Nutrition
Nutrition is more than health —A cross-sectoral policy priority
When a child is born underweight in Ghana, the Ministry of Health takes the blame. When a schoolchild struggles to learn because of hunger, the education sector is blamed. When families cannot afford diverse foods, it is seen as a problem for agriculture. But in truth, these are not separate problems, they are pieces of the same puzzle.
Nutrition is not just about hospitals and clinics. It is about farms, schools, social protection, and governance. Yet Ghana continues to treat it as a health-sector issue. The result is fragmented interventions, duplicated efforts, and policies that never add up to real change.
Take agriculture, for example. Too often, the focus is on increasing yields of cash crops rather than improving the diversity of foods available to families. Education? School feeding programmes fill stomachs but often fail to nourish minds because the meals lack essential nutrients. Social protection? Cash transfers help households survive but don’t always ensure children eat balanced meals.
This is why Ghana must adopt a cross-sectoral approach to nutrition policy. Nutrition targets should be integrated into the performance indicators of every ministry; from agriculture to education to finance. A school feeding programme should not be judged only by how many children are fed, but by whether those meals improve nutrition outcomes. Agricultural policies should measure success not just in tonnes of maize, but in whether families can access affordable vegetables, beans, and protein.
Coordinating this requires leadership from the very top. A National Nutrition Council under the presidency could drive this integration, ensuring that all sectors pull in the same direction and are accountable for results.
The reality is simple: no ministry can fix malnutrition alone. But together, through cross-sectoral policies that recognise nutrition as the foundation of development, Ghana can finally break the cycle.
Feature article by Women, Media and Change under its Nourish Ghana: Advocating for Increased Leadership to Combat Malnutrition Project in collaboration with Eleanor Crook Foundation
Ingredients
-2 cups of cooked rice
-Oil
-2 pounds of fresh lobsters
-1/2 tablespoonful of grinded ginger
-1/4 teaspoon salt
-1/2 onion
1 cup frozen peas
-3 large carrots
-3 eggs
-3 tablespoonful of soy sauce
-2 tablespoonful of diced green onions
Preparation
-Cut lobsters into bite-sized pieces and toss for 2minutes.
-Put a saucepan on fire and add a tablespoonful of oil.
-Stir in diced onion, garlic, peas, carrots and other vegetables.
-Add rice and stir to coat. Stir occasionally until rice is warmed through.
-Add soy sauce to the rice and stir well
-Remove from heat and serve.
Benefits of Lobsters
Snack (Baobab drink)
Ingredients
-Condensed milk
-5 tablespoonful of honey (optional)
-1 teaspoonful of flavour (vanilla or strawberry essence)
Preparation
-Place 2 tablespoonful of baobab powder in a bowl and mix with water.
-Set mixture aside for it to dissolve properly.
-Sieve the baobab mixture to remove lumps and fibre for a smooth drink.
– Add honey or sugar, milk and flavour to your taste.
-Best served chilled.
By Linda Abrefi Wadie
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Lobster is a nutritious seafood that provides several health benefits. It is rich in protein, vitamins, minerals and healthy nutrients that support the proper functioning of the body.
– Builds and repairs body tissues: Lobster is rich in high-quality protein, which helps build muscles and repair damaged tissues.
-Supports brain health: It contains vitamin B12, which helps maintain healthy nerves and supports proper brain function.
Strengthens the immune system: Lobster contains zinc and selenium, minerals that help the body fight infections and protect cells.
– Promotes healthy bones: It provides phosphorus and some calcium, which contribute to strong bones and teeth.
–Supports heart health: Lobster contains omega-3 fatty acids, which may help support cardiovascular health.
–Prevents anaemia: Its vitamin B12 and iron content help the body produce healthy red blood cells.
–Supports thyroid function: Lobster contains iodine, which the thyroid gland needs to produce hormones that regulate metabolism.
–Helps maintain healthy skin: Its protein and zinc contribute to skin growth, repair and maintenance.
Supports energy production: Vitamin B12 and other B vitamins help the body convert food into energy.
Helps maintain healthy muscles: Its protein and potassium support muscle function and maintenance.Health.com
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