• Overview
  • Obesity prevalence
  • Trends over time
  • Population breakdowns
  • Drivers
  • Comorbidities
  • Economic impact
  • Policies
  • Contextual factors
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National obesity risk *7/10This is a composite ‘obesity risk’ score (out of 10, the highest risk) based on obesity prevalence, rate of increase, likelihood of meeting the 2025 target, treatment indicator and childhood stunting levels.Childhood obesity risk *4.5/11This is a ‘risk score’ for each country’s likelihood of having or acquiring a major childhood obesity problem during the 2020s, taking account of current prevalence levels and risk for future obesity (based on stunting among infants, maternal obesity, maternal smoking, and breastfeeding rates).
* Based on estimated data. For more information see Publications

Obesity prevalence

Trends over time

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Population breakdowns

By education

By age

By region

By socio-economic group

Drivers

Insufficient activity

Fruit consumption

Processed meat consumption

Grains consumption

Depression

Anxiety

Roots of obesity »

Like all chronic diseases, the root causes/drivers of obesity are complex. Select here to view 'other' root causes/drivers.

Breastfeeding

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Comorbidities

Oesophageal cancer

Breast cancer

Colorectal cancer

Pancreatic cancer

Gallbladder cancer

Kidney cancer

Cancer of the uterus

Raised blood pressure

Raised cholesterol

Raised fasting blood glucose

Diabetes prevalence

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Economic impact

Economic impact

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Policies

Nutritional or Health Strategy

Tax/Subsidies on Food or Beverages

NCD Strategy

Breastfeeding

Multisectoral national mechanism for obesity

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Contextual factors

Contextual factors

Obesity prevalence

Women, 2017

Survey type:Measured
Age:15-49
Sample size:1002
Area covered:National
References:University of Ghana, GroundWork, University of Wisconsin-Madison, KEMRI-Wellcome Trust, UNICEF. Ghana Micronutrient Survey 2017. Accra, Ghana; 2017
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².
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Adults, 2016-2017

Survey type:Measured
Age:18+
Sample size:1106
Area covered:National
References:Li J, Owusu IK, Geng Q, Folson AA, Zheng Z, Adu-Boakye Y, Dong X, Wu WC, Agyekum F, Fei H, Ayetey H, Deng M, Adomako-Boateng F, Jiang Z, Abubakari BB, Xian Z, Fokuoh FN, Appiah LT, Liu S, Lin C. Cardiometabolic Risk Factors and Preclinical Target Organ Damage Among Adults in Ghana: Findings From a National Study. J Am Heart Assoc. 2020 Dec 15;9(24):e017492. doi: 10.1161/JAHA.120.017492. Epub 2020 Dec 7. PMID: 33283559; PMCID: PMC7955390.
Notes:Age Standardised
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².
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Women, 2014

Survey type:Measured
Age:15-49
Sample size:4268
Area covered:National
References:Ghana Statistical Service - GSS, Ghana Health Service - GHS, and ICF International. 2015. Ghana Demographic and Health Survey 2014. Rockville, Maryland, USA: GSS, GHS, and ICF International. Available at http://www.dhsprogram.com/publications/publication-FR307-DHS-Final-Reports.cfm (last accessed 11th April 2016)
Notes:Demographic Health Survey data includes ever married women aged 15-49 years only and may include males aged 15-59.
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².
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Women, 2008

Survey type:Measured
Age:15-49
Sample size:4380
Area covered:National
References:Ghana Statistical Service - GSS, Ghana Health Service - GHS, and ICF Macro. 2009. Ghana Demographic and Health Survey 2008. Accra, Ghana: GSS, GHS, and ICF Macro.
Notes:Demographic Health Survey data includes ever married women aged 15-49 years only and may include males aged 15-59.
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².
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Adults, 2004

Survey type:Measured
Age:20+
Sample size:1431
Area covered:Regional
References:Agyemang C. Rural and urban differences in blood pressure and hypertension in Ghana, West Africa. Public Health. 2006 Jun;120(6):525-33. doi: 10.1016/j.puhe.2006.02.002. Epub 2006 May 8. PMID: 16684547.
Notes:Due to limited availability on data in males in Ghana, we calculated total male and female figures (from separate urban and rural figures) using the World Bank % Urban for Ghana from 2004.
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².
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Women, 2003

