Harriet Nuamah-Agyemang is the Country Director of SEND Ghana
SEND Ghana and the Ghana Academy of Nutrition and Sciences (GAND) are intensifying calls for the implementation of mandatory front-of-package warning labels on food products, noting that it as a crucial step towards protecting public health and empowering consumers with critical information.
At the launch of the Advocacy Campaign for Mandatory Front-pack Food Warning Labels in Accra on Thursday May 15, 2025, the Country Director of SEND Ghana, Harriet Nuamah-Agyemang, stressed the need for food products to carry clear warnings to help the public make informed dietary choices.
“We want to see warning signs on labels so consumers can understand what they are eating. An informed population is key. People must know what’s in their food. We want food labels to not only indicate nutritional value, but also carry visible warnings where necessary, so people can quickly make decisions that support their health.
“Consumers are powerful. If we begin to reject unhealthy foods, the market will shift. We want every Ghanaian to ask questions, to demand safe food, and to be part of the change,” she noted.
She further indicated that the campaign is targeting school food environments, with plans to engage the Ministry of Education and the Ghana Education Service and other key stakeholders.
“We are preparing to study the food environments in public and private schools, and use the findings to support advocacy for healthier food options for children.
“Advocacy is about numbers, we are building the capacity of our colleagues in civil society, equipping them with information and tools to speak to the issues effectively,” she said.
As part of efforts to ensure policy sustainability, SEND Ghana is positioning itself to influence the upcoming Medium-Term Development Plan (2026–2030) and the national budget for 2026.
“We will take advantage of the fact that the medium-term development plan is being developed. The new one for 2026 to 2030 is being developed. And so, we want to engage to ensure that our ideas also input into it.
“When the budget process for 2026 starts, we will also submit a memorandum on this so that allocation will be made available for the implementation of the policies,” she stated.
Mandatory front of package labels on food products aims to help consumers to easily identify ultra processed foods high in sugar, salt and fat and to make informed choices, ultimately leading to healthier diets.
JKB/AE
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