VAST Ghana, SEND Ghana, and GAND join forces to reshape Ghana’s food environment

Ghana's food landscape is undergoing a transformation as three prominent organizations - VAST Ghana, SEND Ghana, and the Ghana Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (GAND) - unite to push for stronger policies promoting healthy eating and addressing the increasing prevalence of diet-related diseases. At a workshop focused on Nutrient Profile Modelling, Front-of-Pack Warning Labelling, and healthy food policies, these groups stressed the need for measures that empower consumers to make informed food choices and enhance the nation's food environment.

The workshop brought together nutrition experts and civil society advocates, who discussed the surge in processed food availability and promotion, many of which are laden with high levels of sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats. Rev. Prince Baidoo, president of GAND, highlighted how Ghana's food environment has evolved over the past decade, with processed and imported foods becoming more accessible, impacting people's eating habits.

He emphasized that while Ghana boasts a rich array of nutritious indigenous foods, the surge in processed products has exposed individuals to excessive amounts of sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats.

Rev. Baidoo explained that manufacturers often load processed foods with sugar, salt, and fat to make them more enticing for consumers. He cautioned that the sugar content in some products can be significantly higher than what consumers realize. For example, the sugar cube added to a cup of cocoa may translate to six, nine, or even ten cubes in manufactured products, a fact that goes unnoticed due to the hidden sugar content.

He warned that excessive consumption of sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats can lead to diabetes, hypertension, weight gain, high cholesterol, heart disease, stroke, and an increased risk of certain cancers.

Rev. Baidoo expressed particular concern about the growing number of children developing conditions typically associated with adults. He attributed this trend, in part, to children's rising consumption of sugary drinks, pastries, and processed meat products, such as sausages, which can contain high levels of salt and fat. He noted that children are increasingly exposed to unhealthy eating habits at an early age, rather than developing such habits gradually as they grow older.

Rev. Baidoo also pointed to the increasing incidence of childhood obesity, supported by trends in demographic and health survey reports.

He called for a return to healthier indigenous meals, such as beans, banku and okro, kenkey with fish and pepper, and fufu with light soup. These traditional dishes represent foods that Ghana's ancestors consumed. He urged the public to consume these indigenous meals, reserving exotic and manufactured foods for special occasions rather than making them a regular part of their diets.

Labram Musah, executive director of VAST Ghana, raised concerns about the food industry's influence on public health policies, warning that commercial interests could hinder efforts to reduce the consumption of unhealthy products. He pointed out that the food industry comprises various actors, including agricultural producers, manufacturers, packaging companies, retailers, supermarkets, advertising firms, and lobby groups.

Musah emphasized that the industry's impact could undermine initiatives aimed at curbing unhealthy food consumption.