Policy old

1. Adolescent ironfolate distribution program
2. Agriculture (METASIP III) Investing for Food and Jobs (IFJ): An Agenda for Transforming Ghana’s
3. Anti-malarial drug policy
4. Fisheries Act (Act 625)
5. Fisheries Management Plan of Ghana
6. Food and Agriculture sector Development Policy (FASDEP II) (But under review), Medium Term Agriculture Sector Investment Plan (METASIP II)
7. Food Safety Guidelines For Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies in Ghana
8. Ghana Livestock Development Policy and Strategy
9. Ghana National Newborn Health Strategy and Action Plan
10. Guidelines for the labelling of prepackaged foods
11. Imagine Ghana Free of Malnutrition
12. Interim national guidelines for community- based management of severe acute malnutrition in Ghana
13. Irrigation Policy
14. IYCF strategy document
15. Medium Term Agriculture Sector Investment Plan (METASIP II)
16. National BF Policy
17. National Food Fortification Programme
18. National Food Safety Policy
19. National Malaria Control Program
20. National Nutrition Policy
21. National Policy for Aflatoxin control in food & feed
22. National Policy for the Prevention and Control of Chronic NonCommunicable Diseases in Ghana
23. National Seed Plan
24. National Seed Policy
25. Nutrition Facts for Ghanaian Families
26. Planting for food and jobs
27. Reproductive Health Strategic Plan
28. Root & Tuber Improvement & Marketing Programme (RTIMP)
29. Savannah Accelerated Development Authority (SADA): Synopsis of Development Strategy
30. Social Development Strategy for the Long-term National Development Plan for Ghana (2017-2057): Food and Nutrition Security
31. Strategic Plan for the Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases in Ghana
32. Strategy for the management, prevention and control of chronic NCDs in Ghana
33. Tree Crops Policy
34. Under Five’s Child Health Strategy
35. Universal Salt Iodization Strategy III and Action Plan
36. Vitamin A supplementation programme
37. National Tuberculosis Health Sector Strategic Plan for Ghana
38. Adolescent Health Policy and Strategy
39. Maternal and child health booklet
40. Ghana National Newborn and Child Health Advocacy and Communication Strategy and Year One Work Plan
41. Ghana Reproductive Maternal Neonatal Child and Adolescent Health and Nutrition Strategic Plan
42. National Community-Based Health Planning Services Policy
43. Revised National Health Promotion Policy
44. National Health Policy: Ensuring Healthy Lives for all
45. Ghana’s Roadmap for Attaining Universal Health Coverage
46. Breastfeeding Promotion. Regulation 2000 (LI 1667)
47. Public Health Act 2012 (Act 851)
48. Small communities water & sanitation policy
49. National Water policy
50. Environmental Sanitation Policy
51. National Environmental Sanitation Strategy & Action Plan
52. National climate change adaptation Strategy
53. Strategic Environmental Sanitation Investment Plan
54. Water sector strategic development plan
55. Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP)
56. National Social Protection Policy
57. National Gender Policy
58. National Plan of action for orphans and vulnerable children
59. Ghana National Guidelines for Nutrition-Friendly Schools
60. Education Strategic Plan
61. School Health Education Programme
62. National School Feeding Policy
63. Early Childhood Care & Development Policy
64. National Aging Policy
65. National Youth Policy
66. National Youth Policy Implementation Plan
67. National Urban Policy Action Plan
68. National Population Policy
69. Medium Term Expenditure Framework
70. Coordinated program of economic and social development policies
71. Ghana Shared Growth & Development Agenda Vol I
72. Ghana Shared Growth & Development Agenda Vol II
73. Labour Act (Act 651)
74. Coordinated program of Economic and Social Development Policies
75. Medium term policy framework

Ghana has several policies related to health, nutrition, and food to address various issues and promote the well-being of its citizens.

