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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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![Dr.Newman [middle] being assited by Prof Abotsi [second from right] and Prof Acakpovi [left] to launched the Strategic Plan document photo Okai Elizabeth](https://spectator.com.gh/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Dr.Newman-middle-being-assited-by-Prof-Abotsi-second-from-right-and-Prof-Acakpovi-left-to-launched-the-Strategic-Plan-document-photo-Okai-Elizabeth.jpg)
THE Accra Technical University (ATU) on Tuesday officially launched its Strategic Plan for 2026–2030 in Accra, aimed at driving innovation and strengthening institutional capacity across key operational areas.
Speaking at the launch, Mr Humphrey Awuletey Williams, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Oswal Investments Limited, explained that the strategic plan seeks to respond to emerging challenges while positioning the institution as a forward-thinking leader in development.
He urged the university’s leadership to leverage their expertise to train students to be innovative and produce competitive products for both African and international markets.
According to him, employers increasingly demand competence-based human capital beyond academic certificates to drive development.
Mr Williams commended the Governing Council, Academic Board, Management, and other stakeholders for developing what he described as a ‘formative tool,’ and encouraged them to ensure its full implementation.
The Vice Chancellor of ATU, Mr Amevi Acapkvovi, emphasised that the strategic plan focuses on enhancing operational efficiency and strengthening stakeholder engagement.
“The strategic plan is not just a document, but a commitment to excellence, accountability and progress,” he said, adding that inclusivity is also central to the institution’s operations.
He outlined seven key focus areas of the plan: industry-based education; digital transformation and modernised infrastructure; quality assurance and institutional excellence; industry-driven research, innovation and entrepreneurship; staff development, motivation and welfare; strategic partnerships and increased visibility; and sustainable and green technologies.
Prof. Ernest Abotsi, stressed that the plan must not ‘gather dust’ but should be actively implemented to achieve success.
“Currently, ATU is adopting measures to assess the cost of running the institution, and this plan will serve as a guide to promote the university at every level,” he said.
Stakeholders present lauded the initiative, noting that its clear framework and measurable targets would help track progress and ensure transparency in the institution’s operations.
The university expressed confidence that, with support from partners and staff, the plan would significantly contribute to national development and set a benchmark for excellence in the sector.
The ceremony brought together stakeholders from government, traditional leadership, academia, industry, and civil society.
By Linda Abrefi Wadie
It was an exciting moment as hundreds of revellers from various parts of Accra trooped to the Independence Square beach in Osu to celebrate Easter.
Dressed in all kinds of beach costumes, parents were seen with their children having fun and enjoying the moment.
Others made the best of their outing by engaging in other fun activities.
The revellers engaged in games such as football, ampe, athletics while others just sat, relaxed to release stress amidst music provided by some revellers.
By Lizzy Okai
