GAND launches national campaign for stricter food policies and healthier diets

The Ghana Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (GAND) has launched a nationwide advocacy campaign to push for stronger food policies and product reformulations aimed at protecting the public from unhealthy food environments.

The Academy warned that poor nutrition is taking a heavy social and economic toll on Ghana, and without urgent improvements in food standards and consumption habits, the country risks facing a worsening public health crisis.

At a stakeholder sensitization meeting for the Volta, Oti, and Eastern Regions held in Hohoe, GAND highlighted the growing threat of foodborne diseases and unhealthy products to public health. It noted that despite the efforts of the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), weak policy enforcement continues to hinder progress in sanitizing the country’s food environment.

GAND is therefore calling on government to introduce bold policies that will compel food companies to reformulate their products to meet safe, healthy, and nutrition-friendly standards before they reach consumers. It also wants clear labeling of product content on all food packaging to help consumers make informed choices.

The Academy linked the rising cases of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as diabetes and hypertension to the poor nutritional quality of foods on the market. Unhealthy diets high in sugar, salt, and trans fats, it said, are driving these illnesses at alarming rates.

To address this, GAND, in collaboration with SEND Ghana and other partners, is advocating for the introduction of mandatory front-of-package (FOP) warning labels on food products. This measure, guided by the evidence-based Nutrition Profile Model (NPM), is expected to empower consumers to make healthier choices and reduce the burden of diet-related diseases.

The Academy is also undertaking a comprehensive situational analysis to assess existing legislation, engage stakeholders, and identify ways to improve food environments—particularly in schools. By working together, GAND, SEND Ghana, and their partners aim to create a safer and healthier food system for Ghanaians, especially children.

General Secretary of GAND, Joseph Danfo Dankwa, cautioned that hidden sugars and additives in many food products are fueling a rise in lifestyle-related diseases among the youth. He urged consumers to pay close attention to ingredient lists rather than relying solely on expiry dates.

He also called for a nationwide education campaign and stricter enforcement of labeling regulations, emphasizing that manufacturers must present ingredient information in clearer and more consumer-friendly formats. Mr. Dankwa further encouraged schools and workplaces to integrate product literacy into their wellness programmes.

“The fight against non-communicable diseases cannot be won without empowering citizens to make informed dietary choices,” he said, warning that “ignorance today will cost the nation heavily in healthcare bills and productivity losses tomorrow.”

GAND stressed that government has a crucial role to play in ensuring that the food industry prioritizes public health over profit. By adopting and enforcing stricter food policies, Ghana can build a healthier food environment that supports proper nutrition and long-term wellbeing.

The Academy called on all stakeholders—including manufacturers, regulators, and consumers—to work together to reduce the prevalence of NCDs and promote a healthier, more productive nation.

The campaign is expected to strengthen food safety regulations and improve consumer awareness. Clear labeling, GAND said, will not only help Ghanaians make healthier food choices but will also encourage manufacturers to produce safer, higher-quality products—promoting accountability, innovation, and better public health outcomes across the country.