1. Child and Family Welfare Policy: This policy includes provisions for child nutrition, well-being, and protection.
2. Community-Based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) Policy: The CHPS initiative aims to bring healthcare closer to communities, addressing primary healthcare needs, including nutrition education and services.
3. Nutrition Education Policy (2016): Promotes nutrition education in schools and communities to improve dietary practices and overall nutrition.
4. National School Feeding Program (GSFP): A program that provides schoolchildren with one hot, locally-sourced meal each day, with the goal of improving nutrition and increasing school attendance.
5. Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) Regulations: Regulations and guidelines by the FDA that oversee food safety, labeling, and quality standards.
6. Child Nutrition Policy: Focused on child nutrition programs and initiatives to improve the health and nutrition of children.
7. Breastfeeding Policy: Encourages and supports exclusive breastfeeding and the introduction of appropriate complementary feeding.
8. Food Security and Agricultural Development Policy (2016): Addresses issues related to food security, including strategies for improving food production, storage, and distribution.
9. National Plan of Action for Nutrition (NPAN): A strategic framework to guide nutrition interventions and programs in Ghana.
10. Free Senior High School (SHS) Policy: Provides free education at the secondary school level, removing the financial barrier to education for many students.
11. National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS): A policy aimed at providing accessible and affordable healthcare to all Ghanaian citizens.
12. Planting for Food and Jobs: An agricultural policy focused on increasing food production and promoting job creation in the agricultural sector.
13. Environmental Protection and Sustainable Development Policies: Address environmental conservation and sustainability.
14. National Health Policy (2017): This policy provides a framework for Ghana's health sector, emphasizing universal health coverage, equity, and quality healthcare services.
15. National Health Insurance Policy: Ghana's National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) aims to make healthcare more accessible and affordable. The policy covers various health services for NHIS subscribers.
16. Food and Nutrition Policy for Ghana (2016): This policy focuses on improving nutrition and food security by addressing issues such as malnutrition, micronutrient deficiencies, and food safety.
17. One District, One Factory (1D1F): An initiative to promote industrialization and create jobs through the establishment of at least one factory in each district.
18. Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP): A social intervention program providing cash transfers to vulnerable households.
19. Digital Ghana Policy: A plan to advance Ghana's digital economy and increase access to digital services.
20. National Cybersecurity Policy and Strategy: A framework to ensure the safety and security of digital infrastructure.
21. National Climate Change Policy (2014): Addresses climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies in Ghana.
22. National Science, Technology, and Innovation Policy: Encourages scientific research and innovation for economic development.
23. Child and Family Welfare Policy: Focuses on the well-being and protection of children and families.
24. National Export Development Strategy: Aims to promote and support Ghana's non-traditional export sector.
25. National Culture Policy: Preserves and promotes Ghana's cultural heritage.
26. Oil and Gas Policy: Regulates the oil and gas sector, including revenue management.
27. Financial Sector Cleanup and Reform: Policies and actions to stabilize and strengthen the financial sector.
28. National Non-Communicable Disease Policy (2012): This policy outlines strategies to prevent and control NCDs, including cardiovascular diseases, cancers, chronic respiratory diseases, and diabetes.
29. Tobacco Control Regulations: These regulations aim to control tobacco use and exposure to tobacco smoke. They are in line with the World Health Organization's Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC).
30. National Alcohol Policy: This policy addresses alcohol consumption and its effects on health, safety, and social well-being.
31. Mental Health Policy (2012): Focuses on the promotion of mental health, the prevention of mental illnesses, and the provision of care and support for individuals with mental health issues, which can be linked to NCDs.
32. National Diabetes Plan: A strategy to address the growing burden of diabetes in Ghana, including prevention, diagnosis, and management.
33. Cancer Control Strategy (2012-2016): Aimed at reducing the incidence and mortality from cancer through prevention, early detection, and treatment.
34. Nutrition and NCD Control Program: Part of the overall health strategy, this program includes initiatives for improving nutrition and preventing NCDs.
35. Obesity Prevention and Control: Strategies and programs to combat obesity and its related health problems.
36. Physical Activity Promotion: Initiatives to encourage physical activity and reduce sedentary lifestyles, which contribute to NCDs.
37. HIV/AIDS Control Programs: While HIV is an infectious disease, there is a connection between HIV and NCDs, as people living with HIV are at increased risk of certain NCDs. Ghana has various policies and programs to address HIV/AIDS.

Summary 

The Public Health Act, 2012 (Act 851) is a cornerstone of Ghana’s efforts to safeguard the health of its population through the regulation of food safety, nutrition, and consumer protection. It aims to ensure that food available in Ghana is safe, nutritious, and adequately labeled, while also promoting practices that improve public health outcomes.

