Abstract:
Background: Although extreme hunger has reduced significantly, people are eating nutrient-poor cheap foods that are
unhealthy and environmentally unsustainable. Even though dietary practices are changing in Ghana, there is minimal
national-level analysis of the changes and their implication for population health. Aim: This study describes shifts in
food availability and consumption in Ghana from 1983–2013. Methods: Data from the Food and Agriculture
Organisation (FAO) food balance sheets and a scoping review were used. Descriptive analysis was conducted in excel
for the FAO data, and Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping
Reviews recommendation was followed for the scoping review. Results: The availability of total calories increased
from 1527 kcal in 1983 to 3016 kcal in 2013, representing 608 kcal above the daily recommended allowance for
women. Sugar and sweeteners was the food group with the highest increase of 1075%. Vegetables contributed the
least to food availability, with less than 40 kcal a day. Rice contributed the most to food availability among cereals
(56 kcal in 1983 to 304 kcal in 2013), replacing maise as the primary cereal. Conclusion: After the 1983 famine,
there were significant increases in food availability in Ghana. The provision of rice, sugars and tubers meant to end hunger,
changed dietary patterns and has resulted in low dietary diversity, high energy intake and overweight/obesity. Therefore,
there is a need to intervene and increase the availability of other food groups.