Survey type:Measured
Age:15-49
Sample size:4835
Area covered:National
References:Ghana Statistical Service - GSS, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research - NMIMR/Ghana, and ORC Macro. 2004. Ghana Demographic and Health Survey 2003. Calverton, Maryland: GSS, NMIMR, and ORC Macro.
Notes:Demographic Health Survey data includes ever married women aged 15-49 years only and may include males aged 15-59.
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².
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Women, 1993

Survey type:Measured
Age:15-49
Sample size:1173
References:Martorell R, Khan LK, Hughes ML, Grummer Strawn LM. Obesity in women from developing countries. EJCN (2000) 54;247-252
Notes:The data from this paper was sourced from the Demographic Health Survey Programme https://dhsprogram.com/ Central Statistical Office and Macro International. Calverton, Maryland, USA
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².
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Children, 2017-2018

Survey type:Measured
Age:0-5
Sample size:8775
Area covered:National
References:Ghana Statistical Service, 2018. Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS2017/18), Survey Findings Report. Accra, Ghana: GSS.https://mics-surveys-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/MICS6/West%20and%20Central%20Africa/Ghana/2017-2018/Survey%20findings/Ghana%202017-18%20MICS%20Survey%20Findings%20Report_English.pdf (Last accessed 22.06.21)
Notes:Infants.
Definitions:Weight for Height. Overweight = 2SD-3SD, Obesity =>3SD
Cutoffs:Other
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Children, 2014

Survey type:Measured
Age:15-19
Sample size:1358
Area covered:National
References:Benedict, Rukundo K., Allison Schmale, and Sorrel Namaste. 2018. Adolescent Nutrition 2000-2017: DHS Data on Adolescents Age 15-19. DHS Comparative Report No. 47. Rockville, Maryland, USA: ICF. Ghana Statistical Service - GSS, Ghana Health Service - GHS, and ICF International. 2015. Ghana Demographic and Health Survey 2014. Rockville, Maryland, USA: GSS, GHS, and ICF International
Notes:651 girls and 707 boys
Definitions:BMI for age: between +1 SD and +2 SD is overweight and greater than +2 SD is obesity
Cutoffs:WHO 2007
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Children, 2012

Survey type:Self-reported
Age:13-17
Sample size:1984
Area covered:National
References:Ghana - Global School-Based Student Health Survey 2012 https://www.who.int/ncds/surveillance/gshs/ghana/en/ (Last accessed 20.10.2020)
Notes:A two-stage cluster sample design was used to produce data representative of all students in Grades SHS 1-4 in Ghana Senior High.
Cutoffs:WHO
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Children, 2007

Survey type:Self-reported
Age:13-15
Sample size:6236
Area covered:National
References:Global School-based Student Health Survey (GSHS), available at https://www.who.int/ncds/surveillance/gshs/2007_Ghana_fact_sheet.pdf?ua=1 (last accessed 24.11.20)
Cutoffs:WHO
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Overweight/obesity by education

Women, 2017

Survey type:Measured
Age:15-49
Sample size:1002
Area covered:National
References:University of Ghana, GroundWork, University of Wisconsin-Madison, KEMRI-Wellcome Trust, UNICEF. Ghana Micronutrient Survey 2017. Accra, Ghana; 2017
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².
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Men, 2014

Survey type:Measured
Age:15-49
Sample size:4268
Area covered:National
References:Ghana Statistical Service - GSS, Ghana Health Service - GHS, and ICF International. 2015. Ghana Demographic and Health Survey 2014. Rockville, Maryland, USA: GSS, GHS, and ICF International.. http://www.dhsprogram.com/publications/publication-FR307-DHS-Final-Reports.cfm (last accessed 11th April 2016)
Notes:Demographic Health Survey data includes ever married women aged 15-49 years only and may include males aged 15-59.
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².
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Women, 2014

