How parents are “Killing” school children with sugary drinks in Ghana

• Why Ghanaian Parents Must Rethink Sugary Drinks for School Children: A Health Expert’s Warning for Ages 3 to 15.

Across Ghana, a growing concern is emerging in pre-schools and basic schools: children between the ages of 3 and 15 are consuming large amounts of sugary and carbonated drinks on a daily basis. These drinks, often packed in lunch boxes or purchased outside school premises, are becoming a routine part of the school day for many learners. While they may seem harmless or even supportive of a child’s energy needs, the reality is that these beverages contribute to significant health risks that can affect children today and continue into adulthood. As a health expert and educator focused on child development, I find it essential to address this matter with urgency and clarity.

Many of the drink choices popular among Ghanaian school children include fizzy beverages, energy drinks, and numerous brightly coloured sachet or bottled flavored drinks that are widespread on the market. Although parents typically do not pack drinks like Lucozade for young learners, children still gain access to a wide array of sugary products that contain high levels of refined sugar, artificial sweeteners, chemical colorants, and acidic preservatives. These ingredients pose serious threats to children’s growth, cognitive function, and general wellbeing. A single bottle of soda, for instance, can contain the equivalent of up to twelve teaspoons of sugar—an amount far exceeding what a developing child should consume in an entire day. The result is frequent energy crashes, tooth decay, weakened immunity, and compromised learning ability.

The age group between 3 and 15 represents a critical period for physical and cognitive development. In Ghanaian classrooms today, teachers increasingly report cases of hyperactivity, short attention span, emotional irritability, and chronic fatigue among learners. Many of these symptoms align closely with high sugar intake. Daily consumption of sugary and colored drinks has also contributed to rising cases of childhood obesity, early signs of diabetes, digestive problems, and dental disease. The acidity in carbonated drinks gradually erodes tooth enamel, causing painful cavities and gum infections, conditions that are now worryingly common in children even as young as five years old. These health issues, if left unchecked, can easily progress into lifelong disorders.

The encouraging news is that Ghana is naturally endowed with an abundance of healthy, affordable fruits that can provide safer hydration and nourishment for school children. Fruits such as watermelon, pineapple, oranges, mango, pawpaw, banana, coconut, and avocado are widely available across the country. Unlike processed drinks, these fruits offer children vitamins, fiber, antioxidants, and natural energy without artificial chemicals or excessive sugars. Parents can prepare simple homemade fruit juices before school, ensuring children receive the hydration and nutrients they need for learning. A cup of blended watermelon, a serving of freshly squeezed orange juice, or coconut water straight from the nut is far healthier and supports stable energy levels and better concentration in school. More natural alternatives like homemade sobolo sweetened gently with dates or fruit-based smoothies can also provide variety without exposing children to harmful additives.

Parents play a decisive role in shaping their children’s nutritional habits. Children between the ages of 3 and 15 depend entirely on the food and drink choices adults make for them. Replacing sugary beverages with natural fruit options helps protect their long-term health and teaches them to value wholesome nutrition. When parents set an example at home by avoiding overly sugary drinks, children naturally follow. Schools must also play their part by regulating the kinds of drinks sold on their premises, promoting healthy snack policies, and encouraging parents to pack water or homemade drinks instead of soda or artificially flavored beverages.

Addressing this growing public health issue requires coordinated efforts from several bodies. Health professionals and nutritionists must intensify public education to guide parents on better dietary choices for school children. The Food and Drugs Authority must strengthen its regulation of sugar-filled beverages marketed toward children, especially products sold in school environments. The Ghana Health Service should continue promoting adolescent nutrition programs that highlight the dangers of excessive sugar intake. School leadership, teachers, and community stakeholders should collaborate to create an environment where healthy choices become the norm rather than the exception.

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Ensuring that Ghana’s children grow strong, attentive, and healthy requires immediate action. The heavy presence of sugary and carbonated drinks in children’s daily diets, especially among those aged 3 to 15, threatens their education, wellbeing, and future health outcomes. Parents must take the lead by offering natural fruit options, nutritious homemade drinks, and proper hydration habits. With collective effort and commitment, Ghana can protect its young learners and create a healthier, more vibrant generation.