{
  "id": 5515013,
  "title": "AGI calls for balanced diet policies to tackle rising diabetes concerns",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/04/agi-calls-for-balanced-diet-policies-to-tackle-rising-diabetes-5515013",
  "topic": "health",
  "section": "Health & Medicine",
  "published": "2026-09-04T07:15:27.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Ghana Business News",
    "slug": "ghana-business-news",
    "url": "https://www.ghanabusinessnews.com/2026/09/04/agi-calls-for-balanced-diet-policies-to-tackle-rising-diabetes-concerns/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Association of Ghana Industries (AGI) is urging a collaborative effort between the government, industry stakeholders, and other parties to promote healthier diets and combat diabetes in Ghana. AGI President Mr Kofi Nsiah-Poku highlighted that most Ghanaians consume diets predominantly made up of carbohydrates due to their affordability and accessibility. He emphasized the need for a more balanced intake of proteins, vegetables, and other nutritious foods. Excessive carbohydrate consumption can lead to elevated sugar levels and increase the risk of diabetes, which is becoming a significant concern in the country. Nsiah-Poku urged stakeholders to focus on practical, affordable methods to enhance the nutritional balance of meals, rather than policies that may increase food costs and accessibility. The AGI is open to discussing the use of low-calorie sweeteners as a potential way to reduce sugar intake, but stresses that such measures should be carefully regulated. They also advocate for transparency from food manufacturers regarding ingredient and quantity disclosures. Dr Mavis Sakyi, Acting Director of Public Health and Health Promotion at the Ministry of Health, emphasized the importance of adopting healthier lifestyles and regular health screenings due to the rising burden of non-communicable diseases in Ghana. These include hypertension, diabetes, stroke, cancer, and chronic respiratory diseases. She advised consuming more fruits, vegetables, and unsaturated fats, while limiting free sugar intake. The Government's primary healthcare initiative aims to address these diseases by conducting health screenings in communities instead of waiting for individuals to seek treatment at hospitals with advanced conditions. Mrs Dzeinyo Akafia, Head of Product Certification at the Ghana Standards Authority, called for a balanced approach in developing standards and regulations for low- and no-calorie sweeteners, aiming to protect public health without creating trade barriers or impeding businesses. The standards should promote healthier choices while aligning with international trade requirements.",
  "summary": "The Association of Ghana Industries (AGI) has called for closer collaboration among government, industry players and other stakeholders to promote healthier diets and address growing concerns over diabetes and other diet-related health conditions in Ghana. The post AGI calls for balanced diet policies to tackle rising diabetes concerns appeared first on Ghana Business News .",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "MyJoyOnline Ghana",
        "title": "AGI calls for balanced diet policies to tackle rising diabetes concerns",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/04/agi-calls-for-balanced-diet-policies-to-tackle-rising-diabetes",
        "published": "2026-09-04T04:54:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "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."
}