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94,000 lives lost to NCDs in 2016 …experts demand taxes on unhealthy foods
IN 2016, more than 94,000 Ghanaians died from Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), according to the World Health Organisation. That figure, experts warned, was not just a statistic but a silent epidemic eroding the nation’s future.
At a training workshop for media professionals in Kumasi last Thursday, Dr Charles Apprey, a nutritional biochemist and lecturer at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), issued a stark call: Ghana must urgently tax unhealthy foods and subsidise healthier options if it hopes to stem the tide of preventable deaths.
“What stops us as a country from taxing these unhealthy foods, build silos in our markets, and reduce their consumption?” Dr Apprey challenged, arguing that fiscal measures could save thousands of lives.
Globally, NCDs account for 71 per cent of all deaths, and Ghana mirrors this trend with about 45 per cent of national deaths linked to hypertension, diabetes, cancers, and chronic respiratory diseases. Hypertension alone affects over 34 per cent of men and 51 per cent of women, with prevalence among older persons exceeding 50 per cent.
Dr Apprey warned that the Ghanaian plate was changing dangerously—from kontomire, abomu (local stew) and abεkwan (palm soup) to fries, sodas, and pizza. “These are lifestyle-driven illnesses,” he said, “and they demand bold policy intervention.”
The KNUST lecturer outlined a five-point agenda to reduce exposure risks such as poor diet; strengthen early detection and management; build resilient health systems; foster multisectoral collaboration; and secure sustainable funding.
He highlighted front-of-pack labelling (FOPL) as a proven tool, citing South Africa, Mexico, Chile, and the UK, where warning labels and traffic-light systems have reduced purchases of high-sugar and high-salt products.
Dr Apprey also called for bans on junk food advertisement during children’s TV programming, restrictions on celebrity endorsements, and limits on outdoor advertising near schools. “The aim is to create healthy-enabling food environments where the healthier choice becomes the easier choice,” he stressed.
The workshop, organised by the Ghana Public Health Association in collaboration with the Coalition of Actors for Public Health Action (CAPHA), positioned journalists as frontline allies in the fight against NCDs. With their reach and influence, media professionals were urged to amplify the urgency of food policy reforms and help shift public attitudes toward healthier diets.
Mr James Mckeown Amoah, Project Coordinator for Ghana Public Health Association (GPHA), called for all hands to be on deck towards the reduction of NCDs in Ghana. He, therefore, urged the media to devote airtime and spaces to create more awareness for Ghanaians to embrace the consumption of healthier food devoid of unhealthy foods.
From Kingsley E. Hope, Kumasi
![Mrs Georgina Quaittoo [third from right] pose with some members of the Association Photos Okai Elizabeth.](https://spectator.com.gh/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Mrs-Georgina-Quaittoo-third-from-right-pose-with-some-members-of-the-Association-Photos-Okai-Elizabeth-400x240.jpg)
![Mrs Georgina Quaittoo [third from right] pose with some members of the Association Photos Okai Elizabeth.](https://spectator.com.gh/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Mrs-Georgina-Quaittoo-third-from-right-pose-with-some-members-of-the-Association-Photos-Okai-Elizabeth-80x80.jpg)
![Mrs Georgina Quaittoo [third from right] pose with some members of the Association Photos Okai Elizabeth.](https://spectator.com.gh/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Mrs-Georgina-Quaittoo-third-from-right-pose-with-some-members-of-the-Association-Photos-Okai-Elizabeth.jpg)
THE Times Ladies Association, a group consisting of female staff of the New Times Corporation (NTC), on Monday commemorated this year’s International Women’s Day with a call on women to empower themselves through education, unity and healthy living to contribute meaningfully to national development.
The event, held at the NTC’s boardroom, was attended by management members and staff of the corporation and was to celebrate the achievements of women and reflect on their role in society.
In her address, the President of the association, Mrs Georgina N.M Quaittoo, said the global celebration, marked annually on March 8, recognised the economic, political and social achievements of women while raising awareness about gender equality.
Although the international celebration fell on Sunday, she explained that the association decided to mark the occasion on March 9 to enable members to participate fully and commemorate the day in their own way.
Speaking on this year’s theme: ‘Rights. Justice. Action. For All Women and Girls,’ and the global campaign theme: ‘Give to Gain,’ she the association had over the years worked tirelessly to support the growth and progress of the corporation despite the challenges they faced.
Urged members to commit themselves to deeper service to humanity and the advancement of women. She said women were unique, resilient and invaluable to society, stating that they deserved respect, appreciation, kindness and love for the vital roles they played in families, workplaces and communities.
According to her, members of the President, who is also the Editor of The Spectator newspaper, encouraged members to empower themselves academically and take advantage of opportunities to improve their lives and careers.
She also urged them to maintain healthy lifestyles by going for regular medical check-ups, exercise regularly, get enough rest and support one another.
Moreover, she advised members to accept leadership positions when given the opportunity and to exhibit qualities such as hard work, confidence, patience, compassion and responsibility in both their homes and workplaces.
Contributing, the Chanel Marketing and Circulation Manager, Mr Alfred Koomson, said women played critical roles in society and deserved to be supported and appreciated.
He urged men to recognise that they were often vulnerable species without the care, support and contributions of women in their lives.
He, therefore, commended women for the invaluable roles they play as mothers, caregivers, professionals and leaders, stressing that society would be incomplete without them.
By Esinam Jemima Kuatsinu
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GHANA celebrated her 69th Independence Anniversary last Friday with colourful parades across all 16 regions of the country.
This year’s theme: ‘Reflect, Review, Reset,’ emphasised the importance of reflecting on the nation’s journey, assessing its current state, and planning for a brighter future.
At the Jubilee House, dignitaries present were President John Mahama, Vice President Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, former Presidents, Akufo-Addo and John Agyekum Kufuor, behalf of the President, former President of Tanzania, and other distinguished guests.
The President, John Dramani Mahama, addressed the nation at the seat of government whiles Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives addressed their various assemblies on.
As part of the celebrations, school children paraded and displayed their marching skills whiles others performed cultural and other social activities to mark the day across the regions.
