Nutrition as smart economics: Why Ghana must invest in it

 When national development is discussed, the spotlight of­ten falls on roads, factories, employment, and technology. Yet, one of the most powerful engines of economic growth remains over­looked: nutrition. A well-nourished population is not just healthier, it is smarter, more productive, and better positioned to drive Ghana’s transformation.

The hidden cost of malnutrition

Malnutrition is not only a public health crisis; it is a silent drain on the economy. According to the Ghana Demographic and Health Survey (GDHS 2022), countries lose up to 3percent of GDP annually due to poor nutrition. For Ghana, this means billions of cedis lost every year through lower productivity, weaker educational outcomes, and soaring healthcare costs. Malnutri­tion robs the nation of its human capital; the very foundation of sus­tainable growth.

Nutrition: An investment, not an expense

The evidence is clear: nutrition delivers some of the highest returns on investment of any development intervention. Every cedi spent on nutrition generates multiple bene­fits:

Higher productivity: Healthy, well-fed workers contribute more to the economy.

Better education outcomes: Chil­dren who eat balanced diets learn faster and perform better in school.

Reduced healthcare costs: Pre­venting malnutrition lowers the burden of disease and reduces long-term treatment expenses.

In short, nutrition is not charity, it is smart economics. Ghana cannot afford to postpone action.

Why Ghana must act now

Ghana has already made bold commitments at the 2025 Nutrition for Growth (N4G) Summit, pledging to halve child stunting and reduce anemia in women. But without ad­equate financing and political will, these promises risk becoming empty words.

Nutrition interventions such as exclusive breastfeeding promotion, school feeding programmes, and micronutrient supplementation re­quire sustained investment. Without dedicated budget lines and account­ability measures, the cycle of mal­nutrition will continue to undermine development.

A call for leadership and account­ability

Nutrition must be placed at the heart of Ghana’s development strat­egy. Policymakers, parliamentarians, and development partners need to treat nutrition with the same urgen­cy as infrastructure or energy. Civil society organizations, the media, and citizens must also play their part by demanding accountability and ensuring that nutrition remains high on the national agenda.

The truth is simple: a nation can­not grow on an empty stomach. By investing in nutrition today, Ghana secures a healthier, wealthier, and more resilient future. A nourished Ghana is not just a healthier nation; it is a stronger, more prosperous one, ready to achieve its vision of inclusive growth.