News
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
THE 2026 Akwambo Festival at Gomoa Amoanda in the Ga East District has been held with a call for unity, peace, and collective action towards local development.
The festival, celebrated under the theme: ‘Unity, Peace and Development,’ provided a platform for community leaders and residents to highlight critical challenges affecting health, education, water, and sanitation in the area.
The durbar took place on Saturday at the Town Square of Gomoa Amoanda, attracting chiefs, elders, and residents from across the district.
Addressing the gathering, the Odikro of Gomoa Amoanda, Nana Kofi Budu Sersah IV, appealed for urgent government and stakeholder support to address the lack of a CHPS compound, reliable drinking water, proper school infrastructure, and additional teachers.
He disclosed that land had been allocated for the construction of a CHPS compound and called for support from the government, corporate bodies, and benevolent individuals.
Touching on sanitation, Nana Budu Sersah IV noted that the construction of a public toilet had stalled due to financial constraints and appealed for assistance to complete the project.
Representing the Central Regional Minister, Eduamoah Ekow Panyin Okyere, the District Chief Executive for Gomoa East, Margaret Naana Ackom, pledged government support for key development initiatives.
She announced a donation of 20 bags of cement for the public toilet and assured further assistance for other projects once land was made available.
The Prampimhene of the Awutu Traditional Area in the Central Region, Nana Okromansah Klordey I, who also serves as the Mankrado of Pakro Akuapim in the Eastern Region under the stool name of Nana Ntow Amoah II, expressed concern over rising drug abuse among youth.
By Stephanie Birikorang
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THE Ofankor–Nsawam road commuters appear to have breathe a sigh of relief over the progress of work on the road project which has reached 81 per cent completion.
A visit by The Spectator to the project site revealed that a significant portion of the road had already been asphalted, while most of the storm drains and culverts had been completed.
In addition, the various flyovers and pedestrian footbridges were at different stages of completion.
This appears to be the best news for commuters that ply the road daily as information indicated that the project would be completed on schedule.
According to the Chief Resident Engineer, Kwabena Bempong, steady progress had been made across the 33.4-kilometre stretch.
He expressed the hope that the remaining works would be delivered within the revised timeline, subject to the resolution of outstanding land issues at Nsawam Junction.
The Ofankor–Nsawam road forms part of National Route Six (N6), a major arterial highway linking Accra to the northern parts of the country and extending further to the Sahelian regions of West Africa.
The project scope includes the construction of four major interchanges at Amasaman, Pobiman, Medie and Nsawam Junction, alongside service roads and other ancillary facilities and is valued at $346.5 million.
By Kingsley Asare
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