The Ghana Public Health Association (GPHA) has urged for the enhancement of regulatory policies to prevent the influx of hazardous food products into the Ghanaian market. It emphasized the importance of implementing an efficient system to thoroughly inspect imported food items to identify and reject unwholesome products before they reach consumers.
Mr. James McKeon Amoah, Project Lead of the “Assuring Healthier Diets in Ghana through Food-based Policies,” highlighted the necessity for robust public health policies aimed at promoting healthier diets and overall well-being. He stressed the importance of proactive measures to safeguard the public from potentially harmful food items.
As part of its efforts, the association conducted a public awareness campaign in various principal streets of Kumasi, aimed at educating the populace about the risks associated with toxic and unwholesome food products available in the market. Mr Amoah explained that the Healthier Diets for Healthier Lives Project also advocates for policies that impose heavy taxes on food items containing harmful elements while reducing taxes on healthier alternatives.
Mr Amoah attributed the increasing prevalence of diseases such as diabetes and kidney diseases among Ghanaians to the consumption of foods high in sugar and salt. He emphasized that stringent policies if adopted and implemented effectively, could eliminate harmful food products and promote healthier lifestyles.
Mrs. Cynthia Asante, a Dietician at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) in Kumasi, echoed the call for government intervention. She emphasized the need for stronger food labelling policies to regulate both verified and unverified food items in the market, ensuring consumer safety and informed choices.
The GPHA's advocacy underscores the critical importance of regulatory measures to protect public health and promote healthier dietary practices among Ghanaians.