The United Nations World Food Program (WFP) has received a contribution of US $ 5 million from the Government of Japan, which will enable an important program to address undernutrition, micronutrient deficiencies and obesity in Ghana.
“We’re extremely grateful for Japan’s generous donation which will allow more nutrition,” said Rukia Yacoub, WFP Representative and Country Director in Ghana. “In 2019, we’ll expand the program from the Northern Region where it is currently implemented in the Ashanti Region which also has high numbers of stunted children.”
Women without sufficient means will receive electronic commodity vouchers for locally-produced special blends or maize and soya beans mixed with vitamins and minerals. Children will receive special food supplements produced in Ghana, including one developed by a Japanese private company.
Ghana’s Northern Region has the highest rate of stunting in the country; one in three children is stunted compared to the national average of one in five. The Ashanti Region has the second highest number of stunted children nationwide.
Stunting is due to the diminishing of productivity and earning capacity in later life.
