UGMC, NCTC & Mount Carmel Perform Ghana’s First Cardiac Ablation Procedures
Posted on: July 22, 2025
In a groundbreaking milestone for healthcare in Ghana and West Africa, cardiac ablation procedures—a transformative treatment for life-threatening heart rhythm disorders—have been successfully performed for the first time at the University of Ghana Medical Centre (UGMC). Spearheaded by Dr. Kamel Addo and his team from the Mount Carmel Heart and Vascular Centre, this historic achievement marks a new chapter in cardiac care. With advanced equipment, cross-institutional collaboration, and a vision for local capacity-building, UGMC is now positioned to offer world-class treatment for conditions like Atrial Flutter and Supraventricular Tachycardia, right at home.
For the first time, cardiac ablation procedures, a life-changing treatment for patients suffering from dangerous heart rhythm disorders have been successfully performed in Ghana (West Africa), at the University of Ghana Medical Centre (UGMC).
This historic achievement was led by Dr. Kamel Addo, a Cardiac Electrophysiologist, and his team from the Mount Carmel Heart and Vascular Centre. The procedures were carried out in collaboration with the National Cardiothoracic Centre (Korle Bu), as well as a dedicated team of cardiologists and healthcare professionals at UGMC.
“We’re doing what has never been done in Ghana before and this is just the beginning,” said Dr. Addo.
In Ghana and across West Africa, heart rhythm disorders such as Atrial Flutter and Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT) are more common than many realize. These conditions can cause chest pain, palpitations, lightheadedness, and even fainting spells - symptoms that severely disrupt patients’ lives.
Unfortunately, medications do not always offer a lasting solution. In many cases, the most effective long-term treatment is a procedure known as catheter ablation. However, until now, this life-saving option had not been available in Ghana.
From July 7th to 11th, 2025, Dr. Addo and his team performed 17 cardiac ablation procedures at the UGMC Catheterization Laboratory. These targeted patients diagnosed with Atrial Flutter and SVT.
Each patient underwent comprehensive testing and evaluation before selection. Tests included EKGs and heart rhythm monitoring to ensure that each candidate was suitable for the procedure. Both local and international cardiologists reviewed every case.
Dr. Frederick A. Akoto, Consultant Cardiologist at UGMC, described the initiative as a breakthrough:
“This is a game-changer. These fast heart rhythms are quite common in Ghana and affect patients of all ages. Now, we have a treatment available right here in Ghana that can almost permanently cure them. Thanks to the power of collaboration.”
Dr. Martin Adu-Adadey, Head of Cardiology at UGMC, noted that the success of the procedures was the result of months of intensive planning and cross-institutional coordination.
The team utilized advanced, highly specialized equipment including heart rhythm stimulators, ablation generators, recording systems, and catheters—much of which was donated by the Cardiovascular Education Foundation and funded by the Mount Carmel Foundation.
The logistics and execution were made possible thanks to the collaborative spirit of UGMC’s staff, including Dr. Martin Adu-Adadey (Head, UGMC Cardiology Dept.), Dr. Frederick A. Akoto (Consultant Cardiologist), Dr. Baffour Gyan (Director of Medical Affairs), Dr. Abdul Samed-Tanko (CEO), and the full support of departments such as theatre, pharmacy, sterile processing, biomedical engineering, anaesthesia, and nursing.
“I expected challenges,” Dr. Addo admitted, “but everything has been smoother than I imagined.” “The UGMC team has simply been outstanding,” he added.
While the immediate focus was on performing the procedures safely and successfully, Dr. Addo revealed that the long-term vision extends far beyond this initial milestone.
He emphasized that the ultimate goal is to begin transferring knowledge and skills to UGMC staff so these procedures can eventually be performed independently in Ghana. Building this local capacity will require structured training, investment in manpower, and the future acquisition of essential equipment.
Dr. Akoto added that with proper planning and training, UGMC could emerge as a regional leader in cardiac electrophysiology. He explained that building such a program would require collaboration among doctors, nurses, anaesthetists, and biomedical technicians all working together to ensure safety and quality of care.
“We must make bold and deliberate decisions to train our people and acquire the right tools,” he emphasized. “This is healthcare teamwork at its best, and the collaboration with Mount Carmel has opened a door we cannot afford to close.”
He also reminded Ghanaians that while some rhythm disorders like SVT may be inherited, many are linked to preventable risk factors such as poor diet, lack of exercise, smoking, hypertension, and diabetes.
“Prevention is always better than cure,” Dr. Akoto advised.
Now, with Ghana’s first cardiac ablation procedures completed, patients who previously had no option but to travel abroad or live with debilitating symptoms, can look to UGMC and its partners for hope, right here at home.
In an interview, UGMC CEO Dr. Abdul Samed-Tanko stated that this collaboration was aimed at improving patients’ quality of life and laying the foundation for knowledge and skill transfer to local healthcare teams.
