This study evaluates the extent of Ghana’s government action in implementing food environment policies aimed at reducing nutrition-related non-communicable diseases (NR-NCDs). Using the Healthy Food Environment Policy Index (Food-EPI), the study assesses 43 good practice indicators across food policy and infrastructure support domains. National experts rated Ghana’s performance compared to international best practices. The findings indicate that three-quarters of the indicators were rated as having “low” or “very little” implementation, highlighting significant gaps in policy execution.
The only area rated “very high” was the restriction on marketing of breast milk substitutes. Other priority areas for improvement included restricting unhealthy food marketing to children, increasing funding for nutrition and NCD research, and strengthening monitoring and evaluation systems.
The study concludes that while Ghana has policy commitments, implementation remains weak due to insufficient funding, lack of legislation, and poor coordination among government agencies. The findings provide a baseline for tracking future government progress and emphasize the need for stronger legislative action and leadership in addressing food environments and NR-NCDs.