New research by the University of Ghana has revealed that nearly 65 per cent of adult Ghanaians are unable to afford a healthy meal each day, raising major concerns about the nation’s nutritional health and rising non-communicable diseases (NCDs).
The findings were shared by Prof. Anna Lartey, Professor of Nutrition at the University of Ghana, during a sensitisation workshop in Accra on the theme “Beyond the Dialogues: Tracking Ghana’s Commitments to Transform its Food Systems.” The event was organised by the School of Public Health with support from the National Development Planning Commission (NDPC), Ministry of Food and Agriculture, and Ghana Statistical Service (GSS).
Healthy Foods Becoming Out of Reach for Majority of Ghanaians
According to Prof. Lartey, the recommended healthy diet, half a plate of vegetables and fruits, a quarter carbohydrates, and a quarter protein, is becoming increasingly unaffordable for most citizens.
She noted that healthy foods cost significantly more than junk foods, pushing many Ghanaians toward cheaper, high-calorie and nutrient-poor options.
“Fruits and vegetables are far more expensive than sugar-laced drinks and fast foods. These unhealthy options are on almost every street corner, making them easy and tempting alternatives,” she stressed.
Rising Disease Burden Linked to Poor Diet Choices
Prof. Lartey warned that unhealthy eating habits have become a key driver of:
- Hypertension
- Obesity
- Diabetes
- Cardiovascular diseases
- Other non-communicable diseases (NCDs)
She further stated that 15 million deaths globally could be prevented if societies adopted healthier diets, urging Ghanaians to take personal responsibility for their food choices.
Food Environment Not Supportive of Healthy Lifestyles
The academic explained that Ghana’s current food environment does not support healthy choices, despite the country’s commitment to improving its food systems.
“Ghana has made several commitments to transform its food systems, but now we must match our words with concrete action,” she emphasized. The goal, she said, is a national food system that “delivers on the health we want.”
Tracking Ghana’s Food System Commitments
The workshop also heard from Prof. Amos Laar, Principal Investigator of the Food Systems Project, who highlighted continued efforts to track and monitor Ghana’s progress toward its food transformation targets.
The project uses a science-based approach to assess the implementation of commitments Ghana made during the 2021 UN Food Systems Summit, where more than 160 UN Member States pledged to achieve healthy and sustainable diets by 2030.
Ghana committed to 17 food system transformation goals, including improving breastfeeding rates:
- Early initiation of breastfeeding: Increase from 52% (2017) to 80% (2025)
- Exclusive breastfeeding for six months: Increase from 42.9% (2017) to 62% (2025)
Stakeholders Call for Urgent Action
The workshop brought together policymakers, civil society organisations, ministries, departments and agencies, and food system actors to discuss strategies for driving transformation.
Experts say Ghana must urgently implement policies that:
- Make healthy foods more affordable
- Regulate unhealthy food marketing
- Improve food safety
- Strengthen nutrition education
- Support local production of fruits and vegetables
Without bold action, they warn, Ghana risks an escalating health crisis driven by poor diet choices.
