Ghana to introduce front-of-pack warning labels to tackle rising diet-related diseases

GHANA – Ghana is preparing to roll out Front-of-Pack Warning Labels (FOPWL) on packaged foods in a bid to curb the growing burden of diet-related non-communicable diseases (NCDs).

The move is part of wider regulatory reforms aimed at empowering consumers with clearer nutritional information and encouraging manufacturers to improve product formulation.

The policy will be guided by a Nutrient Profile Model (NPM), which sets thresholds for harmful ingredients such as excess sugar, salt, and trans fats.

Products exceeding these thresholds will be required to carry a clear warning label on the front of the package, allowing consumers to make more informed dietary choices.

Currently, Ghana’s Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) mandates expiry and manufacturing dates on packaged foods but does not require disclosure of nutritional risk factors. This regulatory gap, experts say, leaves consumers exposed to hidden health risks.

At a Southern Zonal Consultative Workshop on Consumer Expectations for FOPWL in Accra, Mr. Labram Musah, Executive Director of Vision for Accelerated Sustainable Development (VAST Ghana) and National Coordinator of the Ghana NCD Alliance, underscored the urgency of reform.

“Food is something every Ghanaian consumes daily, unlike tobacco or alcohol, yet we lack the same level of regulation for ultra-processed products,” Musah said.

“Front-of-pack warning labels are essential to inform the public and protect the population from the growing threat of diet-related illnesses.”

Ghana’s initiative follows similar measures in Kenya and South Africa, where governments have adopted front-of-pack labelling policies to combat rising obesity, hypertension, and diabetes rates.

Public health advocates argue that these labels not only raise awareness but also push manufacturers to reformulate products, reducing harmful ingredients to avoid negative warnings.

“An effective labelling policy will give consumers the right information at the point of purchase and enable healthier choices,” Musah added.

SEND Ghana organized the workshop in collaboration with the Ghana Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (GAND).

It forms part of a national consultation process to gather stakeholder feedback on the design and implementation of the policy. Participants were urged to support the initiative to ensure it reflects consumer needs while addressing Ghana’s rising health crisis.

Diet-related NCDs, including hypertension, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease, are increasing in Ghana, driven by changing diets and higher consumption of ultra-processed foods.

Public health officials say that introducing FOPWL is a critical step toward reducing preventable deaths and promoting healthier lifestyles.

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