A coalition of youth groups and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in Tamale took to the streets in a vibrant float to raise awareness about the importance of healthy foods and diets for maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Participating groups, including Activista Ghana, Young Urban Women, Girls Alliance Network, UDS students, and the Ghana Red Cross Society, engaged in lively dancing accompanied by brass band music. They carried placards with educational messages and distributed brochures containing essential information about healthy foods and dietary choices.

The initiative was organized by Songtaba, an NGO, as part of the Healthy Diets for Healthier Lives campaign (HD4HL). The campaign is a collaborative effort involving Songtaba, the Coalition of Actors for Public Health Advocacy, and the University of Ghana. The primary goal is to sensitize the public about the significant impact of dietary choices on overall health.

Hajia Lamnatu Adam, the Executive Director of Songtaba, highlighted the need to address non-communicable diseases stemming from poor-quality foods and dietary habits. She emphasized the importance of policies to regulate the influx of various food products into the country, especially those with inscriptions in languages other than English.

Calling for a policy framework that promotes healthier consumer food environments, Hajia Lamnatu Adam urged policymakers to consider reducing taxes on healthy produce to make them more accessible to a broader population. She also emphasized the need for standardized food labelling policies.

Mohammed Amidu Alhassan, the Institutional Development Manager at Songtaba, affirmed the organization's commitment to mobilizing other NGOs and young people in the region to continue spreading the message of healthy diets to the public.