Nutrition experts urge government to make healthy food affordable

Nutrition experts and dietitians have called on the government to prioritise the affordability of nutritious meals, revealing that approximately two-thirds of Ghanaians are currently unable to afford a healthy diet. Speaking at a symposium to mark World Food Day on October 16, 2026, the experts noted that the cost of a balanced daily meal now stands at roughly GH₵24. This financial barrier prevents a significant portion of the population from meeting basic nutritional requirements, raising concerns about the long-term health and wellbeing of the nation.

The symposium participants emphasised that the inability to access quality nutrition has far-reaching consequences beyond individual health, directly impacting national productivity and economic growth. Speakers argued that a malnourished workforce is less efficient, which ultimately hampers Ghana’s developmental goals. To address this, they recommended a strategic shift toward promoting and subsidising indigenous foods, which are often more accessible and culturally relevant, yet remain underutilised in the daily diets of many households.

Furthermore, the experts stressed the importance of effectively implementing existing food and nutrition policies that often remain stalled at the administrative level. They urged the government to commit more resources to nutrition as a core component of the national health and wellness agenda. The event concluded with practical demonstrations of local food preparation and a farmers' market that showcased various indigenous crops, illustrating the potential for local solutions to combat food insecurity and improve public health outcomes across the country.