Despite global health recommendations and years of public awareness campaigns, Ghana’s progress on breastfeeding remains stagnant, with significant regional disparities and critical shortfalls in early initiation and exclusive breastfeeding practices.
New data released as part of World Breastfeeding Week reveals that just 52.6% of infants under six months in Ghana are exclusively breastfed—a rate that has barely improved over the last two decades.
Even more concerning, 41.8% of newborns experience delayed breastfeeding within the first hour of birth, missing out on essential nutrients and immunity-boosting benefits at a crucial time.
The situation is particularly dire in regions like Greater Accra, Ahafo, and the Eastern Region, where more than half of babies miss early initiation.
In the Western North Region, the median duration of exclusive breastfeeding is just one month, far below the six-month minimum recommended by UNICEF and WHO.
The national average stands at 2.9 months, with only Savannah Region approaching better outcomes at 4.9 months.
UNICEF: Breastfeeding Support Still Lacking Across Systems
In light of these persistent gaps, UNICEF Ghana is using this year’s World Breastfeeding Week, celebrated from August 1–7, to call for stronger, more sustainable support systems for mothers.
With the theme “Breastfeeding: Building Systems for Lifelong Health,” the organization is urging stakeholders to move beyond awareness and invest in long-term structures that make breastfeeding a realistic and supported choice for all mothers at home, at work, and in healthcare settings.
“The data shows that mothers in Ghana are still not receiving the sustained, system-level support they need,” said UNICEF Ghana in a statement. “We must strengthen legal protections, healthcare guidance, workplace accommodations, and community networks to change this.”
Legal Tools Exist—But Enforcement Must Be Strengthened
One significant policy milestone is the Legislative Instrument (L.I.) 1667, which regulates the marketing of breastmilk substitutes in Ghana.
The law prohibits the advertising, promotion, and free distribution of formula, bottles, pacifiers, and related products in health facilities, and bans the distribution of free samples to health workers.
To boost accountability, the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) recently introduced a QR Code reporting system, allowing citizens to report violations directly and discreetly.
However, UNICEF cautions that legal instruments alone are not enough. More investments are needed to ensure healthcare workers are trained to offer skilled and empathetic breastfeeding counselling, workplaces are equipped with family-friendly policies, and communities are engaged to offer emotional and practical support.
Call to Action
UNICEF is urging all actors, including government ministries, employers, health professionals, and community leaders to:
Fund breastfeeding programmes adequately
Enforce the Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes
Improve counselling and support in health facilities
Build community structures that empower mothers
The benefits of breastfeeding are clear. It reduces infant mortality, supports cognitive development, and protects mothers against diseases like breast and ovarian cancer. Economically, it offers a return of USD 35 for every USD 1 invested, making it one of the most cost-effective public health interventions available.
“Breastfeeding is not just a maternal duty—it is a societal responsibility,” UNICEF stressed. “To give every child the best start in life, we must build systems that ensure no mother is left to struggle alone.”
Source: Martha Crentsil Acquah
ALSO READ: