Director of Elections and Information Technology at the Liberal Party of Ghana (LPG), Prince Gaisie, has pledged the party’s commitment to implementing the recommendations in the Civil Society Organizations’ Manifesto on Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD) (CSOs NCD Manifesto), emphasizing that the issues will be prioritized to improve healthcare access and affordability for individuals with NCDs.
At a meeting at the LPG National Headquarters in Accra, Jeorge Wilson Kingson, a member of the Ghana Non-Communicable Diseases Alliance (GhNCDA) and Chairman of the Media Alliance in Tobacco Control and Health (MATCOH), who led a delegation of advocates emphasized the importance of political parties incorporating the needs of those affected by NCDs into their manifestos. He noted that NCDs, which are primarily linked to lifestyle choices, require policies that promote active living and reduce risk factors associated with unhealthy habits.
“We developed this NCD Manifesto because we believe that all political parties should have a policy direction on NCDs to improve healthcare delivery in the country,” Kingson stated.
Mr. Gaisie expressed concern that over 45% of deaths in Ghana are due to NCDs, such as hypertension and stroke. He affirmed that health will be a key focus for the LPG in the upcoming 2024 elections, and the party plans to incorporate the NCD Manifesto recommendations into its health policies.
“We will be launching our manifesto soon, and it is timely that you brought this important document. I assure you that your recommendations will be included because we value health and believe that ‘healthy people make a healthy nation,’” he said.
Gaisie also called for policies to address the high cost of fruits, which often leads people to choose unhealthy food options. Additionally, he suggested that the Ghana NCD Alliance collaborate with the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) to raise awareness and educate the public on NCDs, with the goal of fostering a healthier population in the country.
Earlier, the group of advocates had met with the head of policy, research, and campaign of the Movement for Revolutionary Change (M4RC), Mr Buabeng Asamoah, and the chairman of the manifesto sub-committee, Mr Samuel Ofori Ampofo to present the document to him for consideration and inclusion in their Great Transformational Plan (GTP).
By Angela Amuzu || ghananewsonline.com.gh