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Ghana grooming future diabetics …Health Experts warn
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Ghana is ‘grooming future diabetics’ as unhealthy eating habits, the growing consumption of ultra-processed foods and sugary drinks, and increasingly sedentary lifestyles continue to expose more children and young people to Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), nutrition experts have warned.
The warning was issued at the Editors’ Forum on Mandatory Front-of-Pack Warning Food Labelling (FoPWL) Advocacy, organised by SEND Ghana and its partners in Accra.
Speaking at the forum, the President of the Ghana Association of Nutritionists and Diebetics, Rev. Prince Baidoo, said Ghana’s changing food environment was fuelling a rise in obesity, diabetes, hypertension, stroke and other diet-related diseases.
According to him, the country is undergoing a nutrition transition in which traditional diets are increasingly being replaced by highly processed foods rich in sugar, salt and unhealthy fats.
“Today’s food environment is creating tomorrow’s diabetes and hypertension cases,” he said, expressing concern about the growing consumption of sugary drinks and processed snacks among children.
Rev. Baidoo noted that while Ghana had made progress in tackling hunger and under nutrition, it was now facing a growing burden of diet-related diseases driven by poor eating habits and physical inactivity.
He attributed the trend to rapid urbanisation and changing lifestyles and lamented the gradual abandonment of traditional foods such as yam, cassava, cocoyam and millet-based meals in favour of processed alternatives.
The nutrition expert urged Ghanaians to consume more fruits, vegetables, legumes and whole grains while reducing their intake of sugar-sweetened beverages and ultra-processed foods.
Supporting the call for healthier food environments, Project Officer at SEND Ghana, Ms Baaba Sam, said Front-of-Pack Warning Labels would help consumers quickly identify foods high in sugar, salt and saturated fats.
She explained that the proposed labelling system is based on the World Health Organisation’s Nutrient Profile Model, which sets recommended limits for nutrients linked to chronic diseases.
Under the system, manufacturers whose products exceed the recommended thresholds would be required to display warning labels prominently on the front of packaging to alert consumers.
Ms Sam noted that although nutrition information is available on the back of most food packages, many consumers either overlook it or find it difficult to understand.
“The warning labels make it easier for consumers to quickly identify products that are high in sugar, salt or saturated fats and make informed decisions,” she said.
According to her, the measure would not only empower consumers to make healthier choices but also encourage manufacturers to reformulate products by reducing unhealthy ingredients.
Ms Sam disclosed that a draft Front-of-Pack Warning Food Labelling policy had already been developed through collaboration between the Ministry of Health, civil society organisations and other stakeholders and was currently undergoing technical review.
By Esinam Jemima Kuatsinu
Businessman Mr. Ibrahim Mahama has denied reports linking him to a takeover bid for the Volta Aluminium Company (VALCO).
His reaction follows a demonstration by members of the VALCO Labour Union today, during which some protesters alleged that Mr. Mahama was interested in acquiring the state-owned aluminium company.
In a statement issued by his Special Aide, Rafik Mahama, the businessman said he has “no such interest” and has not made any offer to acquire VALCO.
“The allegation is the latest in several vile attempts to impute the integrity of Mr. Ibrahim Mahama and subject him to needless public engagements,” the statement said.
The statement added that Mr. Mahama’s business track record speaks for itself, describing his companies as “some of the best-run operations across the African continent.”
It further noted that all of Mr. Mahama’s business interests were “legally commenced or acquired” and operate within the law a fact it said explains why his businesses have endured across seven election cycles.
“Mr. Mahama remains committed to contributing his quota to the development of Ghana by investing in business opportunities in Ghana and beyond,” the statement added.
The statement also disclosed that Mr. Mahama has instructed his lawyers to take the necessary legal action over the publication and allegations.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
The leadership of Kristo Asafo has dismissed reports circulating on social media and in some media outlets that the late Apostle Kwadwo Safo Kantanka will be buried on July 30, 2026, describing the claim as false.
The current head of the Kantanka family and leader of Kristo Asafo, Kwadwo Safo Akofena Kantanka, addressed the issue during a press conference in Accra today.
He said no burial date has been set and urged members of the church and the general public to disregard any unofficial announcements.
“I urge the members of Kristo Asafo and the nation to disregard any burial date out there,” Akofena said.
He further stressed that neither the leadership of the church nor the Kantanka family has made any such announcement regarding the funeral.
According to him, all official funeral arrangements will be communicated only through a formal statement from the Kantanka family when the time is due.
Akofena Safo Kantanka said the family remains united in ensuring that the final funeral rites are conducted in a manner that befits the legacy of the late Apostle.
He called on Ghanaians to remain calm and wait for the official communication from the family, warning against the spread of misinformation.
Background
Apostle Dr. Ing. Kwadwo Safo Kantanka, founder and spiritual leader of Kristo Asafo Mission of Ghana, passed away recently, plunging the church and the nation into mourning.
The late Apostle was widely known not only as a religious leader but also as an industrialist, inventor, and founder of the Kantanka Group of Companies, which manufactures vehicles and other machinery in Ghana.
Since his passing, there has been heightened public interest in his funeral arrangements.
It would be recalled that a faction of the siblings and family led by former MP Adwoa Safo had earlier announced a proposed burial date and arrangements.
That announcement, however, has been rejected by the current leadership of both the church and the family.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