This Act serves to update and consolidate the legal framework governing public health in Ghana, with the aim of preventing diseases, promoting and safeguarding human and animal health, and ensuring overall health protection. It outlines measures for maintaining public health, including specific regulations on environmental sanitation (Part 5). Key provisions address the control of communicable diseases, including the destruction of infected animals and reporting of such diseases. The Act also sets standards for food vending and food-borne illness prevention, and prohibits harmful or hazardous practices that can harm land, crops, livestock, or cause water pollution. In the section on environmental sanitation, it restricts the sale of unfit or unsanitary food and addresses the prevention of public nuisances and environmental degradation.

Details

The Act establishes the Food and Drugs Authority and provides for registration of food intended to be manufactured, placed on the market, imported or exported and of exporters or importers of food. Other provisions concern slaughterhouses, meat and observance of food standards.

The Public Health Act, 2012 (Act 851) is a comprehensive piece of legislation in Ghana designed to protect public health and regulate activities that can affect the well-being of citizens. The Act covers various aspects of public health, including food safety, nutrition, and standards related to food handling and distribution.

Key provisions relevant to food and nutrition

1. Food Safety and Quality Control

Under Act 851, food safety and quality are paramount to protecting public health. The Act mandates the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) to oversee and regulate the production, processing, and distribution of food in Ghana. Key elements include:

• Ensuring that food sold is safe for consumption and free from contaminants.
• Prohibiting the sale of adulterated, unwholesome, or falsely labeled food.
• Establishing standards for the hygiene and sanitation of food premises.

2. Food Labelling and Advertisement

The Act contains provisions on proper food labeling to ensure that consumers are informed about the nutritional content and safety of food products. Key points include:

• All food products must be labeled accurately, providing information on ingredients, expiration dates, and potential allergens.
• Misleading or deceptive advertising of food products is prohibited.
• Nutritional claims must be backed by scientific evidence to protect consumers from false claims.

3. Regulation of Food Vendors

The Public Health Act regulates street food vendors and restaurants to ensure that they follow hygienic practices. The law empowers local authorities to:

• License food vendors and enforce hygiene standards.
• Conduct regular inspections of food establishments.
• Penalize vendors who do not comply with food safety regulations.

4. Fortification of Foods

Act 851 encourages the fortification of staple foods, such as flour and salt, with essential nutrients like iodine, vitamin A, and iron to address malnutrition and micronutrient deficiencies in the population. The Act promotes:

• Mandatory fortification of certain foods to improve public health outcomes.
• Monitoring and enforcement of fortification standards by regulatory bodies like the FDA.

5. Prevention of Foodborne Diseases

To prevent outbreaks of foodborne diseases, the Act includes provisions for:

• The control of the importation, exportation, and sale of food to ensure that all products meet international health standards.
• Immediate response and investigation of reported cases of foodborne illness.

6. Nutrition Education and Promotion

The Act emphasizes the importance of nutrition education as part of the government’s public health strategy. It mandates government agencies and health institutions to:

• Promote public awareness on healthy eating habits and the role of nutrition in disease prevention.
• Encourage programs aimed at reducing malnutrition, especially in vulnerable populations such as children and pregnant women.

7. Role of the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA)

The Act grants the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) the authority to regulate, monitor, and enforce compliance in the food and nutrition sector. The FDA is responsible for:

• Issuing licenses for food production and distribution.
• Conducting inspections and ensuring that food manufacturers comply with hygiene and safety regulations.
• Implementing measures to prevent the circulation of substandard or harmful food products.

For further reading: https://faolex.fao.org/docs/pdf/gha136559.pdf

Overview

The document outlines the Ghana Standards Board (Food, Drugs, and Other Goods) General Labelling Rules, 1992 (L.I. No. 1541). It establishes regulations for labeling prepackaged food, drugs, and other goods to ensure transparency and protect consumer rights in Ghana. The rules provide detailed guidelines on what information must appear on product labels, who is responsible for labeling, and the consequences of non-compliance.

Subsections

1. General Labeling Requirements (Part I)

This section specifies the mandatory labeling details for prepackaged food and drugs. Labels must include:

• Product name
• List of ingredients or active drug components
• Expiry and manufacture dates
• Storage conditions
• Usage instructions
• Net content
• Batch numbers
• Country of origin
• Producer or distributor's contact information​.

