Ghana Health Experts Advocate for Protective Breastfeeding Policies, Patient Safety, and Holistic Wellness

Ghana's healthcare landscape is seeing a renewed push for robust policy frameworks and specialized patient care, as experts across various sectors call for improvements ranging from breastfeeding support to the management of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). At a recent Lactation Conference in Kumasi, Dr. Isabella Sagoe-Moses, a former Deputy Director of the Family Health Division at the Ghana Health Service, advocated for government policies that specifically protect breastfeeding mothers in workplaces and healthcare facilities. Emphasizing that breastfeeding is a cornerstone of child survival and family wellbeing, she joined other speakers, including Nanahemaa Adjoa Awindor, in calling for multi-sectoral partnerships to create a more supportive environment for new mothers.

Parallel to these maternal health efforts, the Greater Accra Regional Hospital (Ridge) has commemorated World Patient Safety Day under the theme "Safe Care for Non-Communicable Diseases." Medical Director Dr. Leslie Issah-Adams Zakariah highlighted several hospital initiatives aimed at mitigating clinical risks, including the expansion of the Client Relationship Unit and the enhancement of laboratory management systems. Supporting these institutional goals, Dr. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings encouraged healthcare workers to maintain patient-friendly environments and integrate safety practices into their daily routines to ensure high-quality care for those with chronic conditions.

Beyond clinical settings, experts are also emphasizing the importance of preventive health and social development. Registered dietitian Efua Desua Nsiah Normanyo, speaking on Citi FM’s Healthy Living Project, provided practical nutritional advice regarding the consumption of tiger nuts. She urged the public to swallow the fiber after chewing rather than discarding the solid part, noting that this fiber is essential for controlling blood sugar and supporting heart health. These nutritional insights complement broader calls for social wellness, such as those from Kobby Kyei of the BoysLivesMatter Foundation, who advocated for intentional sex education for boys to ensure they are properly groomed for responsible manhood.

These diverse initiatives highlight a growing consensus among Ghanaian professionals that public well-being requires a combination of institutional reform, social advocacy, and individual lifestyle changes. From the legislative protections sought for lactating mothers to the call for safer NCD care and better dietary habits, the path forward involves strengthening the bond between healthcare providers and the community. As these experts suggest, fostering a healthier nation depends on creating supportive environments that empower every citizen—from infancy through adulthood—to make informed health and lifestyle choices.