Accra:Nutritionist Professor Anna Lartey has revealed that 65 percent of Ghanaians struggle to afford a healthy diet, with 43.5 percent experiencing moderate to severe food insecurity. This issue is particularly pressing in rural areas, where households face challenges in accessing nutritious meals.
According to Ghana Web, Professor Lartey highlighted the significant impact of poor diet quality on various aspects of life in Ghana, including school performance, productivity, and long-term economic growth. She emphasized that the current situation is undermining the nutritional well-being of the population.
During the 2026 World Food Day commemoration in Accra, she advocated for increased investment in indigenous foods, which she described as nutritious, affordable, and resilient to climate change. Professor Lartey urged the government and stakeholders to promote the cultivation and consumption of these foods to improve access to healthy diets, especially for financially constrained households.
She also suggested the introduction of food-based dietary guidelines to foster healthier eating habits and called for measures to increase the production of fruits and vegetables and reduce food losses. Furthermore, she encouraged the government to implement the commitments made at the 2021 United Nations Food Systems Summit to enhance food security and nutrition.
Professor Lartey addressed the issue of food waste, noting that nutritious food is often discarded while vulnerable families struggle to secure adequate meals. She stressed the need for research and innovation to address this challenge, as poor diets contribute to approximately 20 percent of premature deaths in Ghana.
The World Food Day event was organized by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and hosted by the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research. The theme of the event was 'Innovate Today. Nourish Tomorrow,' and it featured various activities, including a food exhibition and a cooking competition for young chefs.
Zia Choudhury, the UN Resident Coordinator in Ghana, praised the diversity of indigenous Ghanaian foods showcased by participating organizations, such as the Ghana Food Movement and Food for All Africa. An FAO official, Ayman Omer, mentioned ongoing collaborations with Ghanaian authorities to address challenges in developing the country's food systems. Professor Dorothy Yeboah Manu, Director of the Noguchi Memorial Institute, reiterated the institute's commitment to partnering with food-related organizations to prioritize nutrition through innovative approaches.