Ghana Food-Based Dietary Guidelines (GFBDG)

Advocacy for Ghana’s Food-Based Dietary Guidelines

Ensuring optimal nutrition for all Ghanaians is vital for improving public health, enhancing productivity, and fostering national development. The Food-Based Dietary Guidelines for Ghana were developed to provide practical advice that aligns with the country’s nutritional, cultural, and economic context. These guidelines serve as a cornerstone for promoting healthier eating habits and reducing the burden of non-communicable diseases. Below, we outline the key points in Ghana’s dietary guidelines and emphasize why adherence to these principles is essential.

Key Points in the Ghana Food-Based Dietary Guidelines:

1. Diverse and Balanced Diet: Emphasize the importance of consuming a variety of foods, including starchy staples, vegetables, fruits, legumes, nuts, and animal protein, to ensure the intake of all essential nutrients.
2. Adequate Fruits and Vegetables: Advocate for the inclusion of a wide range of fruits and vegetables in daily meals to promote good health and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
3. Healthy Sources of Protein: Highlight the need for adequate protein intake from both plant and animal sources, such as beans, lentils, fish, eggs, and lean meats, to support growth and body functions.
4. Healthy Fats and Oils: Encourage the use of unsaturated fats like vegetable oils in place of saturated fats and moderate the overall consumption of fats to maintain heart health.
5. Limited Sugar and Salt: Recommend reducing added sugars and salt in the diet to lower the risks of obesity, hypertension, and related diseases. Fresh and unprocessed foods should be prioritized.
6. Safe Water Consumption: Stress the importance of drinking safe water throughout the day for hydration and overall health.
7. Moderate Portion Sizes: Advise on practicing portion control to avoid overconsumption and manage body weight effectively.
8. Physical Activity: Advocates for regular physical activity to complement healthy eating habits for overall wellness.
9. Special Attention to Vulnerable Groups: Provide tailored guidance to ensure children, pregnant and lactating women, and the elderly receive adequate nutrition.

Why These Guidelines Matter:

• Improving Public Health: Following these guidelines can significantly lower the prevalence of malnutrition and diet-related diseases in Ghana.
• Promoting Sustainable Eating: The emphasis on a diverse diet helps sustain local agriculture and biodiversity.
• Supporting Long-Term Wellbeing: A balanced diet coupled with physical activity is a proven strategy for maintaining energy levels, enhancing mental health, and prolonging life expectancy.

Call to Action:

Communities, policymakers, health professionals, and individuals must collaborate to raise awareness and integrate these guidelines into everyday practice. Schools, workplaces, and local markets can play a crucial role in promoting and implementing these dietary principles to create a healthier Ghana.

For more detailed information and resources, please refer to the full Food-Based Dietary Guidelines for Ghana.

Together, let us commit to making informed food choices that will shape the health and future of our nation.

 

Materials for further reading

Ghana Food-Based Dietary Guidelines

Prof. Richmond Aryeetey, Multisectoral Technical Task Team Co-Chair and member of the Scaling Up Nutrition Movement Executive Committee.