Editorial
Eat healthy food to reduce prevalence of non-communicable diseases
Many Ghanaians are dying as a result of consuming unhealthy diets, therefore nutritional experts have raised concerns about this development.
These deaths are linked to hypertension, diabetes, cancers, and chronic respiratory diseases which according to the experts are lifestyle-driven illnesses occurring as a result of the consumption of such unhealthy foods.
According to Dr. Charles Apprey, a nutritional biochemist and lecturer at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), “the Ghanaian plate is changing dangerously – from kontomire, abomu (local stew) and abɛkwan (palm soup) to fries, sodas, and pizza.”
These were revealed at a training workshop for media professionals in Kumasi last Thursday. It was organised by the Ghana Public Health Association in collaboration with the Coalition of Actors for Public Health Action (CAPHA).
At the workshop, experts issued a stark call for Ghana to urgently tax unhealthy foods and subsidise healthier options if it hopes to stem the tide of preventable deaths.
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His recommendation of front-of-pack labelling (FOPL) as a tried-and-true technique is commendable as he says that warning labels and traffic-light systems in South Africa, Mexico, Chile, and the United Kingdom (UK) have reduced purchases of high-sugar and high-salt products.
“More than 94,000 Ghanaians died from Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), a figure, which experts warn, are not just a statistic but a silent epidemic eroding the nation’s future.
“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.
Statistics from the World Health Organisation (WHO) indicated that in 2016, globally, NCDs account for 71 per cent of all deaths, and Ghana mirrors this trend with about 45 percent of national deaths linked to the above diseases.
He therefore proposes 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.
To create a healthy-enabling food environment where the healthier choice becomes the easier choice, Dr. Apprey called for bans on junk food advertisement during children’s TV programming, restrictions on celebrity endorsements, and limits on outdoor advertising near schools.
The Spectator is concerned about the high prevalence of NCDs, therefore we appeal to Ghanaians to embrace the consumption of healthier food and work towards the reduction of NCDs in the country.
Dear Editor,
THE heartbreaking death of 29-year-old engineer Charles Amissah in a hit-and-run accident has exposed once again the failures in our health system.
Even more painful is the fact that his father had previously donated beds to some hospitals, yet when his son needed urgent care, he was moved from one facility to another because there were ‘no beds.’
This is not only tragic but unacceptable. How can a country lose its bright young citizens simply because hospitals cannot provide emergency treatment? The ‘no bed syndrome’ has become a national disgrace, and Charles’ death is a reminder that reforms cannot wait.
Our hospitals must be equipped to handle emergencies, and accountability must be enforced. If donations are made to improve facilities, then those facilities must serve the people when it matters most. Ghana cannot afford to keep losing lives to negligence and poor infrastructure.
Charles Amissah’s death should be the turning point. Let us honor his memory by fixing the system so that no family would suffer this kind of preventable loss again.
Princess Wonovi
Accra
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Dear Editor,
I write to express concern about the increasing rate of road accidents on the Kumasi–Accra highway, which has become a source of fear for many commuters.
It is one of the busiest roads in Ghana, connecting two major cities and serving thousands of passengers daily. Sadly, almost every week, we hear reports of fatal crashes, injuries, and loss of property along the stretch. Many families have lost loved ones, and several survivors are left with lifelong injuries.
The causes of these accidents are not far-fetched. Over-speeding, reckless overtaking, driver fatigue, poor vehicle maintenance, and disregard for road traffic regulations are major contributors.
In some sections, bad road conditions, faded road markings, and inadequate street lighting also increase the risk, especially at night and during rainy weather.
It is worrying that despite repeated accidents, little seems to change. Drivers continue to overspeed, some commercial drivers drive under pressure to meet unrealistic travel times, and enforcement of traffic laws appears weak in certain areas.
I, therefore appeal to the relevant authorities, including the Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) and the Ministry of Roads and Highways, to intensify road safety education, enforce traffic laws strictly, and ensure regular patrols on this highway.
Road signs should be improved, damaged portions of the road fixed promptly, and speed limits clearly enforced.
Drivers must also take personal responsibility by obeying traffic rules, avoiding unnecessary overtaking, and ensuring their vehicles are roadworthy. Passengers should speak up when drivers drive recklessly, because silence can cost lives.
Road accidents are preventable. Let us act now to make the Kumasi–Accra Highway safer for all users before more innocent lives are lost.
By Eugene Ampiaw, Takoradi
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