Survey type:Measured
Age:15-49
Sample size:4268
Area covered:National
References:Ghana Statistical Service - GSS, Ghana Health Service - GHS, and ICF International. 2015. Ghana Demographic and Health Survey 2014. Rockville, Maryland, USA: GSS, GHS, and ICF International.. http://www.dhsprogram.com/publications/publication-FR307-DHS-Final-Reports.cfm (last accessed 11th April 2016)
Notes:Demographic Health Survey data includes ever married women aged 15-49 years only and may include males aged 15-59.
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².
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Overweight/obesity by age

Women, 2017

Survey type:Measured
Sample size:1002
Area covered:National
References:University of Ghana, GroundWork, University of Wisconsin-Madison, KEMRI-Wellcome Trust, UNICEF. Ghana Micronutrient Survey 2017. Accra, Ghana; 2017
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².
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Overweight/obesity by region

Women, 2017

Survey type:Measured
Age:15-49
Sample size:1002
Area covered:National
References:University of Ghana, GroundWork, University of Wisconsin-Madison, KEMRI-Wellcome Trust, UNICEF. Ghana Micronutrient Survey 2017. Accra, Ghana; 2017
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².
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Men, 2014

Survey type:Measured
Age:15-49
Sample size:4268
Area covered:National
References:Ghana Statistical Service - GSS, Ghana Health Service - GHS, and ICF International. 2015. Ghana Demographic and Health Survey 2014. Rockville, Maryland, USA: GSS, GHS, and ICF International.
Notes:Demographic Health Survey data includes ever married women aged 15-49 years only and may include males aged 15-59.
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².
Download graph Add to custom PDF

Women, 2014

Survey type:Measured
Age:15-49
Sample size:4268
Area covered:National
References:Ghana Statistical Service - GSS, Ghana Health Service - GHS, and ICF International. 2015. Ghana Demographic and Health Survey 2014. Rockville, Maryland, USA: GSS, GHS, and ICF International.
Notes:Demographic Health Survey data includes ever married women aged 15-49 years only and may include males aged 15-59.
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².
Download graph Add to custom PDF

Men, 2014

Survey type:Measured
Age:15-49
Sample size:4268
Area covered:National
References:Ghana Statistical Service - GSS, Ghana Health Service - GHS, and ICF International. 2015. Ghana Demographic and Health Survey 2014. Rockville, Maryland, USA: GSS, GHS, and ICF International.
Notes:Demographic Health Survey data includes ever married women aged 15-49 years only and may include males aged 15-59.
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².
Download graph Add to custom PDF

Women, 2014

Survey type:Measured
Age:15-49
Sample size:4268
Area covered:National
References:Ghana Statistical Service - GSS, Ghana Health Service - GHS, and ICF International. 2015. Ghana Demographic and Health Survey 2014. Rockville, Maryland, USA: GSS, GHS, and ICF International.
Notes:Demographic Health Survey data includes ever married women aged 15-49 years only and may include males aged 15-59.
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².
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Children, 2017-2018

Survey type:Measured
Sample size:8775
Area covered:National
References:Ghana Statistical Service, 2018. Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS2017/18), Survey Findings Report. Accra, Ghana: GSS.https://mics-surveys-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/MICS6/West%20and%20Central%20Africa/Ghana/2017-2018/Survey%20findings/Ghana%202017-18%20MICS%20Survey%20Findings%20Report_English.pdf (Last accessed 22.06.21)
Notes:Infants.
Definitions:Weight for Height. Overweight = 2SD-3SD, Obesity =>3SD
Cutoffs:Other
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Overweight/obesity by socio-economic group

Women, 2017

Survey type:Measured
Age:15-49
Sample size:1002
Area covered:National
References:University of Ghana, GroundWork, University of Wisconsin-Madison, KEMRI-Wellcome Trust, UNICEF. Ghana Micronutrient Survey 2017. Accra, Ghana; 2017
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².
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Men, 2014

Survey type:Measured
Age:15-49
Sample size:4268
Area covered:National
References:Ghana Statistical Service - GSS, Ghana Health Service - GHS, and ICF International. 2015. Ghana Demographic and Health Survey 2014. Rockville, Maryland, USA: GSS, GHS, and ICF International.. http://www.dhsprogram.com/publications/publication-FR307-DHS-Final-Reports.cfm (last accessed 11th April 2016)
Notes:Demographic Health Survey data includes ever married women aged 15-49 years only and may include males aged 15-59.
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².
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Women, 2014

