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