Health Groups call on government to implement four policies for healthier diets

The Director of the Institute of Leadership and Development (INSLA), Mr. Benjamin Anabilla, has called on the government to implement four key policies that promote healthier diets in Ghana.

Speaking during a health advocacy float in Accra, which took place on Thursday, March 27th, Mr. Anabilla emphasized the need for stronger regulations to ensure nutritious food choices, which will lead to a reduction in diet-related diseases.

“The government must fully implement several key policies, which includes; The Public Food Procurement Service Policy to ensure government institutions procure and serve healthy diets. Front-of-Pack Labeling Regulations to help consumers easily identify healthier food options. Food Marketing Restrictions Policy to regulate how unhealthy foods, especially those high in sugar, fats, and salt, are advertised. Food-related fiscal Policies such as imposing higher taxes on unhealthy imported foods, particularly sugary drinks and processed snacks,” he stated

He stressed that these measures would not only improve public health but also boost consumer confidence in the safety and nutritional value of food sold in Ghana.

The float, which is aimed at raising public awareness on the importance of healthy eating, was organized by the Institute of Leadership and Development (INSLA) in collaboration with the Coalition of Actors for Public Health Advocacy (CAPHA) and Healthier Diets for Healthy Lives (HD4HL).

Participants walked through major streets of Accra, engaging the public on the importance of maintaining a healthy diet.

Concerns Over Imported Food Labeling

Additionally, Mr. Anabilla raised a major concern about the labeling of imported food products in foreign languages, pointing out that many products on Ghanaian shelves are labeled in languages such as Chinese or Spanish, making it difficult for consumers to understand what they are buying.

“There is a saying that what you consume represents you. If you import a product into Ghana labeled in Chinese or Spanish, how will I be able to read it? We are calling for regulations to ensure that all imported food products have labels in English so consumers can make informed choices,” he stated.

Appeal to Food Vendors and Regulatory Authorities

He also called on food vendors to strictly adhere to food policy regulations to safeguard their health and that of their customers.

“Food vendors should also abide by the regulations in place to ensure the safety of the food they serve to the public,” he advised.

Mr. Anabilla urged the government and the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) to tighten regulations on advertising unhealthy food products on television and social media, ensuring that misleading promotions do not influence consumer choices.

The advocacy float highlighted the urgent need for evidence-based actions to improve public health through better dietary habits.

Story by: Bawa Musah and Samiratu Sullaiman

Read also…