Survey type:Measured
Age:15-49
Sample size:4268
Area covered:National
References:Ghana Statistical Service - GSS, Ghana Health Service - GHS, and ICF International. 2015. Ghana Demographic and Health Survey 2014. Rockville, Maryland, USA: GSS, GHS, and ICF International.. http://www.dhsprogram.com/publications/publication-FR307-DHS-Final-Reports.cfm (last accessed 11th April 2016)
Notes:Demographic Health Survey data includes ever married women aged 15-49 years only and may include males aged 15-59.
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².
Download graph Add to custom PDF

Children, 2017-2018

Survey type:Measured
Sample size:8775
Area covered:National
References:Ghana Statistical Service, 2018. Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS2017/18), Survey Findings Report. Accra, Ghana: GSS.https://mics-surveys-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/MICS6/West%20and%20Central%20Africa/Ghana/2017-2018/Survey%20findings/Ghana%202017-18%20MICS%20Survey%20Findings%20Report_English.pdf (Last accessed 22.06.21)
Notes:Infants.
Definitions:Weight for Height. Overweight = 2SD-3SD, Obesity =>3SD
Cutoffs:Other
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Insufficient physical activity

Adults, 2016

References:Guthold R, Stevens GA, Riley LM, Bull FC. Worldwide trends in insufficient physical activity from 2001 to 2016: a pooled analysis of 358 population-based surveys with 1.9 million participants. Lancet 2018 http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S2214-109X(18)30357-7
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Men, 2016

References:Guthold R, Stevens GA, Riley LM, Bull FC. Worldwide trends in insufficient physical activity from 2001 to 2016: a pooled analysis of 358 population-based surveys with 1.9 million participants. Lancet 2018 http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S2214-109X(18)30357-7
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Women, 2016

References:Guthold R, Stevens GA, Riley LM, Bull FC. Worldwide trends in insufficient physical activity from 2001 to 2016: a pooled analysis of 358 population-based surveys with 1.9 million participants. Lancet 2018 http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S2214-109X(18)30357-7
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Children, 2016

Survey type:Self-reported
Age:11-17
References:Global Health Observatory data repository, World Health Organisation, https://apps.who.int/gho/data/node.main.A893ADO?lang=en (last accessed 16.03.21)
Notes:% of school going adolescents not meeting WHO recommendations on Physical Activity for Health, i.e. doing less than 60 minutes of moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity daily.
Definitions:% Adolescents insufficiently active (age standardised estimate)
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Boys, 2016

Survey type:Self-reported
Age:11-17
References:Global Health Observatory data repository, World Health Organisation, https://apps.who.int/gho/data/node.main.A893ADO?lang=en (last accessed 16.03.21)
Notes:% of school going adolescents not meeting WHO recommendations on Physical Activity for Health, i.e. doing less than 60 minutes of moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity daily.
Definitions:% Adolescents insufficiently active (age standardised estimate)
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Girls, 2016

Survey type:Self-reported
Age:11-17
References:Global Health Observatory data repository, World Health Organisation, https://apps.who.int/gho/data/node.main.A893ADO?lang=en (last accessed 16.03.21)
Notes:% of school going adolescents not meeting WHO recommendations on Physical Activity for Health, i.e. doing less than 60 minutes of moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity daily.
Definitions:% Adolescents insufficiently active (age standardised estimate)
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Children, 2010

Age:11-17
References:Global Health Observatory data repository, World Health Organisation, http://apps.who.int/gho/data/node.main.A893?lang=en
Notes:% of school going adolescents not meeting WHO recommendations on Physical Activity for Health, i.e. doing less than 60 minutes of moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity daily.
Definitions:% Adolescents insufficiently active (age standardised estimate)
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Boys, 2010

Age:11-17
References:Global Health Observatory data repository, World Health Organisation, http://apps.who.int/gho/data/node.main.A893?lang=en
Notes:% of school going adolescents not meeting WHO recommendations on Physical Activity for Health, i.e. doing less than 60 minutes of moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity daily.
Definitions:% Adolescents insufficiently active (age standardised estimate)
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Girls, 2010

