{
  "id": 10388807,
  "title": "Tax unhealthy foods, but do it right",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/28/tax-unhealthy-foods-but-do-it-right",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-28T07:05:12.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Ghanaian Times",
    "slug": "ghanaian-times",
    "url": "https://ghanaiantimes.com.gh/tax-unhealthy-foods-but-do-it-right/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Professor Anna Lartey, an adjunct nutrition expert at the University of Ghana, has proposed the imposition of restrictive taxes on unhealthy foods to address the growing challenge of poor nutrition in Ghana. She argued that consumers often struggle to make healthier choices due to an environment that discourages such decisions. Lartey's call for taxes on unhealthy foods, including fast foods, sugary drinks, and high-fat products, aligns with Ghana's national policy on non-communicable diseases, which recognizes the need to regulate the labelling, promotion, sale, and advertisement of food and drinks.\n\nGhana already employs excise duties on certain products, and non-alcoholic carbonated beverages are subject to excise tax. The key question is how such a health-oriented tax could be structured fairly and effectively. The tax should be targeted, focusing on encouraging healthier choices rather than merely generating revenue. It must also ensure that the burden does not disproportionately affect struggling households. Clear nutritional definitions and rules are essential, as not every processed or locally produced food is unhealthy. Additionally, warning labels on food products should be used to help consumers identify products with excessive nutrient content and make informed choices. Public education is crucial in this context, as people need to understand nutritional information and have access to healthier alternatives.\n\nFood safety is another critical aspect that must be considered alongside taxation and regulation. Professor Lartey emphasized that efforts to promote healthier diets should not overlook the safety of food. The proposal should be part of a comprehensive nutrition strategy that includes taxation, advertising controls, clear labelling, consumer education, and food safety measures. The ultimate goal is to make healthier choices the easier and better-informed option. If designed transparently and implemented effectively, taxation of unhealthy foods could be a valuable component of Ghana's broader response to poor nutrition, but it should be complemented by education, effective regulation, and initiatives to improve access to healthier food options.",
  "summary": "The call by Professor Anna Lartey for the imposition of restrictive taxes on unhealthy foods deserves serious consideration as Ghana confronts the growing challenge of poor nutrition and the need to create a healthier food environment. The adjunct professor of nutrition at the University of Ghana made the call at the 60th anniversary of the … The post Tax unhealthy foods, but do it right appeared…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}