Ghana Health Service Calls for Stronger Support for Breastfeeding Mothers
The Ghana Health Service (GHS) has called for stronger support from families, employers, communities and policymakers to help mothers breastfeed successfully, saying breastfeeding is a shared national responsibility that improves child survival and long-term health.
The appeal forms part of activities marking World Breastfeeding Month 2026 under the theme, “Breastfeeding for a Sustainable Start in Life: Strengthen What Works.”
In a press release signed by the Director General of the GHS, Dr Samuel Kaba Akoriyea, the Service said this year’s observance is an opportunity to strengthen systems that protect, promote and support breastfeeding while reviewing existing interventions and addressing gaps in care.
The GHS said breastmilk remains the best source of nutrition for infants, protecting them against life-threatening illnesses such as diarrhoea and pneumonia, reducing the risk of allergies, supporting cognitive development and promoting healthy facial and dental growth.
According to the Service, breastfeeding also helps reduce the risk of overweight and obesity later in life and contributes to building a healthier and more productive population.
The statement noted that although breastfeeding is a natural practice, mothers require continuous support to breastfeed exclusively and for the recommended duration.
The GHS said it would use the month-long campaign to strengthen breastfeeding support across the primary healthcare system by building on successful interventions, improving health education at service delivery points and providing practical assistance and follow-up support to mothers and their families.
It said these efforts are aligned with Ghana’s goals of improving maternal, newborn and child health, reducing malnutrition and preventable childhood illnesses, strengthening primary healthcare and advancing Universal Health Coverage.
The Service urged employers to create workplaces that support breastfeeding mothers by providing adequate maternity protection, flexible working arrangements, breastfeeding breaks and safe spaces for expressing and storing breastmilk.
It also encouraged the media to promote accurate information on breastfeeding and avoid serving as channels for the promotion of breastmilk substitutes.
The GHS further called on employee associations to support breastfeeding-friendly workplace policies and urged communities and families to encourage mothers to practice exclusive breastfeeding.
It appealed to fathers, civil society organisations and advocacy groups to support breastfeeding campaigns, while asking Parliament to champion laws and allocate resources that promote breastfeeding across the country.
The Ghana Health Service said protecting and promoting breastfeeding requires collective action, adding that no mother or child should be left behind.
“Breastfeeding is not the responsibility of mothers alone. It is a shared national responsibility,” the statement said.
Priscilla Osei-Wusu Nimako, ISD
