Nutrition
Malnutrition as a leadership challenge
Malnutrition persists in Ghana not because solutions are unknown, but because leadership has not consistently elevated nutrition as a national priority. Despite the availability of evidence-based interventions, malnutrition remains under-addressed in policy implementation and financing decisions. This gap reflects a broader leadership challenge that must be urgently addressed.
Nutrition outcomes are shaped by decisions across multiple sectors: health, agriculture, education, sanitation, and social protection. Without strong political leadership to coordinate these sectors, efforts remain fragmented and impact is limited. Policies exist, but implementation is often weak due to competing priorities and insufficient accountability.
High-level leadership is essential to place nutrition at the centre of development planning. This includes ensuring adequate budget allocations, setting measurable targets, and monitoring progress at the highest levels of government. Parliament has a critical role to play in holding institutions accountable for nutrition outcomes, just as it does for economic performance.
International experience is instructive. Countries that have significantly reduced malnutrition have done so through sustained political commitment, often led by heads of government or senior ministers. Nutrition was treated as a development accelerator rather than a welfare issue.
In Ghana, leadership for nutrition must be strengthened at both national and sub-national levels. District assemblies, in particular, are pivotal in translating policy into action, yet they often lack the authority or resources to prioritize nutrition effectively.
Malnutrition undermines human capital development and constrains economic growth. Leaders must recognise that failing to address it carries long-term costs for the nation. Political leadership that champions nutrition will not only save lives but also strengthen Ghana’s development trajectory.
Ending malnutrition is achievable, but only if leaders take ownership of the challenge. Nutrition must be seen not as a sectoral concern but as a national development priority that demands decisive and sustained leadership.
Key Policy Recommendations: The Office of the President should establish a High-Level Nutrition Coordination Council, chaired by the Vice President, bringing together Ministers from Health, Agriculture, Education, Gender, and Local Government to meet quarterly and drive cross-sectoral action. The Ministry of Finance must mandate that at least 5 per cent of each sector ministry’s budget includes nutrition-sensitive interventions with measurable targets. Parliament should create a bi-partisan Nutrition Caucus to champion nutrition legislation and hold the Executive accountable through annual review sessions. District Chief Executives (DCEs) should be given performance contracts that include nutrition outcome indicators, with nutrition coordinators appointed at all 261 district assemblies. The National Development Planning Commission (NDPC) must integrate nutrition targets into the next Medium-Term Development Plan with clear accountability frameworks linking national commitments to district-level delivery.
Feature article by Women, Media and Change under its Nourish Ghana: Advocating for Increased Leadership to Combat Malnutrition project
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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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