The procedure, also known as laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy, was carried out on 24th July, 2025 and marked a significant advancement in the nation’s capacity to treat obesity through minimally invasive surgical interventions. Performed on three patients, the weight-loss procedure involved the removal of approximately 60 to 80 percent of the stomach, significantly reducing the stomach's capacity to hold food.

The surgery was minimally invasive as the surgeons used only five small incisions, each less than one centimeter wide and one of which was to enable a laparoscopic camera to be placed to guide the surgeons to do the procedure. The entire procedure lasted about three hours and was executed by a 30-member multidisciplinary team.

Leading the team was Dr. Kennedy Ondede,  a highly experienced bariatric surgeon, and head of surgery at the Kenyatta National Hospital in Kenya. He   was ably supported by UGMC’s Dr. Dominic Darkwa and Dr. Emmanuel Nachelleh, Consultant Surgeon and Head of the Centre's Surgical Department respectively who  played vital roles in the success of the procedures.

According to Dr Darkwa, this achievement by the UGMC comes at a time when Ghana continues to grapple with rising rates of obesity which is currently estimated be between 17 and 25 percent of the population. He stated that the successful completion of the gastric sleeve surgeries at UGMC represented an important step forward in the fight against obesity and its associated chronic conditions such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, joint pain, and breathing difficulties.

"The benefits of the surgery are profound as it significantly reduces the size of the stomach so the patient naturally consumes less food, and the body is then prompted to rather use stored fat for energy" Dr. Kennedy Ondede said. Dr Ondede  further explained that the surgery helps to initiate and maintain weight loss, particularly when combined with post-surgery guidelines that include a healthy diet and appropriate supplements. 

Dr. Darkwa added that the minimally invasive nature of the surgery also means that patients experience fewer side effects, less scarring, and a quicker recovery compared to traditional open surgeries.

Dr. Nachelleh revealed that the high percentage of Ghanaian adults living with obesity "puts a huge segment of the Ghanaian population at risk for the development of numerous health challenges like high blood pressure heart disease, diabetes, arthritis and respiratory problems.” 

According to the CEO of UGMC, Dr. Abdul - Samed Tanko, the leadership of Centre views the success of the procedures as another platform for the Centre to expand access to advanced medical interventions to all by addressing non-communicable diseases through clinical treatment and public education. As part of ongoing efforts to combat obesity, Dr. Tanko also advised Ghanaians to adopt healthier lifestyles by consuming balanced diets, reduce their intake of high-calorie, sugary and fatty foods and also engage in regular physical activity.  He however advised individuals who struggle with weight issues despite lifestyle changes, to seek professional medical evaluation as options like laparoscopic bariatric surgery may offer effective long-term solutions.

The Director of Medical Affairs of UGMC, Dr. Baffoe Gyan stated that these surgeries had been done barely a month after historic cardiac ablations had been done for the first time in Ghana at the Centre and hinted of more breakthrough procedures including hair transplants in the pipeline at UGMC. He added that "this pioneering surgery at UGMC is more than a medical first, but a statement of what is possible when expertise, collaboration, and compassion come together".