As many as 65 per cent of adult Ghanaians are unable to afford a healthy diet every day, according to new research findings shared by Prof. Anna Lartey, a Nutrition Professor at the University of Ghana.
Speaking at a sensitisation workshop in Accra themed “Beyond the Dialogues: Tracking Ghana’s Commitments to Transform Its Food Systems,” Prof. Lartey highlighted the widening gap between recommended healthy diets and what many Ghanaians can realistically afford.
A nutritious diet, she noted, should consist of half a plate of fruits and vegetables, a quarter carbohydrates, and a quarter protein. However, these foods remain out of reach for most households due to rising prices.
Prof. Lartey attributed the situation partly to the affordability and availability of unhealthy foods.
“Healthy foods such as fruits and vegetables cost far more than sugary drinks and fast foods,” she explained. “These cheaper, unhealthy options are sold on almost every street corner, so they become the easier choice.”
She warned that the widespread consumption of junk foods is contributing significantly to the rise in non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in the country. Globally, she added, 15 million deaths could be prevented if people adopted healthier diets.
Prof. Lartey, who serves as Co-Principal Investigator of the food systems tracking project, called for stronger personal responsibility in dietary choices, as well as systemic reforms. She stressed that Ghana’s current food environment does not adequately support healthy eating.
The workshop—organised by the University of Ghana School of Public Health with support from the NDPC, Ministry of Food & Agriculture, and the Ghana Statistical Service—forms part of efforts to monitor Ghana’s commitments made at the 2021 UN Food Systems Summit. At the Summit, Ghana pledged to deliver 17 food system transformation targets by 2025, including improved breastfeeding rates and better nutrition outcomes.
Project Principal Investigator Prof. Amos Laar noted that the initiative will use research-based evidence to assess whether Ghana is meeting those commitments and to promote a safer, healthier national food system.
The workshop brought together key stakeholders from civil society, government agencies and development organisations to review progress and chart a path toward healthier diets for all Ghanaians.
