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,
It is often said that a healthy nation is a wealthy nation. However, this saying becomes worrying when the health of citizens is threatened by the conditions under which the food they consume daily is sold.
In Ghana, the conditions under which food is sold is quite disturbing. Over the years, I have observed that the environments where food is prepared and sold are often unhygienic.
In many cases, containers holding food such as rice and waakye are left uncovered or not properly covered, exposing them to contamination.
While many Ghanaians paid little attention in the past to the conditions under which food was sold, the narrative seems to be changing in recent years.
I recall an incident during my days in Senior High School (S.H.S.) when my friends and I went out to buy food. At one location, some of us chose not to buy because we assumed the food would be expensive due to how neat the place looked.
Unfortunately, we ended up purchasing food from a different place that was somewhat unhygienic. We overlooked the poor conditions because we believed the quantity offered was better than at the cleaner location.
However, I am certain that my friends and I would not repeat such a mistake today, as we now understand the health implications of that decision.
While public education is important in addressing this issue, I believe it is time for regulatory and law enforcement agencies, such as the Food and Drug Authority (FDA), to crack the whip on food sellers and vendors who operate in unhygienic environments and conditions.
As citizens, we must also be mindful of where we buy our food to protect ourselves and our families from diseases and illnesses. We should choose ‘quality’ over ‘quantity’ and prioritize our health.
From Syram
Oyarifa
Dear Editor,
I write to express concern and call for improved security measures before and after every football match.
The recent robbery attack that led to the tragic death of a player, on their return from a Match day 29 game against Samartex, is both shocking and heartbreaking.
The incident, which reportedly occurred around 10:30 p.m., highlights the growing risks faced by players and team officials while traveling.
Football is meant to unite and entertain, not to expose lives to danger. It is therefore imperative that authorities, the Ghana Football Association, and security agencies put in place adequate protection for teams, especially during late-night travels.
I strongly urge all stakeholders to treat this matter with urgency to prevent such unfortunate incidents from recurring.
From Eugene Ampiaw
Accra
