The Ghana Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (GAND) has unveiled its Nutrition Month initiative for July, centering on empowering Ghanaians to decode food labels and make healthier dietary decisions. Under the banner “Behind Every Food Label Lies a Story — Make Yours a Healthy One”, GAND emphasizes that pre-packaged foods often conceal excessive amounts of salt, sugar, and unhealthy fats, which fuel the rising burden of non-communicable diseases in the country.
Non-communicable diseases such as hypertension and diabetes have emerged as the leading public health challenges in Ghana, driven in part by hidden ingredients in everyday foods. Recent research highlighted by GAND reveals that more than 70 per cent of pre-packaged foods in Ghana contain high levels of sodium, sugars, or saturated fats, often obscured by complex labeling formats. These hidden nutrients contribute significantly to worsening health outcomes when consumers lack the knowledge to interpret nutritional information.
A 2023 University of Ghana survey underscores the gravity of this knowledge gap, showing that only 22 per cent of consumers routinely examine food labels before purchasing, and fewer than 15 per cent fully comprehend the implications of sodium, sugar, and saturated fat content. This statistic illustrates the urgent need for targeted educational campaigns to bridge the divide between label information and consumer understanding.
To address these challenges, GAND has designed a comprehensive program of activities throughout Nutrition Month. Daily educational flyers will illuminate critical aspects of macronutrients and micronutrients, while interactive radio and television segments will showcase practical demonstrations of label reading.
Webinars led by licensed dietitians will delve into deeper discussions on nutrient functions and recommended daily intakes. Complementing these mass-media efforts, registered nutritionists will conduct street quizzes and community workshops, bringing personalized guidance to markets and rural districts nationwide.
GAND points to data from the World Health Organization’s Africa office, which indicates that front-of-pack labeling policies in participating countries have yielded a 15–20 per cent reduction in purchases of unhealthy foods. “This demonstrates the power of label literacy in driving healthier choices,” the Academy declared, affirming that informed consumers can reshape market demand toward more nutritious options and incentivize manufacturers to reformulate products with healthier profiles.
The Nutrition Month campaign also seeks multi-sectoral collaboration, calling on government agencies, food producers, retailers, and civil society to reinforce the importance of transparent labeling. GAND asserts that sustainable progress in public health hinges on coordinated efforts that align regulatory frameworks with consumer education and industry accountability.
As the representative body for licensed and registered dietitians and nutritionists in Ghana, GAND’s mission extends beyond this month–long initiative. By advancing nutritional knowledge and advocating for accessible, clear labeling, the Academy aims to foster lasting improvements in dietary habits and community well-being. Through sustained education and policy engagement, GAND envisions a future where every Ghanaian can confidently read a food label and choose a path toward better health.
Source:GAND launches Nutrition Month to promote food label literacy | Ghana News Agency
