Accra: Professor Richmond Aryeetey, a public health nutritionist, has proposed the creation of a National Nutrition Commission to coordinate Ghana's nutrition strategies and policies. Delivering his inaugural lecture at the Ghana Academy of Arts and Sciences in Accra, he called for stronger advocacy and urged the government to prioritize nutrition as a key driver of human and national development.
According to Ghana News Agency, the lecture, titled 'Unpacking the Complexities of Food Systems and Nutrition Governance,' examined the country's food and nutrition landscape, highlighting challenges such as inadequate financing, poor coordination, and limited political will. Food systems, as explained by Prof Aryeetey, include all elements and actors from production to consumption and disposal, encompassing processing, transportation, distribution, access, preparation, and waste management.
Citing research findings, Prof Aryeetey acknowledged progress in addressing children's nutritional needs but stressed the need for accelerated efforts. He emphasized that food systems should support an adequate supply of nutrients without exposing individuals to harm and should contribute to sustainable livelihoods.
Prof Aryeetey, also a fellow of the African Nutrition Leadership Programme, observed that Ghana's food systems and nutrition lack the necessary visibility. He highlighted the need for better coordination and sustainable financing, stating, "We need to do better at harnessing the resources that we already have."
He further emphasized the importance of tracking investments in food and nutrition programs and called for 'champions and advocates' to drive the national agenda. Prof Aryeetey stressed the need to invest in institutional capacity, especially beyond health agencies, and proposed the establishment of a National Nutrition Commission to elevate the nutrition conversation.
Additionally, Prof Aryeetey highlighted the importance of accountability, research, monitoring and evaluation, and urged media and influencers to shape public perception on food and nutrition. He concluded by stating, "Who decides what and how the food systems should function would depend on us.We need to demand that food system works for us."
Prof Aryeetey has contributed extensively to national health and nutrition policy development, including co-leading the creation and publication of Ghana's first Food-based Dietary Guidelines and its accompanying Food Systems Guidelines.
