As Ghana joins the rest of the to mark World Food Day under the theme “Hand in Hand for a Better World,” two leading organisations- SEND GHANA and the Ghana Academy for Nutrition and Dietetics (GAND) are calling on the government to introduce a national policy requiring front-of-pack warning labels on all processed and ultra-processed foods.
In a joint statement signed by SEND GHANA Country Director Harriet N. Agyemang, the groups stressed that such a policy is essential to combat the rising tide of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) including hypertension, diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. They argue that the increasing consumption of foods high in sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats is fueling Ghana’s NCD burden, yet many of these products are sold without clear nutritional information.
“Front-of-pack warning labels offer a straightforward and effective way to inform consumers,” the statement read. “They enable quick, informed decisions and have been shown in other countries to reduce the purchase of unhealthy items while encouraging manufacturers to improve product formulations.”
The organisations believe that adopting this policy would not only safeguard public health but also reduce long-term healthcare costs and support national efforts to curb diet-related illnesses. They are urging the government to act decisively, implementing a labeling system based on global best practices and backed by robust regulatory enforcement.
SEND GHANA and GAND further added the proposed measure aligns with the spirit of World Food Day by promoting a healthier, more equitable food system that empowers citizens to make better dietary choices.
