Nutrition
The role of Civil Society in advancing the fight against malnutrition
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Malnutrition continues to undermine the health, learning, and future productivity of Ghana’s children. If left unaddressed, it will slow down national development and widen inequalities. Tackling this challenge requires not only government action but also the active and strategic involvement of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs).
How CSOs can step up
To make a lasting impact, CSOs should consider the following roles in the fight against malnutrition:
Amplify nutrition advocacy
CSOs must use their platforms to keep nutrition high on the national agenda. By engaging parliament, district assemblies, and local leaders, they can push for stronger commitments and sustained investment in nutrition policies and programs.
Strengthen community education
Beyond raising awareness, CSOs should design practical, culturally relevant education campaigns that show families how to prepare balanced meals using locally available foods. Demonstrations, cooking classes, and peer-to-peer learning can make nutrition knowledge more actionable.
Leverage technology for wider reach
With mobile phones and social media widely used in Ghana, CSOs should adopt digital tools such as WhatsApp groups, SMS campaigns, and short educational videos to reach parents and young people with timely nutrition tips.
Build Stronger Coalitions
By collaborating across networks, CSOs can pool resources, share lessons, and amplify their voice in policy advocacy. A united civil society front makes it harder for decision-makers to ignore nutrition issues.
Hold Government Accountable
CSOs should actively monitor the implementation of nutrition-related policies and budget allocations. Through scorecards, citizen reports, and media engagement, they can ensure promises made translate into real benefits for communities.
The Way Forward
Malnutrition is not just a health issue; it is a national development concern. CSOs, with their grassroots presence and advocacy strength, are uniquely positioned to drive change. By sharpening their focus, deepening partnerships, and holding institutions accountable, they can accelerate progress toward a healthier, stronger Ghana.
The fight against malnutrition is everyone’s responsibility, but CSOs must remain at the forefront ensuring that no child is left behind because of poor nutrition.
Feature article by Women, Media & Change under its Nourish Ghana: Advocating for Increased Leadership to Combat Malnutrition Project
Help prevent heart disease
Regularly eating tomatoes may help lower blood pressure and improve cholesterol levels. The health benefits of tomatoes are mainly due to lycopene and other antioxidants, which help reduce inflammation and protect cells from oxidative damage, two key drivers of chronic disease.
Boost brain health
Growing evidence suggests that tomatoes support brain health by protecting nerve cells and reducing damage linked to ageing. A 2025 study involving rats found that lycopene improved memory and learning and reduced markers associated with Alzheimer’s disease, although these effects have not been established in humans.
Studies have also found that regular tomato consumption may be associated with a reduced risk of stroke. This may partly be due to lycopene’s potential to support blood vessel function.
Reduce cancer risk
Tomatoes contain nutrients and natural compounds that may help protect cells from damage and influence processes involved in abnormal cell growth. However, more research is needed to establish the extent to which eating tomatoes can reduce cancer risk.
Antioxidant protection
The vibrant red colour of tomatoes comes from lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage and reduce inflammation. Tomatoes are also good sources of other antioxidants, including vitamins A and C, which contribute to healthy skin, immunity and overall well-being.
Improve vision and eye protection
Vitamin A is essential for good vision, and tomatoes provide nutrients that support eye health. They also contain compounds such as lutein and zeaxanthin, which help protect the eyes from oxidative damage. These nutrients may contribute to long-term eye health.
Potential anti-cancer benefits
Growing evidence suggests that antioxidants in tomatoes may be associated with a lower risk of certain cancers, particularly prostate cancer. Lycopene has been studied for its potential protective effects, although research has not established that eating tomatoes prevents cancer.
Support skin health
Rich in vitamin C, tomatoes help support collagen production, which keeps the skin firm and healthy. Vitamin C also contributes to skin repair and helps protect cells from oxidative damage caused by exposure to sunlight.
Support bone health
Tomatoes provide vitamin K and small amounts of calcium, two nutrients involved in maintaining healthy bones. Vitamin K contributes to normal bone metabolism, while calcium helps maintain bone strength. However, tomatoes alone cannot prevent or treat osteoporosis.
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With many students set to enter second-cycle and tertiary institutions this year, parents and guardians are already preparing to provide their wards with the essentials they need for school. The Nutrition page has a simple method of preparing shito.
Shito is a Ghanaian hot pepper sauce made with ingredients such as dried chilli peppers, dried fish, ginger and oil. It is used in various dishes, especially rice-based meals and swallows.
Ingredients
- 1 litre of oil
- 70 grams of fresh onion
- 100 grams of tomato paste
- 40 grams of powdered pepper
- 30 grams of ginger
- 30 grams of fish powder
- 10 grams of powdered garlic
- 30 grams of powdered shrimps
- 30 grams of powdered herrings
- Salt to taste
Preparation
- Pound or blend dry hot pepper together with fresh ginger.
- Pound or blend dry shrimps and dried herrings.
- Grind onion, garlic and hot pepper.
- Heat oil.
- Add the ground or blended onions, garlic and pepper.
- Allow it to cook for a while.
- Add powdered shrimps and powdered dried herrings.
- Cover and allow to cook further until all the water has evaporated.
- Add pounded hot pepper, stir, cover and allow to cook.
- Add fish powder and continue stirring to avoid burning.
- Cook until the sauce is dark brown in colour. Take off the heat and serve with rice, waakye, gari, jollof rice, etc.
- By Linda Abrefi Wadie
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