Professor Anna Lartey of the University of Ghana's Department of Nutrition and Food Science has advocated for taxes on unhealthy foods, including junk and ultra-processed ones, to combat diet-related diseases in Ghana. She made this call during a presentation at the West Africa Genetic Medicine Centre, University of Ghana, Legon, on Saturday. The presentation was part of a scientific symposium and the launch of the Alumni Network Africa, marking the 60th anniversary of the Nestlé Foundation.
Professor Lartey also recommended restrictions on advertising unhealthy foods, particularly to children and adolescents. She suggested introducing front-of-pack food labels to help consumers make informed decisions about their food choices. According to her, poor nutrition has become a leading cause of disease and death globally, especially in low-income countries like Ghana. This highlights the need for measures to promote healthy eating habits.
The event, titled "60 Years of Training, Capacity Building, and Research Partnerships," brought together nutrition researchers, scientists, and academic fellows from across Africa. The Alumni Network Africa aims to connect African nutrition researchers, scientists, and academic fellows who have engaged with or received support from the Nestlé Foundation. This platform will enable them to share resources, project outcomes, and local innovations.
Professor Lartey emphasized that consumers need education and sensitization to make healthier choices. She noted that healthy foods like fruits and vegetables should be made more affordable. However, many Ghanaians cannot afford these foods due to their high cost. She urged the government to use revenue from taxes on unhealthy foods to subsidize the production of fruits and vegetables.
Professor Paul Amuna of the University of Health and Allied Sciences, and Patron of the Alumni Network Africa, highlighted the network's potential to empower local scientists. He stated that it would enable them to develop evidence-based solutions to address Sub-Saharan Africa's unique challenges, particularly in maternal, infant, and child nutrition. This initiative aims to improve nutrition and health outcomes in the region.
Mr. Thomas Hauser, Director of the Nestlé Foundation, expressed his support for research and educational activities aimed at improving the understanding and prevention of malnutrition worldwide. He encouraged members of the network to introduce young researchers to the Nestlé Foundation's work and assist them in developing quality and innovative research proposals. This aligns with the Foundation's broader framework of funding public-health-relevant research.
The introduction of taxes on unhealthy foods and subsidies for healthy foods could significantly impact Ghana's nutrition landscape. By making healthy choices more accessible and affordable, the government can promote better health outcomes. The Alumni Network Africa will play a crucial role in supporting research and innovation in nutrition, ultimately contributing to improved health and well-being in Ghana and across Africa.
Key points
- Professor Anna Lartey calls for taxes on unhealthy foods to reduce diet-related diseases in Ghana.
- The Alumni Network Africa aims to connect African nutrition researchers and scientists to share resources and innovations.
- The Nestlé Foundation supports research and educational activities to improve the understanding and prevention of malnutrition worldwide.