2. Labeling of Other Goods (Part II)

This part extends labeling requirements to non-food goods, such as household items, electronic appliances, and other specified goods. It outlines mandatory details similar to food and drugs, including product name, batch number, content measurements, storage instructions, and the country of origin​.

3. General Provisions for Labeling (Part III)

This section emphasizes the need for labels to be clear, indelible, and in English. For small packages, outer packaging must bear the necessary labeling information. It also gives the Ghana Standards Board the authority to enforce these rules and appoint inspectors​.

4. Enforcement and Penalties

Inspectors have the power to enter premises, inspect goods, and seize items that do not comply with the labeling rules. Importers of non-compliant goods are given a 28-day window to correct or re-export the goods. Non-compliance after this period results in seizure and possible forfeiture​.

5. Exemptions

Certain goods, including personal effects, non-commercial quantities of food or drugs, and used items, are exempted from the labeling requirements

6. Penalties for Non-Compliance

Individuals obstructing an inspector or assisting in rule violations face penalties, including fines up to ¢200,000 or imprisonment for up to 12 months​.

7. Schedules

The schedules list goods covered under the labeling rules, including gas cookers, refrigerators, electric fans, paints, body creams, and various household electrical appliances​.

Further reading Link: https://faolex.fao.org/docs/pdf/gha17279.pdf

Overview

The Community Water and Sanitation Agency Regulations, 2011 (L.I. 2007) provide comprehensive guidelines for the management and administration of water and sanitation services in rural communities and small towns in Ghana. These regulations cover the roles of District Assemblies, tariff setting, water safety, sanitation facility standards, and penalties for non-compliance. The rules aim to ensure access to safe water and proper sanitation facilities in accordance with national and international standards.

Subsections

1. General Principles

• District Assembly as Approving Authority: Anyone intending to provide water or sanitation facilities must apply to the District Assembly, which decides on the approval within 10 days.
• Water and Sanitation Management Team: Each District Assembly must form a management team to oversee community water and sanitation services​.
• Tariff Setting: Management teams propose tariffs, which are vetted by the Agency to ensure they align with guidelines​.

2. Standards for Water Facilities

• Basic Requirements: Each individual in a community should have access to at least 20 liters of water per day, and water points should be within 500 meters from any home.
• Borehole Drilling and Pump Installation: Boreholes must yield at least 10 liters per minute and be located at least 50 meters from contamination sources.
• Design Criteria: Piped schemes and mechanized water systems must meet specific design and operational standards​.

3. Sanitation Facilities

• Design and Construction: Sanitation facilities must be fly- and odor-free, structurally stable, and accessible to children, the elderly, and persons with disabilities. They must also include handwashing stations.
• Siting and Defective Facilities: Sanitation facilities should be located at least 50 meters from water sources. Defective facilities must be repaired or demolished at the cost of the responsible party​.

4. Water Safety and Quality

• Water Safety Plans: Operators must develop and implement water safety plans, including regular testing and risk management to meet the quality standards set by the Standard Authority.
• Water Quality Testing: Water quality must be tested twice a year, during the rainy and dry seasons, to ensure safety​.
• Medical Certification: Workers in water supply systems must be certified as medically fit twice a year​.

5. Tariff Collection and Financial Management

• Methods of Collection: Tariffs can be collected via the "pay-as-you-fetch" method at standpipes or through monthly billing.
• Investment of Tariffs: A portion of tariffs must be invested in expanding and rehabilitating water systems​.

6. Miscellaneous Provisions

• Customer Complaints: A clear and publicized process must be established to handle customer complaints.
• Pump Inspection and Approval: Pumps must be inspected and approved by the District Assembly before installation​.
• Penalties and Offences: Offenses, such as installing unapproved pumps or damaging water facilities, incur fines or imprisonment​.

7. Schedules

• First Schedule: Outlines the composition and election process for the Water and Sanitation Management Team.
• Second Schedule: Provides design criteria for piped water and limited mechanization schemes.
• Third Schedule: Specifies the siting criteria for sanitation facilities​.

Link: gha168848.pdf (fao.org)