Ghana: Ministerial Consensus Statement on nutrition

Today the Minister of Planning of Ghana, Hon Prof George Gyan-Baffour, called for an inter-Ministerial meeting to accelerate progress to tackle malnutrition in Ghana.

Experts have demonstrated how multi-sectoral action on food systems to promote healthy diets can help deliver existing policy priorities and commitments in key ministries.

In light of the evidence, Ministers attending the meeting have agreed on a way forward to build on the support His Excellency, President Akufo-Addo has indicated to improving diets for all Ghanaians.

The ministers have therefore agreed the following:

• Recognise that malnutrition and poor quality diets are a hinder to Ghana’s economic and social prosperity;
• Recognise that a key route to addressing malnutrition is the provision of healthy diets, which should be made safe, affordable and accessible to all;
• Acknowledge that in order to support the provision of healthy diets, food systems need to shift beyond delivering just food, to delivering food that nourishes;
• Acknowledge the need for further consideration across government to re-align food systems to promote healthy diets and tackle malnutrition;
• Commit to explore ways in which existing programme and policy commitments can already bring positive impacts on diets and nutrition in Ghana;
• Concur on deepening the understanding of the impact of diets and food systems on Ghana’s prosperity;
• Concur that all have a role to play to promote healthy diets and improve nutrition;
• Commit to encourage dialogue with multiple stakeholders within the government, and beyond, on forward-thinking interventions within existing policy frameworks to improve nutrition and promote healthy diets in Ghana.

Signed by the Minister for Planning, Honourable Professor George Gyan-Baffour