Age:11-17
References:Global Health Observatory data repository, World Health Organisation, http://apps.who.int/gho/data/node.main.A893?lang=en
Notes:% of school going adolescents not meeting WHO recommendations on Physical Activity for Health, i.e. doing less than 60 minutes of moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity daily.
Definitions:% Adolescents insufficiently active (age standardised estimate)
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Estimated per capita fruit intake

Adults, 2017

Survey type:Measured
Age:25+
References:Global Burden of Disease, the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation http://ghdx.healthdata.org/
Definitions:Estimated per-capita fruit intake (g/day)
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Estimated per-capita processed meat intake

Adults, 2017

Survey type:Measured
Age:25+
References:Global Burden of Disease, the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation http://ghdx.healthdata.org/
Definitions:Estimated per-capita processed meat intake (g per day)
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Estimated per capita whole grains intake

Adults, 2017

Survey type:Measured
Age:25+
References:Global Burden of Disease, the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation http://ghdx.healthdata.org/
Definitions:Estimated per-capita whole grains intake (g/day)
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Mental health - depression disorders

Adults, 2015

References:Prevalence data from Global Burden of Disease study 2015 (http://ghdx.healthdata.org) published in: Depression and Other Common Mental Disorders: Global Health Estimates. Geneva:World Health Organization; 2017. Licence: CC BY-NC-SA 3.0 IGO.
Definitions:% of population with depression disorders
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Mental health - anxiety disorders

Adults, 2015

References:Prevalence data from Global Burden of Disease study 2015 (http://ghdx.healthdata.org) published in: Depression and Other Common Mental Disorders: Global Health Estimates. Geneva:World Health Organization; 2017. Licence: CC BY-NC-SA 3.0 IGO.
Definitions:% of population with anxiety disorders
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% Infants exclusively breastfed 0-5 months

Children, 2005-2020

Area covered:National
References:Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS2017/18), Survey Findings Report. Accra, Ghana: GSS
Notes:See UNICEF website for further survey information. Available at : https://data.unicef.org/resources/dataset/infant-young-child-feeding/ (last accessed 28.9.21) Citation: United Nations Children’s Fund, Division of Data, Analysis, Planning and Monitoring (2021). Global UNICEF Global Databases: Infant and Young Child Feeding: Exclusive breastfeeding, New York, September 2021.
Definitions:% exclusively breastfed 0-5 months
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Oesophageal cancer

Men, 2020

Age:20+
Area covered:National
References:Ferlay J, Ervik M, Lam F, Colombet M, Mery L, Piñeros M, Znaor A, Soerjomataram I, Bray F (2020). Global Cancer Observatory: Cancer Today. Lyon, France: International Agency for Research on Cancer. Available from: https://gco.iarc.fr/today, accessed 10.01.2157
Definitions:Age-standardized indicence rates per 100 000
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Women, 2020

Age:20+
Area covered:National
References:Ferlay J, Ervik M, Lam F, Colombet M, Mery L, Piñeros M, Znaor A, Soerjomataram I, Bray F (2020). Global Cancer Observatory: Cancer Today. Lyon, France: International Agency for Research on Cancer. Available from: https://gco.iarc.fr/today, accessed 10.01.2157
Definitions:Age-standardized indicence rates per 100 000
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Breast cancer

Women, 2020

Age:20+
Area covered:National
References:Ferlay J, Ervik M, Lam F, Colombet M, Mery L, Piñeros M, Znaor A, Soerjomataram I, Bray F (2020). Global Cancer Observatory: Cancer Today. Lyon, France: International Agency for Research on Cancer. Available from: https://gco.iarc.fr/today, accessed 10.01.2157
Definitions:Age-standardized indicence rates per 100 000
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Colorectal cancer

Men, 2020

Age:20+
Area covered:National
References:Ferlay J, Ervik M, Lam F, Colombet M, Mery L, Piñeros M, Znaor A, Soerjomataram I, Bray F (2020). Global Cancer Observatory: Cancer Today. Lyon, France: International Agency for Research on Cancer. Available from: https://gco.iarc.fr/today, accessed 10.01.2157
Definitions:Age-standardized indicence rates per 100 000
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Women, 2020

