AGI, sweetener body urge science-based approach to Ghana’s nutrition policies

The Association of Ghana Industries (AGI) and the International Sweeteners Association (ISA) have advocated for a greater reliance on scientific evidence when crafting Ghana's nutrition and food policies, especially as the nation grapples with a growing problem of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). At a multi-stakeholder roundtable and workshop in Accra, representatives from government, regulatory bodies, academia, healthcare organizations, civil society, consumer groups, and the food and beverage sector gathered to discuss low/no calorie sweeteners (LNCS), nutrition, consumer choice, and the necessity of balanced approaches in food policy.

The discussions centered around scientific evidence on the safety and effectiveness of LNCS and their potential to contribute to healthier diets. The attendees also examined developments in Ghana's nutrition and food policy landscape, including the recently introduced Nutrient Profile Model (NPM), as well as international regulatory approaches and public comprehension of food ingredients.

Laurent Oger, the Director General of the International Sweeteners Association, emphasized the significance of open dialogues based on reliable evidence, stating that these ingredients have undergone extensive evaluation by food safety authorities worldwide. Oger highlighted the ISA's eagerness to continue collaborating with stakeholders in Ghana.

Seth Twum-Akwaboah, AGI's Chief Executive Officer, underscored the importance of cooperation among regulators, health experts, academia, civil society, and industry in formulating practical policies that safeguard public health. Twum-Akwaboah asserted that stakeholder dialogue and access to credible scientific information would be vital for crafting balanced, practical, and effective policy decisions as Ghana advances its policies to enhance public health outcomes.