Nutrition
Ghana’s bold nutrition for growth commitment: From promises to action
At the 2025 Nutrition for Growth (N4G) Summit in Paris, Ghana made bold and ambitious commitments to improve the nutritional well-being of its citizens, particularly women and children. These targets if fully implemented have the potential to transform health outcomes, reduce preventable deaths, and unlock national development gains.
Among the commitments announced, Ghana pledged to:
Halve the rate of stunting among children under five.
Reduce anemia in women of reproductive age by 50 per cent.
Cut low birth weight cases by 30 per cent.
Increase exclusive breastfeeding rates to 70 per cent.
Integrate multiple micronutrient supplements (MMS) into antenatal care.
These goals are in line with World Health Assembly nutrition targets and represent a significant step toward addressing the country’s persistent burden of malnutrition. Currently, one in five Ghanaian children is stunted, and nearly half of women of reproductive age suffer from anemia; a situation that weakens productivity, undermines child development, and strains the health system.
Why these commitments matter
Nutrition is not only a health issue; it is an economic and development imperative. Studies have shown that countries lose up to 3 per cent of GDP annually due to malnutrition, while every cedi invested in nutrition generates multiple returns through improved productivity, education, and reduced healthcare costs.
By committing to these targets, Ghana is signaling political will. But political will must translate into action. Civil society organizations (CSOs), the media, and communities all have a role to play in holding government accountable and ensuring that nutrition remains a national priority.
Turning commitments into reality
While the commitments are commendable, the real test lies in implementation. To move from promises to results, Ghana must:
Back commitments with financing. Nutrition interventions must be prioritized in the national budget, with clear allocations and accountability mechanisms.
Strengthen health systems. Integrating micronutrient supplementation and scaling up antenatal care services will require capacity building and supply chain improvements.
Engage parliament and policymakers. Sustained advocacy is needed to ensure nutrition commitments do not get lost in competing political priorities.
Mobilize communities and the media. Public awareness and behavioral change campaigns through churches, schools, and radio can drive adoption of healthy practices such as exclusive breastfeeding.
Track progress transparently. Independent monitoring of stunting, anemia, and low birth weight rates is crucial for evaluating impact.
The commitments made in Paris are not just statistics, they represent brighter futures for Ghanaian children, healthier mothers, and a stronger, more productive nation. Now is the time to turn words into action.
Nutrition
The First 1,000 Days: Why Ghana’s investment in maternal and child nutrition matters for human capital development
From the start of pregnancy to a child’s second birthday, the first 1,000 days, represents the most important window for human development. Good nutrition shapes the foundation.
During this short window, the body and brain grow at a pace that will never be repeated. When nutrition is inadequate, the damage to physical growth and cognitive development is often permanent. No later investment in education or healthcare can fully reverse these losses. Ghana’s future workforce and economic progress depend on getting nutrition right during this critical period.
Science is clear. A baby’s brain develops rapidly during pregnancy and early childhood, forming the foundation for all future learning and health. Adequate nutrients during pregnancy support the formation of neural connections that underpin learning, memory, and emotional regulation. When pregnant women lack essential nutrients, their babies begin life at a disadvantage. When young children experience severe malnutrition, they miss critical growth periods that do not return.
Ghana faces serious challenges during this critical window. An estimated 68,517 children suffer from severe acute malnutrition. Between 37 and 63 percent of pregnant women are anemic, with iron deficiency particularly common in late pregnancy. These problems translate directly into diminished potential. Malnourished children perform worse in school, earn less as adults, and face higher risks of chronic diseases. The economic losses multiply across generations.
Research worldwide shows that nutrition investments during the first 1,000 days deliver exceptional returns. Well-nourished children learn better, perform better academically, and become more productive adults. Countries that invest in early nutrition experience faster economic growth through stronger, more productive workforces.
Ghana already has effective solutions. Multiple Micronutrient Supplements for pregnant women reduce the risk of low birth weight and preterm birth, while Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food enables high recovery rates for children with severe acute malnutrition. Both are approved in Ghana’s health guidelines. The problem is not lack of knowledge but lack of access. Coverage remains limited because financing depends heavily on donor support rather than sustainable domestic systems.
Integrating these nutrition interventions into the National Health Insurance Scheme would help close this gap. With a large proportion of mothers and young children already enrolled, NHIS provides a platform for nationwide reach. Recent reforms to health financing further strengthen the case for prioritising essential nutrition services within the scheme.
Ghana’s development agenda emphasizes industrialisation, innovation, and economic transformation. Achieving these goals requires a workforce capable of learning, problem-solving, and sustained productivity. Human capital development, however, does not begin at universities or training centers. It begins before birth.
The first 1,000 days offer no second chances. Each year of delay means another group of children enter adulthood carrying preventable disadvantages. Investing in nutrition during this critical window is not only a health priority; it is a foundational investment in Ghana’s economic future.
Feature article by Womec, Media and Change under its Nourish Ghana: Advocating for Increased Leadership to Combat Malnutrition project
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Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic lunar (Hijri) calendar, is a period of fasting, reflection, and spiritual growth. A vital part of observing Ramadan is Iftar—the evening meal with which Muslims break their daily fast at sunset. Fruits play an essential role in Iftar, providing nutrition, hydration, and energy after long hours of fasting.
Here are some of the most recommended fruits to include in your Ramadan meals:
Dates
Dates are traditionally used to break the fast. They are rich in sugar, fibre, potassium, vitamins, and minerals, helping to restore energy quickly after fasting.
Watermelon
Watermelon is highly consumed for hydration, as it is composed mostly of water. It can be enjoyed in slices or blended into refreshing smoothies.
Bananas
Bananas are an excellent source of potassium, which helps maintain fluid balance and reduce thirst. They also provide natural energy to keep you going after fasting.
Apples
Apples are fibre-rich and nutritious, promoting heart health, aiding weight management, and improving digestion.
Cucumber
Cucumber is one of the best hydrating fruits, composed of water and fibre, which aids digestion while revitalising the body.
Pawpaw (Papaya)
Pawpaw is low in calories and sugar, rich in fibre, and promotes healthy digestion, hair, and skin. It is a nutritious addition to any Iftar meal.
Including a variety of these fruits during Ramadan not only helps replenish lost nutrients but also supports overall health, digestion, and hydration throughout the fasting period.
By Linda Abrefi Wadie
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