Age:20+
Area covered:National
References:Ferlay J, Ervik M, Lam F, Colombet M, Mery L, Piñeros M, Znaor A, Soerjomataram I, Bray F (2020). Global Cancer Observatory: Cancer Today. Lyon, France: International Agency for Research on Cancer. Available from: https://gco.iarc.fr/today, accessed 10.01.2157
Definitions:Age-standardized indicence rates per 100 000
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Pancreatic cancer

Men, 2020

Age:20+
Area covered:National
References:Ferlay J, Ervik M, Lam F, Colombet M, Mery L, Piñeros M, Znaor A, Soerjomataram I, Bray F (2020). Global Cancer Observatory: Cancer Today. Lyon, France: International Agency for Research on Cancer. Available from: https://gco.iarc.fr/today, accessed 10.01.2157
Definitions:Age-standardized indicence rates per 100 000
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Women, 2020

Age:20+
Area covered:National
References:Ferlay J, Ervik M, Lam F, Colombet M, Mery L, Piñeros M, Znaor A, Soerjomataram I, Bray F (2020). Global Cancer Observatory: Cancer Today. Lyon, France: International Agency for Research on Cancer. Available from: https://gco.iarc.fr/today, accessed 10.01.2157
Definitions:Age-standardized indicence rates per 100 000
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Gallbladder cancer

Men, 2020

Age:20+
Area covered:National
References:Ferlay J, Ervik M, Lam F, Colombet M, Mery L, Piñeros M, Znaor A, Soerjomataram I, Bray F (2020). Global Cancer Observatory: Cancer Today. Lyon, France: International Agency for Research on Cancer. Available from: https://gco.iarc.fr/today, accessed 10.01.2157
Definitions:Age-standardized indicence rates per 100 000
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Women, 2020

Age:20+
Area covered:National
References:Ferlay J, Ervik M, Lam F, Colombet M, Mery L, Piñeros M, Znaor A, Soerjomataram I, Bray F (2020). Global Cancer Observatory: Cancer Today. Lyon, France: International Agency for Research on Cancer. Available from: https://gco.iarc.fr/today, accessed 10.01.2157
Definitions:Age-standardized indicence rates per 100 000
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Kidney cancer

Men, 2020

Age:20+
Area covered:National
References:Ferlay J, Ervik M, Lam F, Colombet M, Mery L, Piñeros M, Znaor A, Soerjomataram I, Bray F (2020). Global Cancer Observatory: Cancer Today. Lyon, France: International Agency for Research on Cancer. Available from: https://gco.iarc.fr/today, accessed 10.01.2157
Definitions:Age-standardized indicence rates per 100 000
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Women, 2020

Age:20+
Area covered:National
References:Ferlay J, Ervik M, Lam F, Colombet M, Mery L, Piñeros M, Znaor A, Soerjomataram I, Bray F (2020). Global Cancer Observatory: Cancer Today. Lyon, France: International Agency for Research on Cancer. Available from: https://gco.iarc.fr/today, accessed 10.01.2157
Definitions:Age-standardized indicence rates per 100 000
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Cancer of the uterus

Women, 2020

Age:20+
Area covered:National
References:Ferlay J, Ervik M, Lam F, Colombet M, Mery L, Piñeros M, Znaor A, Soerjomataram I, Bray F (2020). Global Cancer Observatory: Cancer Today. Lyon, France: International Agency for Research on Cancer. Available from: https://gco.iarc.fr/today, accessed 10.01.2157
Definitions:Age-standardized indicence rates per 100 000
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Raised blood pressure

Adults, 2015

References:Global Health Observatory data repository, World Health Organisation, http://apps.who.int/gho/data/node.main.A875?lang=en
Definitions:Age Standardised estimated % Raised blood pressure 2015 (SBP>=140 OR DBP>=90).
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Men, 2015

References:Global Health Observatory data repository, World Health Organisation, http://apps.who.int/gho/data/node.main.A875?lang=en
Definitions:Age Standardised estimated % Raised blood pressure 2015 (SBP>=140 OR DBP>=90).
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Women, 2015

