Vice President Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang has highlighted Ghana’s food production and healthcare initiatives as part of efforts to tackle malnutrition and micronutrient deficiencies.
She made the remarks on Monday, September 28, 2026, when she opened the 2026 Micronutrient Forum 7th Global Conference in Ghana.
The conference has brought together stakeholders from around the world to discuss nutrition and micronutrient deficiencies. It also provides a platform for countries and organisations to share experiences and explore practical solutions.
Professor Naana Jane said Ghana’s hosting of the conference offers an opportunity to share the country’s experiences while learning from others working to improve nutrition outcomes.
She said tackling malnutrition requires cooperation across several sectors. These include food production, healthcare, education, local government, research and the private sector.
“Malnutrition remains a global challenge that requires a coordinated approach across health, agriculture, education, local government, research and the private sector.”
The Vice President said the government’s Feed Ghana Programme is helping to strengthen domestic food production. She said the programme is also aimed at building a more resilient and self-sufficient food system.
Professor Naana Jane also highlighted the role of Free Primary Healthcare in tackling nutrition-related challenges.
She said the programme provides an opportunity to make nutrition a stronger part of preventive healthcare. It could also help health workers identify nutritional risks early and provide timely support.
“Through Free Primary Healthcare, we also have an opportunity to integrate nutrition more deliberately into preventive healthcare, identify nutritional risks early, and address them before they develop into more serious health conditions.”
The Vice President also stressed the need for sustainable financing for nutrition programmes. She said stronger partnerships would be important as countries deal with financial pressures and climate-related shocks.
“At a time when many countries face fiscal pressures compounded by climate shocks, sustainable financing and strong partnerships will be essential.”
Professor Naana Jane said nutrition policies and programmes must remain focused on improving people’s lives.
“Most importantly, our interventions must remain centred on the people whose lives we seek to improve.” She commended the organisers, partners and participants for bringing the global conference to Ghana.
The Vice President expressed hope that the discussions would produce practical and sustainable solutions to malnutrition and micronutrient deficiencies.
