Over 4m Ghanaians living with kidney disease - Groups call for urgent FOPWL policy

The rising prevalence of kidney diseases across Ghana is pushing the country toward a silent but serious public health crisis, affecting millions of lives while straining households and national resources.

This warning comes from a coalition comprising SEND Ghana, the Ghana Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, and the Vision for Accelerated Sustainable Development, which has been advocating for the introduction of a mandatory Front-of-Pack Warning Food Labelling (FOPWL) policy in Ghana.

Speaking to the media in Accra on Thursday, March 19, 2026, on behalf of the coalition, Levlyn Konadu Asiedu clarified that the advocacy is not about banning food products in the country.

“This is not about banning food products or harming producers. It is about giving people the information they need to make informed decisions for themselves and their families,” she said.

During the briefing, she highlighted the current situation in Ghana and explained why the coalition has long championed the implementation of this policy.

Linking the issue to the rising incidence of kidney disease in the country, Asiedu emphasised the absence of a mandatory Front-of-Pack Warning Food Labelling policy in Ghana.

“While smoking and excessive alcohol consumption are known risk factors, one major contributor that deserves closer public attention is our food environment. Across Ghana, ultra-processed foods such as instant noodles, energy drinks, sugary beverages, highly processed chips, and biscuits are becoming increasingly common.

“They are found in markets, grocery stores, offices, homes, and even schools, and are frequently sold to children as snacks. These products are cheap, convenient, and require little or no preparation, making them an easy choice for people with busy schedules or limited resources,” she explained.

She added, “However, this convenience comes at a cost. These foods are often high in salt, sugar, and unhealthy fats but low in essential nutrients. Frequent consumption increases the risk of obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and stroke, placing significant strain on the kidneys and raising the risk of chronic kidney disease. A major challenge is the lack of awareness about what people are consuming and its health impacts.

“Many products, particularly sugar-sweetened beverages marketed to children, lack adequate nutrition labelling. According to the World Health Organization, non-communicable diseases now account for approximately 45% of deaths in Ghana, and the trend is rising.”

The coalition underscored the urgent need for this policy, noting that Ghana’s current food environment is contributing to illness by preventing people from making informed choices about their diets.

“Front-of-Pack Warning Labelling offers a direct, evidence-based solution. This policy places clear warning symbols on ultra-processed products that exceed defined thresholds for salt, sugar, unhealthy fats, non-sugar sweeteners, and other nutrients of public health concern. These labels provide immediate, visible information, enabling consumers to identify unhealthy products quickly and make better choices.

“Unlike back-of-pack nutrition panels, which are often technical, printed in small fonts, or written in foreign languages, FOPWL gives consumers instant, easy-to-understand information at a glance. It simplifies decision-making in real time, especially in busy settings like markets or shops. With clear labelling, consumers can evaluate their options before even turning a product around,” Asiedu explained.

She further stated that if implemented by the Ministry of Health, this initiative could save lives and reduce the burden on state healthcare institutions.

“The urgency of this policy cannot be overstated. Ghana is already experiencing a rise in diet-related non-communicable diseases. Without decisive action, the number of people living with kidney disease will continue to increase. The current trajectory will strain the National Health Insurance Scheme, the MahamaCares program, and undermine efforts toward universal health coverage. Prevention must become a central pillar of the national response,” she stressed.

Recent figures presented by the Minister for Health in Parliament indicate that over four million people are living with chronic kidney disease in Ghana, with medical experts warning that around 400 new cases of end-stage kidney disease are reported at health facilities each year.

AE