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Hasten introduction, passage, implementation of FOPWL policy …health coalition urges MoH
A coalition of health and civil society organisations has called for the urgent introduction of a Front-of-Pack Warning Labelling (FOPWL) policy to curb the rising burden of kidney disease and other Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs).
The FOPWL policy places clear symbols on ultra-processed products that exceed defined threshold for salt, sugar, unhealthy fats, non-sugar sweeteners, and other nutrients of public health concern.
The labels provide immediate and visible information that allows consumers to identify unhealthy products quickly and make better choices.
At a press briefing in Accra last Thursday, the coalition comprising SEND Ghana, the Ghana Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, and the Vision for Accelerated Sustainable Development described the situation as a “quiet but dangerous public health crisis” already affecting millions of Ghanaians.
Project Lead at SEND Ghana, Levlyn Konadu Asiedu, addressing the media, cited recent figures presented in Parliament indicating that more than four million people in Ghana are living with chronic kidney disease, with about 400 new end-stage cases recorded annually.
“These are not just numbers; they reflect a growing health crisis driven by preventable risk factors within our environment,” she stated.
According to her, chronic kidney disease often progresses silently, with many individuals unaware of their condition until it reaches advanced stages where treatment becomes expensive and difficult to access.
She noted that dialysis and kidney transplantation remain beyond the reach of many Ghanaians, placing both families and the healthcare system under significant strain.
Ms Asiedu said the coalition identified the widespread consumption of ultra-processed foods as a major contributing factor.
Products such as sugary drinks, energy drinks, instant noodles, biscuits, and highly processed snacks, they emphasised, are increasingly becoming part of daily diets due to their affordability and convenience.
However, these foods are typically high in salt, sugar, and unhealthy fats, increasing the risk of obesity, hypertension, diabetes, and stroke, all of which place added pressure on the kidneys.
Citing the World Health Organisation, she noted that non-communicable diseases account for about 45 per cent of deaths in Ghana, underscoring the urgency of preventive interventions.
A key challenge, she said was the lack of clear and accessible nutrition information on many food products, leaving consumers unaware of the health implications of their choices.
She explained that unlike back-of-pack labels, which are often technical and difficult to read, front-of-pack warnings are simple, visible, and easy to understand, and allowing consumers to make informed decisions at a glance.
The coalition also highlighted the economic toll of the rising disease burden, noting that government continues to spend heavily on treatment. Commending ongoing efforts by the Ministry of Health to develop the policy, the group urged the Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, to champion its swift passage and implementation.
They further called on the media, policymakers, and the public to support the initiative, stressing that empowering consumers with the right information is key to reversing current health trends.
By Esinam Jemima Kuatsinu
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Manhyia would serve as Ghana’s unifying force …Otumfuo assures on commemoration of 27 years on the Golden Stool
The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, last Friday celebrated his 27th enstoolment with a colourful and culture-rich ceremony at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi, drawing a distinguished gathering of dignitaries from across Ghana and beyond.
Clad in splendid kente and adorned in rich traditional regalia, the dignitaries added colour and elegance to the occasion, as the palace grounds came alive with a vibrant display of Ghanaian culture.
Traditional drumming, dancing and symbolic rites underscored the deep-rooted heritage of the Ashanti Kingdom, captivating guests and reaffirming the value of tradition in modern society.
Speaking at a high-level Executive Gala organised by the Diaspora Affairs Office of the Office of the President in strategic partnership with the E ON 3 Group, the ‘World-Meets-in-Ghana’ gala, the Asantehene urged Ghanaians to guard against the divisive tendencies of partisan politics.
The event was to honour the Asantehene’s nearly three-decade reign under the theme ‘Advancing Peace and Sustainable Economic Development through Royal Vision’.
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II noted that such attitudes threatened the country’s long-standing values of unity, civility and brotherliness.
He assured that Manhyia would continue to serve as a unifying force for the nation.
The celebration also featured the presentation of commemorative gold coins to notable national leaders, including the President, John Dramani Mahama, former Presidents John Agyekum Kufuor and Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo as well as Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, a former Vice President in recognition of their contributions to peace and national development.
By Spectator Reporter
The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection has appealed to regional Queenmothers Association to support efforts to achieve 30 per cent women’s representation in leadership by the close of 2026, noting that women remain significantly underrepresented in elected positions.
The ministry said queenmothers had a critical role to play in identifying, mentoring and grooming the next generation of women leaders.
Speaking at an engagement with regional paramount queenmothers, Dr Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection and Member of Parliament (MP) of the Krowor Constituency, in the Greater Accra Region, said the ministry required active collaboration from queenmothers to encourage more women to contest elections.
Dr Lartey noted that negative stereotyping and the persistent association of female politicians with promiscuity continued to discourage many competent women from seeking leadership roles.
“The attacks, insults and shaming push many capable women out of the race before they even start,” she mentioned.
She urged queenmothers to provide direct support to young women in their communities who aspire leadership positions.
According to her, such support should include mentoring, coaching and guiding women through the processes of declaring interest, campaigning and navigating political party structures.
Dr Lartey encouraged women to remain persistent in pursuing leadership opportunities despite setbacks.
“Leadership is not always won on the first try. They should not give up if they do not succeed at first,” She added.
Responding on behalf of the association, Nana Otubea II, President of the All Regional QueenMothers Association and Paramount Queenmother of the Nkonya Traditional Council, described the call as laudable and pledged the association’s support towards achieving the 30 per cent target.
She commended Dr Lartey and the ministry for their efforts in advancing the welfare and empowerment of women.
Nana Otubea II also praised Parliament for passing the Affirmative Action (Gender Equity) Act, 2024, describing it as a landmark legislation that would deepen Ghana’s democratic governance architecture.
She said the law would help improve female representation in leadership by mandating progressive targets and promoting gender parity in public life and decision-making.
Nana Otubea II urged that the full implementation of the Affirmative Action Act should include the integration of queenmothers into the National House of Chiefs, describing their exclusion as inconsistent with the principles of equity and inclusion.
She further stated that queenmothers play central roles in dispute resolution, chief nomination, community development and women’s mobilisation, yet are sidelined when national chieftaincy policies are formulated.
She called for legal and administrative reforms to permit the election of paramount queenmothers to the National House of Chiefs, suggesting that at least one queenmother from each region be represented. – GNA
