Poor Diets Claim 20% of Premature Deaths in Ghana, Expert Warns

Poor diets are responsible for about 20% of premature deaths in Ghana, according to Professor Anna Lartey, former Director of Nutrition at the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations. She made this known in a keynote address at the launch of the UG Nkabom Seminar Series, Honours Programme, and Mentorship/Internship Programme in Accra.

Professor Lartey emphasized that Ghana’s diet has become a source of disease and death, with the country’s food systems failing to produce enough of the right foods. She noted that the FAO recommends consuming five servings of fruits and vegetables daily, but Ghana’s production falls short of meeting this standard.

The former FAO Director highlighted the importance of a clean food environment in supporting a healthy lifestyle.

She explained that living in an area with highly processed and junk foods can influence food choices, making it challenging to maintain a healthy diet.

Professor Lartey called for coordinated national efforts to address food system challenges and promote food security.

She emphasized the need for a sustainable agri-food revolution in Ghana, which would empower youth to take up opportunities in the food and nutrition value chain.

The Nkabom Collaborative, a strategic initiative aimed at transforming Ghana’s agri-food system, was launched at the event.

The programme seeks to equip youth with skills and knowledge to become the next generation of tech-enabled farmers, agrifood product developers, manufacturers, and agritechpreneurs.

The initiative aims to create 55,000 jobs and establish 3,000 Small and Medium Enterprises in the next 10 years.

Source: kwaku Antwi Boasiako.