Ghana nutrition groups advocate for stricter food policies

Nutrition advocacy groups, including VAST Ghana, SEND Ghana, and the Ghana Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (GAND), are calling for stronger policies to combat the rising burden of diet-related diseases in Ghana.

During a workshop focused on Nutrient Profile Modelling and Front-of-Pack Warning Labelling, experts highlighted the increasing availability and marketing of processed foods containing high levels of sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats. GAND President Rev. Prince Baidoo noted that Ghana’s food environment has shifted significantly over the last decade due to the rise of processed and imported products.

Baidoo warned that manufacturers often embed excessive amounts of sugar, salt, and fat into products to increase appeal, often without consumers realizing the true nutritional impact. He linked these dietary trends to rising rates of diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, stroke, and certain cancers, expressing particular concern regarding the increasing prevalence of these conditions among children.