“Ghanaian Teacher Daniel Shares Kidney Failure Journey, Transplant Experience, and Urges Ghanaians to Prioritize Health”
Daniel, a teacher and music director from Techiman, sat down with DJ Nyaami on SVTV Africa’s Daily Hustle GH to share his emotional and life-threatening journey battling chronic kidney failure. His health struggles began in 2018 when he noticed swelling in his legs and eyes, persistent fatigue, rashes, and trouble urinating. He sought both orthodox and traditional treatments, but his condition worsened.
In 2019, a former classmate who is a medical doctor ran tests and confirmed Daniel had kidney failure.
“I was devastated when I heard it. I almost collapsed,” he recalled. When medication failed to help, Daniel began dialysis—a costly and difficult journey, with sessions costing over GHS 2,000 each month.
The turning point came in 2020 when he traveled to India for a kidney transplant. His elder brother donated a kidney, and the entire process cost about GHS 450,000. Unfortunately, upon arrival in India, doctors also discovered a liver issue. Post-transplant, Daniel was required to take anti-rejection medications consistently—some costing over GHS 9,000 per month. “Missing even a day’s dose can be fatal,” he warned.
Support came from his SDA church, Methodist and Presbyterian congregations in Techiman, and music groups he had served. “If I hadn’t been a known figure through teaching and playing music, raising the money would have been impossible.”
Daniel now advocates for better health awareness, especially regarding diabetes and hypertension, which are major causes of kidney failure in Ghana. He emphasized dietary discipline—cutting down on sugar, oil, processed foods, and avoiding self-medication. He advised frequent blood sugar checks, regular walking, more fiber-rich foods like apples, and reducing starch and late-night eating.
“98% of kidney failure patients in Ghana don’t survive because they can’t afford treatment or ignore medical advice. Some people even die after transplant just because they stop taking their medicine.”
He urged Ghanaians to consult nephrologists and not rely solely on local or unregulated treatments.
“The beginning of my health breakdown came from visiting a quack doctor,” he confessed. Today, Daniel lives with strict health routines, including balanced meals with eggs, vegetables, chicken, and more fasting.
His powerful story is a wake-up call to everyone: take your health seriously before it’s too late..
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