Nutrition experts urge government to lower GH₵24 daily cost of healthy diets

Nutrition experts and dietitians have called on the government to take urgent action to make healthy food more affordable for the average Ghanaian. Speaking at a symposium marking World Food Day on October 16, 2026, stakeholders revealed that approximately two-thirds of the population currently cannot afford a nutritious diet. With a healthy daily meal plan estimated to cost GH₵24, a significant portion of the citizenry remains priced out of basic wellness, a situation experts warn is stifling national productivity and economic growth.

The symposium highlighted the stark economic reality facing families across the country, where the high cost of quality food has become a barrier to health. Speakers noted that the inability to access balanced nutrition is not merely a health crisis but an economic one, as it directly impacts the workforce's efficiency. The current daily cost of GH₵24 represents a prohibitive expense for low-income households, often leading to a reliance on cheaper, calorie-dense but nutrient-poor alternatives that contribute to long-term health complications.

To address these challenges, experts at the event recommended a multi-pronged approach centered on the promotion of indigenous Ghanaian foods. They urged President John Mahama's administration to ensure the strict implementation of existing food and nutrition policies, which they argued often lack the necessary resources and political commitment to be effective. By prioritizing local crops and traditional diets, the experts believe Ghana can improve food security while reducing the country's dependence on expensive imported food items.

The World Food Day event also featured practical demonstrations of local food preparation and concluded with a farmers' market showcasing a variety of indigenous produce. Organizers emphasized that nutrition must be viewed as a vital component of the national development agenda. Moving forward, the call is for the government to increase budgetary allocations and demonstrate a sustained commitment to ensuring that every Ghanaian can afford the nutrition required for a healthy life.