces a severe shortage of vascular surgeons and called for increased personnel and specialised infrastructure.
Currently, there are only a handful of qualified specialists managing the entire country, which has led to long waiting times and a critical need for expanded training programs.
By Benjamin Aidoo
