Ministry of Health Seeks Legislative Review to Ban Trans Fats Amid Growing Calls for Mandatory Food Labeling

The Ministry of Health is intensifying efforts to safeguard public health by proposing a strategic review of the Public Health Act, 2012, to eliminate industrial trans fatty acids (TFA) from Ghana’s food supply. Rather than drafting a standalone law, health officials believe that amending the existing legislation will expedite the process of banning partially hydrogenated oils (PHO)—the primary source of industrial TFAs. This move comes as stakeholders reveal that approximately 10 percent of packaged foods in Ghana currently contain these harmful fats, which are significantly linked to the rise of non-communicable diseases across the country.

During a recent stakeholder forum in Accra, Dr. Hafiz Adam explained that incorporating TFA regulations into the Public Health Act would streamline the legislative journey, which often involves complex negotiations across multiple government agencies. The proposed National Strategy for the Elimination of Trans Fatty Acids is projected to cost approximately GH¢11 million, focusing on improving monitoring, securing sustainable financing, and strengthening enforcement capacity. While many oils in the Ghanaian market currently fall within the World Health Organization’s recommended limits, high concentrations of PHO remain prevalent in baked goods and processed items, prompting a consensus to achieve full elimination by 2030.

Complementing this legislative push, a robust advocacy campaign has launched in the Central Region, where nutrition experts and students are calling for mandatory front-of-package warning labels. Led by the University of Cape Coast (UCC) in partnership with SEND Ghana and the Ghana Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (GAND), the initiative aims to empower consumers to identify products high in sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats. Advocates argue that standard nutrition labels are often too complex for the average consumer, making clear, visible warnings essential for informed dietary choices.

The urgency of these regulatory and advocacy efforts is underscored by broader regional concerns regarding the safety of consumer products. While Ghana focuses on ingredient transparency and fat elimination, voices across the West African sub-region have recently raised alarms over the proliferation of counterfeit foods, medicines, and cosmetics. These collective concerns highlight a critical turning point for regulatory bodies like Ghana’s Ministry of Health, as they face increasing pressure to modernize safety standards and protect citizens from the health risks posed by both hidden ingredients and fraudulent products.