Nourishing Ghana Starts with Us: The role of citizens

The success of Ghana’s fight against malnutrition does not rest solely in the hands of the government or donors. It depends on us, the citizens. Nutrition is not just a technical issue. It is a societal one, and every Ghanaian has a role to play in ensuring that no child goes hungry, no mother is left unsupport­ed, and no community is forgotten.

As citizens, we must shift how we see nutri­tion: not as a private family concern, but as a collective national responsibility. Here’s how we can act:

1. Demand account­ability

Every citizen has the right and responsibility to ask how public funds are being used to support nutrition. Are local clinics stocked with supple­ments? Are school feeding programmes working in your district? Are ma­ternal health services adequately funded? Ask questions. Engage as­sembly members. Attend town hall meetings. Make your voice count.

2. Speak up, Speak out

Silence has a cost. When we fail to speak out against malnutrition, we normalise it. Use your platform, whether it is WhatsApp group, a radio show, a church gathering, or social media, to raise awareness. Normalise conversations about child feeding, food quality, and maternal health. Silence keeps systems broken. Voices drive change.

3. Support local solutions

Support or join community nu­trition initiatives. Volunteer. Share what you know. Help spread accu­rate information about breastfeed­ing, healthy diets, and hygiene. If you are a farmer, teacher, trader, or youth leader, your knowledge and effort can make a difference. Change starts in our homes and neighbourhoods.

4. Protect the first 1,000 days

Whether you are a father, grand­mother, neighbor, or employer, support pregnant women and care­givers during this crucial period. Encourage antena­tal care. Help with child care. Prioritise nutritious foods. The first 1,000 days of a child’s life lay the foundation for everything that follows.

When citizens care, ask questions, take action, and show solidarity, we create the condi­tions for lasting change. Malnutrition is not inevitable. It is a symptom of neglect, and neglect ends when citizens choose to act.

Feature article by Women, Media and Change under its Nourish Ghana: Advocating for In­creased Leadership to Combat Malnutri­tion Project