In a bid to combat the rising prevalence of diet-related Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) among children and young people, the Advocating for Health Coalition, organized a stakeholders’ meeting on October 31st, 2023. The meeting, held at an undisclosed location in Accra, aimed to garner support for the Excise Duty Amendment Act 2023 (ACT 1098) and raise awareness about the detrimental effects of consuming Sugar Sweetened Beverages (SSBs) on the health of Ghanaian youth.
The meeting, which saw the participation of approximately 30 stakeholders from various institutions and organizations, proved to be a resounding success. Among the attendees were representatives from the National Union of Ghana Students (NUGS), the National Council of Parent Teacher Associations (NCPTAs), World Vision Ghana, the Conference of Heads of Assisted Senior High Schools (CHASS), and the Ghana Coalition of NGOs in Nutrition and Food Security, among others.
The event commenced with a comprehensive presentation by Ms. Annabel Yeboah-Nkrumah, the coordinator for the Advocating for Health Coalition. Ms. Yeboah-Nkrumah provided an overview of the A4H project, highlighting its objectives and the activities undertaken to promote the passage of the ACT. Following her presentation, Mr. James Mckeown Amoah, a coalition member from the Ghana Public Health Association, shed light on the burden and risk factors associated with diet-related NCDs among Ghanaian children and young people.
Dr. Kasim Abdulai, a lecturer from the University of Cape Coast and the Executive Director of the Coalition of Advocates for Public Health and Action (CAPHA), delivered the final presentation. Dr. Abdulai emphasized the importance of health taxes, particularly the Sugar Sweetened Beverages Tax, in safeguarding the well-being of individuals and the nation as a whole.
The stakeholders actively engaged in the meeting, posing questions and offering valuable insights. At the end of the meeting, all participants expressed their enthusiasm and pledged unwavering support to the coalition’s cause.
With the collective efforts of stakeholders and the commitment of the Advocating for Health Coalition, Ghana takes a significant step forward in protecting its children and youth from the growing threat of diet-related Non-Communicable Diseases.
UTV – https://youtu.be/YyG49LdAg5w?si=utvonznkVELzENCW
