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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 said, 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 Organization, 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 for 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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A medical expert has cautioned that while misuse of herbal medicines can contribute to kidney damage, they are not the leading cause of kidney disease.
Dr Prince Mawutor, a researcher at the Centre for Plant Medicine Research, told the Ghana News Agency that the leading causes of kidney disease remained high blood pressure, diabetes, exposure to toxic substances, arteriosclerosis and genetic factors.
He said both herbal and orthodox medicines could be beneficial when used appropriately but harmful when abused.
“Any medication can become toxic if taken in excess. Once it accumulates in the body beyond safe levels, it can damage vital organs, including the kidneys,” he stated.
Dr Mawutor cautioned that improper use of herbal medicines, particularly unregulated or unapproved ones, increased the risk of kidney damage.
He stressed the importance of purchasing only approved herbal products, noting that regulatory bodies ensured such medicines underwent safety and toxicity testing before reaching the market.
Dr Mawutor advised the public to check for proper labelling when buying herbal products, including product name, list of ingredients, usage instructions and traceable contact information.
Dr Mawutor urged individuals to consult qualified health professionals or certified medical herbalists before using any herbal medicine, especially when combining them with orthodox treatments.
He warned that self-medication and purchasing herbal products from roadside vendors posed serious health risks.
“If you are unwell, it is always best to visit a hospital and follow the proper medical process. A qualified medical herbalist can guide you on safe herbal options and how to integrate them with conventional treatment,” he said.
Dr Mawutor noted that the Food and Drugs Authority did not approve products sold in informal settings, such as from vehicles or on the streets, as they were unlikely to have undergone proper clinical trials.
He highlighted the role of regulatory institutions, including the Traditional Medicine Practice Council and the Ghana Association of Medical Herbalists, in ensuring safe production and use of herbal medicines.
Dr Mawutor acknowledged that although some patients with kidney complications had reported improvements after using herbal remedies, not all herbal medicines could cure every disease. –GNA
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Mr Jonathan Duodu Adjei, an old student of Pope John Senior High and Junior Seminary, has donated assorted books worth thousands of US dollars to his alma mater.
Mr Duodu, who is a member of 1981 year group and also the Chief of Badukrom and Akwamuhene of Akyem Bosome Traditional area but lives in the United States of America said the books were his personal contributions to the development of education of the students.
The books which includes, computer science books, assorted literature, chemistry, mechanics, industrial text books, public administration, medicine were presented last Monday.
Mr Duodu advised the students to study to show themselves approved in their final examination.
He said there was nothing on earth which is easy but with determination, discipline and hard work, they can reach their set objectives in life.
He shared his life experience when he was a student and appealed to them to respect and obey whatever their teachers would tell them.
Mr Duodu pledged to bring more items to the school.
He was accompanied by Mr Kwame Djamgba, former Pojoba President, Dr Kwaku Agbesi, newly elected Pojoba President, Mr Cephas Wiafe Nimako, Mr Francis Kwabena Ohene and Mr Ohemeng Baah.
The School Prefect, Foster Tetteh Quarshie, thanked Mr Duodu for the gesture and also pledged on behalf of the students, especially the final year students, not to repeat the mistakes of their predecessors.
The Headmaster, Rev Fr Ben Ohene Opoku expressed gratitude to the donor and appealed to the other old students to come on board.
He thanked the year groups who are also doing various projects to raise the image of their alma mater.
By Spectator Reporter
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