Ghana food insecurity: 65% of population cannot afford healthy diets

Nutritionist Professor Anna Lartey has reported that 65% of Ghanaians are unable to afford healthy diets, while 43.5% of the population experiences moderate to severe food insecurity.

Speaking at the 2026 World Food Day commemoration in Accra, Prof. Lartey warned that poor diet quality negatively impacts nutrition, school performance, productivity, and long-term economic growth. She noted that rural populations continue to bear a disproportionate burden of food insecurity.

To address these challenges, Prof. Lartey called for urgent reforms to Ghana’s food systems. Her proposed interventions include developing food-based dietary guidelines, increasing the production of fruits and vegetables, and reducing food waste through research and innovation. She specifically advocated for greater investment in indigenous foods, describing them as nutritious, affordable, and resilient to climate change. Additionally, she urged the government to implement practical measures based on commitments made under the 2021 United Nations Food Systems Summit.