The Association of Ghana Industries (AGI) has organised a roundtable forum to promote dialogue among policymakers, regulators, health experts and industry stakeholders on the role of low- and no-calorie sweeteners in supporting Ghana’s efforts to reduce obesity and manage non-communicable diseases (NCDs).
The forum, which was organised on Thursday, September 3, 2026, at the Accra Marriott Hotel, the forum was held under the theme: “Advancing Sugar Reduction and NCD Management in Ghana: The Role of Low- and No-Calorie Sweeteners in Science-Based Nutrition Policy.”
Opening the forum, AGI President, Pharm. Kofi Nsiah-Poku, said NCDs such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and obesity were increasingly putting pressure on health systems, households, businesses and national economies.
“The food, beverage, and pharmaceutical industries play an important role in supporting healthier consumption patterns through product reformulation, consumer information, and the development of products that respond to changing consumer needs.”
He stressed that industry efforts must be supported by a coherent policy environment informed by credible scientific evidence.
The forum featured presentations from the Ghana Standards Authority, Food and Drugs Authority, Ministry of Health, University of Ghana and industry, with discussions focusing on food additive regulations, food policy developments, Ghana’s food environment policy agenda and industry perspectives.
A lively panel discussion and Q&A session also provided stakeholders with an opportunity to raise concerns and discuss emerging policies related to sugar reduction, nutrition and NCD management.
In his closing remarks, AGI CEO Seth Twum-Akwaboah described the discussions as educative, clarifying and enlightening. He emphasised the importance of stakeholder relationships in addressing challenges and preventing institutional conflicts.
“Platforms of this nature help avoid clashes among institutions, thereby promoting healthy dialogue to address concerns that arise among stakeholder institutions.”
The forum reaffirmed the importance of collaboration, stakeholder engagement and science-based policymaking in developing effective approaches to nutrition, sugar reduction and NCD management in Ghana.
