Nutrition experts warn two-thirds of Ghanaians cannot afford a healthy diet

Nutrition experts and dietitians have called on the government to take immediate steps to make healthy food more affordable for the average Ghanaian. Speaking at a symposium in Accra to mark World Food Day on October 16, 2026, the experts revealed a concerning trend where the majority of the population is unable to maintain a balanced diet due to rising costs. They warned that this inability to access nutritious food poses a significant threat to national health outcomes and long-term economic productivity.

Data presented during the event indicated that approximately two-thirds of Ghanaians currently lack the financial means to afford a nutritionally adequate diet. Experts estimated that a healthy daily meal plan costs about GH‵24 per person, a figure that remains out of reach for many families across the country. Speakers at the symposium emphasized that when citizens cannot access proper nutrition, it leads to a cycle of poor health and reduced physical and mental capacity, which ultimately hampers the nation’s growth potential.

To address these challenges, the experts recommended a strategic shift toward promoting indigenous Ghanaian foods, which are often more accessible and highly nutritious than imported alternatives. They also urged the government to move beyond drafting documents and ensure the rigorous implementation of existing food and nutrition policies. The symposium served as a practical platform for these ideas, featuring local food demonstrations and a farmers' market that showcased various indigenous crops as viable, healthy choices for the public.

The call for increased commitment to nutrition highlights a growing consensus that food security must encompass both availability and affordability. Participants concluded that better resource allocation and a sustained focus on nutrition are vital components of Ghana’s health and wellness agenda. By prioritizing local agriculture and effective policy execution, the government could help bridge the affordability gap and ensure a healthier future for all citizens.