Nutrition
Stronger leadership, better nutrition – Why Ghana needs a National Nutrition Council
Ghana has no shortage of policies on nutrition. From commitments to global platforms like the Nutrition for Growth (N4G) Summit to local programmes targeting maternal and child health, the frameworks exist. And yet, the numbers tell us we are still lagging behind.
According to the Ghana Demographic and Health Survey (GDHS) 2022, one in five children is chronically malnourished and nearly half of women of reproductive age suffer from anaemia. These are not mere statistics; they are reflections of families struggling, children missing their potential, and a nation paying the price in lost productivity.
So, what is the problem? Coordination.
Nutrition is not the sole responsibility of the Ministry of Health (MoH). It is linked to agriculture through the food we grow, to education through the meals children eat in school, and to social protection through the safety nets that shield vulnerable households. But too often, these sectors work in silos, with overlapping projects and fragmented budgets. The result is duplication of efforts, inefficiency, and reduced impact.
This is why Ghana urgently needs a National Nutrition Council. Not another layer of bureaucracy, but a high-level body reporting directly to the Presidency, with the mandate to align efforts across ministries, secure dedicated financing, and drive accountability.
Other countries have shown the power of such structures. Rwanda established a national nutrition coordination mechanism under the Office of the Prime Minister, and within a decade, it achieved one of the fastest reductions in stunting in Africa. Ethiopia’s Food and Nutrition Council has also provided the political leadership needed to keep nutrition at the centre of national planning.
Ghana can and must follow suit. A National Nutrition Council will mean that nutrition is no longer buried in the fine print of health sector budgets but elevated to the level of national development strategy. It will mean that Parliament can hold a single accountable body to answer for progress, and civil society can monitor with clarity.
The time has come to stop managing nutrition as an afterthought. A council will give Ghana the leadership structure to match its ambitions. Without it, our pledges, no matter how bold, risk fading into the background noise of unfinished business.
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
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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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