References:Global Health Observatory data repository, World Health Organisation, http://apps.who.int/gho/data/node.main.A875?lang=en
Definitions:Age Standardised estimated % Raised blood pressure 2015 (SBP>=140 OR DBP>=90).
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Raised cholesterol

Adults, 2008

References:Global Health Observatory data repository, World Health Organisation, http://apps.who.int/gho/data/node.main.A885
Definitions:% Raised total cholesterol (>= 5.0 mmol/L) (age-standardized estimate).
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Men, 2008

References:Global Health Observatory data repository, World Health Organisation, http://apps.who.int/gho/data/node.main.A885
Definitions:% Raised total cholesterol (>= 5.0 mmol/L) (age-standardized estimate).
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Women, 2008

References:Global Health Observatory data repository, World Health Organisation, http://apps.who.int/gho/data/node.main.A885
Definitions:% Raised total cholesterol (>= 5.0 mmol/L) (age-standardized estimate).
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Raised fasting blood glucose

Men, 2014

References:Global Health Observatory data repository, World Health Organisation, http://apps.who.int/gho/data/node.main.A869?lang=en
Definitions:Age Standardised % raised fasting blood glucose (>= 7.0 mmol/L or on medication).
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Women, 2014

References:Global Health Observatory data repository, World Health Organisation, http://apps.who.int/gho/data/node.main.A869?lang=en
Definitions:Age Standardised % raised fasting blood glucose (>= 7.0 mmol/L or on medication).
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Diabetes prevalence

Adults, 2021

Age:20-79
Area covered:National
References:Reproduced with kind permission International Diabetes Federation.  IDF Diabetes Atlas, 10th edn. Brussels, Belgium:International Diabetes Federation, 2021. http://www.diabetesatlas.org
Definitions:Age-adjusted comparative prevalence of diabetes, %
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Adults, 2019

Age:20-79
References:Reproduced with kind permission International Diabetes Federation. IDF Diabetes Atlas, 9th edn. Brussels,Belgium: 2019. Available at: https://www.diabetesatlas.org
Definitions:Diabetes age-adjusted comparative prevalence (%).
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Adults, 2017

References:Reproduced with kind permission of IDF, International Diabetes Federation. IDF Diabetes Atlas, 8th edition. Brussels, Belgium: International Diabetes Federation, 2017. http://www.diabetesatlas.org
Definitions:Diabetes age-adjusted comparative prevalence (%).
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Economic impact of overweight and obesity

Country comparisons

You can choose to compare this country’s data with the data for up to four other countries.

Policies, Interventions and Actions

Healthier Diets 4 Health Lives

The HD4HL Project is intended to build evidence and mobilize multi-stakeholder action toward a policy bundle for healthier and more equitable consumer food environments that reduce the double burden of malnutrition. A coalition of government agencies (Ministry of Health, Food and Drugs Authority, National Development Planning Commission), Academia (University of Ghana) and Civil Society (Coalition of Actors for Public Health Advocacy) will collaborate on this project.

Categories:Evidence of a multi-sectoral national coordination mechanism for obesity or nutrition (including obesity)
Year(s):2022 (ongoing)
Target age group:Adults and children
Organisation:Multi Stakeholder including Ministry of Health
Find out more:www.hd4hl.org

National policy non-communicable diseases

The policy focuses on the primary, secondary and tertiary prevention and management of NCDs, including interventions related to health promotion, diet and nutrition and more.

Categories:Evidence of NCD strategy
Year(s):2022-2026
Target age group:Adults and children
Organisation:Ministry of Health
Linked document:Download linked document

National Nutrition Policy

Comprehensive Nutrition strategy (including overweight/obesity)

Categories:Evidence of Nutritional or Health Strategy/ Guidelines/Policy/Action plan
Year(s):2016 (ongoing)
Target age group:Adults and children
References:Information provided with kind permission of WHO Global database on the Implementation of Nutrition Action (GINA): https://extranet.who.int/nutrition/gina/en/node/39745 (last accessed 05.08.22)

National Nutrition Partners Coordination Committee

National Multisectoral stakeholder mechanism in place (such as Coalition, Taskforce, Committee) for Obesity or Nutrition (including obesity)

Categories:Evidence of a multi-sectoral national coordination mechanism for obesity or nutrition (including obesity)
Year(s):2011 (ongoing)
Target age group:Adults and children
References:Information provided with kind permission of WHO Global database on the Implementation of Nutrition Action (GINA): https://extranet.who.int/nutrition/gina/en/node/26975 (last accessed 04.08.22)

Excise tax on sweetened beverages

On March 31 2023, Ghana's Parliament signed into law the Excise Duty (Amendment) Act, 2023 (Act 1093) that imposes a 20 percent tax on sugar-sweetened beverages, including flavoured juice drinks, sweetened tea, sodas and energy drinks.

