Ghana's Triple Burden of Malnutrition Takes Center Stage in Food Policy Discussions
The National Development Planning Commission (NDPC) of Ghana recently hosted a high-level delegation from the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI) and The Coca-Cola Company to discuss the country's evolving food and nutrition policy environment.
According to the NDPC, Ghana is grappling with a triple burden of malnutrition, comprising undernutrition, micronutrient deficiencies, and rising overweight and obesity. As of 2022, 17.4% of children were stunted, while 6% experienced wasting. Anaemia affected about 49% of children under five and 41% of women of reproductive age.
The delegation discussed areas of collaboration to support public health, innovation, investment, competitiveness, and sustainable economic growth. The NDPC emphasized the need for a whole food-systems approach covering production, storage, transportation, markets, consumption, and food waste. Ghana is developing four complementary policy interventions: Food Marketing Restrictions, Front-of-Pack Nutrition Labelling, Food-Related Fiscal Policy, and Public Food Provisioning.
The Coca-Cola Company's Senior Director and Public Policy Lead, Africa, Mr Shiletsi Makhofane, welcomed the Commission's openness to wider consultation and expressed the Association's readiness to engage throughout the policy process. He highlighted the potential cost of regulatory compliance and stressed the importance of giving businesses clarity on proposed standards and thresholds.