Nana Achiaa Ankrah is tackling child malnutrition in Ghana through Arise Foods, blending entrepreneurship with nutrition advocacy.
Dr Nana Achiaa Ankrah, a Ghanaian pharmacist and agro-food entrepreneur, has built her career around improving access to affordable and nutritious foods. As the founder and chief executive of Arise Foods Limited, she has positioned the company at the centre of conversations on child nutrition in Ghana, where malnutrition remains a pressing health concern.
Origins and motivation
Arise Foods was established to address concerns about poor dietary practices and the rising incidence of malnutrition among Ghanaian children. Ankrah, who has professional training in pharmacy and experience in the agro-based industries, identified a gap in the local market for safe, nutritious and affordable foods tailored to infants and vulnerable groups.
Speaking at public forums such as Ghana’s Child Health Promotion Week, she has argued that investing in children’s nutrition is a critical step towards reducing illness, improving school performance, and ensuring long-term national development.
Investing in a child’s health is crucial for optimal growth and development. Proper nutrition not only prevents illness but also reduces the chances of morbidity and mortality among children,” she argues.
Building Arise Foods
Arise Foods produces multigrain cereal mixes that are marketed as natural, preservative-free and enriched with nutrients including iron, calcium, zinc and protein. These products were initially aimed at infants and young children but have since been extended to adults, reflecting broader consumer interest in organic and health-conscious options.
Arise Foods products are distributed through hospitals, schools, NGOs and retail outlets, linking the brand’s presence to both public health and everyday household consumption. While the company highlights its focus on quality and adherence to regulatory standards, it also seeks to educate the public on the wider role of diet in preventing disease and supporting child development.
In a food sector where mass-produced products often dominate, Arise Foods has presented itself as an alternative for consumers seeking organic or minimally processed options. The production plant boasts a 10-tonne per day capacity, reflecting both the scale of operations and the growing demand for healthy organic foods in Ghana. The innovator’s background in pharmacy and food regulation has shaped the business’s approach to product development and quality assurance.
Impact and Recognition
Nana Achiaa Ankrah has received recognition within Ghana’s fast-moving consumer goods industry for her work in nutrition advocacy. At the 2024 FMCG Summit and Awards, she was named FMCG Shero of the Year while Arise Foods received the award for Best Organic Baby Food of the Year. Both honours highlight her role in promoting healthier food choices and addressing nutritional gaps.
Beyond awards, the businesswoman, through her company, has been active in awareness campaigns on child health, encouraging parents to adopt balanced diets for their children. The company has linked its efforts to reducing the prevalence of malnutrition, though concrete impact figures remain scarce.
Nana Achiaa Ankrah continues to combine entrepreneurship with advocacy, positioning Arise Foods as part of a broader movement towards healthier eating in Ghana.
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