MoH, SEND Ghana call for Warning Labels as Childhood Obesity, NCDs rise

The Ministry of Health (MoH) and SEND Ghana have jointly advocated for the implementation of mandatory warning labels on packaged foods to assist children and young individuals in making healthier dietary choices. Rising concerns over childhood obesity and non-communicable diseases (NCDs) have been attributed to the consumption of unhealthy diets.

Dr Hafiz Adam Taher, Director of Technical Coordination at the Ministry, emphasized that early detection of obesity in children and hypertension in young adults necessitated a focus on prevention measures. At the campaign's launch, the Director highlighted the importance of eating habits established during childhood and adolescence shaping a person's health trajectory.

He expressed concern over parents' tendency to use sweets to entice children, exposing them to high sugar levels from a young age. MoH Director Taher noted that Front-of-Pack Warning Labelling (FOPWL) would enhance the visibility and comprehensibility of nutritional information for consumers during purchasing decisions. However, he stressed that warning labels should be complemented with nutrition education, physical activity promotion, supportive environments at schools and workplaces, and a healthier food environment.

The campaign, spearheaded by SEND Ghana in collaboration with Vision for Accelerated Sustainable Development (VAST) and the Ghana Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, aims to raise public awareness regarding the health risks linked to excessive consumption of foods high in sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats. The initiative seeks to mobilize support for mandatory warning labels on packaged foods, targeting parents and young people as key influencers of dietary habits.

The campaign will utilize various media channels such as television, radio, newspapers, social media, and billboards to disseminate messages in English and selected local languages from September to November.