Greater Accra has been identified as the region with the lowest rate of exclusive breastfeeding in Ghana, recording just 43%.
The Public Health Nurse at the Regional Health Directorate, Charity Sikanku, disclosed this during the launch of activities to mark Breastfeeding Month.
Madam Sikanku attributed the low rate in the capital to the demanding work schedules of many mothers, which make it difficult for them to dedicate time to breastfeeding. In contrast, the Savannah Region leads with an impressive 78% exclusive breastfeeding rate.
She called on workplaces to establish breastfeeding corners to support nursing mothers, emphasizing that such initiatives would reduce dependence on baby formula and help prevent diseases associated with early introduction of alternative feeding.
“There is also an economic strain on mothers who do not practice exclusive breastfeeding, as they end up spending more money on baby formulas,” she said.
Sikanku further advocated for an extension of maternity leave, saying this would give mothers the necessary time to exclusively breastfeed their babies for the recommended six months.
She cautioned that the low rate of breastfeeding in Accra could negatively affect children’s academic performance compared to regions like Savannah, where exclusive breastfeeding is more widely practiced.
“Babies in the Savannah Region often look healthier and perform better academically, and this is closely linked to the impact of breast milk on their development,” she stated.
She also urged mothers to ignore myths such as the belief that breastfeeding causes sagging breasts—misconceptions that discourage many from practicing exclusive breastfeeding.
Madam Sikanku concluded by emphasizing the need for continuous education, community support, and strong policy backing to encourage exclusive breastfeeding in line with the World Health Organization’s recommendation that babies be fed only breast milk for the first six months.
Source: Akosua Agyapomaa Antwi
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