The Institute of Leadership and Development (INSLA) has called on the Ghanaian government to urgently adopt and implement policies aimed at creating a healthier food environment. This intervention comes as non-communicable diseases (NCDs) now account for approximately 43% of all deaths in Ghana, a figure described as alarming by the World Health Organisation.
INSLA Project Officer Mary Kpogo highlighted that the widespread availability and aggressive marketing of unhealthy foods and drinks make it difficult for Ghanaians, especially children, to choose healthier options. She noted that unhealthy food products are readily accessible in schools, petrol stations, and other public spaces, limiting healthier choices for consumers.
This situation contributes to a broader public health crisis in Ghana, where conditions like hypertension, kidney disease, and cancer are becoming more prevalent. The economic impact of NCDs includes increased healthcare costs and reduced productivity, posing a significant challenge to national development. Ghana's healthcare system already faces strain, and the rising burden of preventable diseases exacerbates these pressures.
Ms. Kpogo specifically advocated for fiscal measures to make healthier food options more affordable, particularly for low-income households. She proposed subsidies for nutritious foods and higher taxes on unhealthy products, including sugar-sweetened beverages. She cited the existing excise duty on sugar-sweetened beverages but stressed the need for stronger implementation of policies designed to discourage excessive consumption of unhealthy items. She stated, "If the healthy food is cheap, definitely someone earning low can still buy them and someone earning high can also buy them."
INSLA also supports the implementation of a front-of-pack food labelling system. This system would allow consumers to quickly identify products high in sugar, salt, and fat. Ms. Kpogo explained that current nutritional information on food packaging is often complex, making it hard for consumers to interpret. Clearer warnings could empower people to make informed choices, even those with limited formal education. She added, "What we are saying is that the nutrient labelling there should be visible. It should be loud so that even if you are not too close to their products, you should be able to know that this is right for me, this is not right for me."
Furthermore, INSLA expressed concern about the exposure of Ghanaian children to advertisements for sugary drinks, snacks, and highly processed foods. Manufacturers use various platforms, including television, social media, celebrities, and sports personalities, to market these products to young audiences. Restrictions on advertising unhealthy foods, especially during times when children are likely to be watching, could help reduce their influence. Ms. Kpogo noted, "Celebrities are doing advertisements for these sugary drinks and for these unhealthy diets, but I’m sure that if this policy is being implemented, it is going to restrict what they do."
The organisation also suggested that the government use its purchasing power to improve Ghana's food environment. This includes implementing healthier food procurement policies in schools, hospitals, prisons, military facilities, and other public institutions. Proposed public food procurement policies should limit the amount of sugar, salt, and trans fats in food served. Ms. Kpogo pointed to Ghana's strategy on trans-fatty acids, which aims to limit their consumption to 2% or less, but emphasized that such policies need to move from development to active implementation. She urged, "These policies are just hanging there."
The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) should also verify health and nutritional claims made by manufacturers before products reach the market. This measure would ensure that consumers receive accurate information about the products they purchase. INSLA, in collaboration with the Coalition of Actors for Public Health Advocacy (CAPA), is working on the “Creating Healthier Future” project to advocate for these crucial policies. The urgent adoption of these policies, alongside consumer education on healthier dietary and lifestyle choices, is essential to mitigate the rising NCD burden in Ghana.