Categories:Taxation/Subsidies on Food or Beverages or law relating to public health
Target age group:Adults and children
Organisation:Government

GNPR 2016-17 (q7) Breastfeeeding promotion and/or counselling

WHO Global Nutrition Policy Review 2016-2017 reported the evidence of breastfeeding promotion and/or counselling (q7)

Categories:Evidence of Breastfeeding promotion or related activity
Target age group:Adults
Organisation:Ministry of Health (information provided by the GINA progam)
Find out more:extranet.who.int
References:Information provided with kind permission of WHO Global database on the Implementation of Nutrition Action (GINA): https://extranet.who.int/nutrition/gina/en

Marketing of Breast-Milk Substitutes: National Implementation of the International Code Status Report 2016 (Promotion of Breastfeeding)

The 2016 report provides information on the status of implementing the International Code of Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes and subsequent relevant World Health Assembly resolutions (“the Code”) in and by countries. The report also identifies in which countries they actively promote the benefits of breastfeeding.

Categories:Evidence of Breastfeeding promotion or related activity
Target age group:Adults
Organisation:WHO UNICEF IBFAN
References:WHO. UNICEF. IBFAN. Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes: National Implementation of the International Code. Status Report 2016. Geneva: World Health Organization; 2016

No actions could be found for the above criteria.

Contextual factors

Disclaimer: These contextual factors should be interpreted with care. Results are updated as regularly as possible and use very specific criteria. The criteria used and full definitions are available for download at the bottom of this page.

Tap on a tick to find out more about policies influencing this factor.

Labelling

Is there mandatory nutrition labelling?Absent
Front-of-package labelling?Absent
Back-of-pack nutrition declaration?Absent
Color coding?Absent
Warning label?Absent

Regulation and marketing

Are there fiscal policies on unhealthy products?Incoming
Tax on unhealthy foods?Absent
Tax on unhealthy drinks?Incoming
Are there fiscal policies on healthy products?Absent
Subsidy on fruits?Absent
Subsidy on vegetables?Absent
Subsidy on other healthy products?Absent
Mandatory limit or ban of trans fat (all settings)?Incoming
Mandatory limit of trans fats in place (all settings)? Incoming
Ban on trans-fats or phos in place (all settings)? Absent
Are there any mandatory policies/marketing restrictions on the promotion of unhealthy food/drinks to children?Absent
Mandatory restriction on broadcast media?Absent
Mandatory restriction on non-broadcast media?Absent
Voluntary policies/marketing restrictions on the promotion of unhealthy food/drinks to children?Absent
Are there mandatory standards for food in schools?Absent
Are there any mandatory nutrient limits in any manufactured food products?Incoming
Nutrition standards for public sector procurement?Absent

Political will and support

National obesity strategy or nutrition and physical activity national strategy?Absent
National obesity strategy?Absent
National childhood obesity strategy?Absent
Comprehensive nutrition strategy?Present
Comprehensive physical activity strategy?Absent
Evidence-based dietary guidelines and/or RDAs?Absent
National target(s) on reducing obesity?Absent
Guidelines/policy on obesity treatment?Absent
Promotion of breastfeeding?Present

Monitoring and surveillance

Monitoring of the prevalence and incidence for the main obesity-related NCDs and risk factors?Present
Within 5 years?Absent

Governance and resource

Multi-sectoral national co-ordination mechanism for obesity or nutrition (including obesity)?Unknown

Key

Present
Present (voluntary)
Incoming
Absent
Unknown

Last updated August 8, 2023

See more policies here

Download contextual factors as a PDF Contextual factors definitions

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