By Nii Martey M. Botchway
Accra, June 12, GNA – The Ghana Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (GAND) has urged newly inducted dietitians, nutrition technicians, and nutrition assistants to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and evidence-based practice as they embark on their careers.
Describing the profession as one that requires ethical conduct, the Academy said nutrition and dietetics were noble professions with a rich history and a critical role in improving public health outcomes.
Speaking at the induction ceremony for newly registered nutrition professionals, Rev. Prince Baidoo, President of GAND, said individuals who chose careers in nutrition and dietetics underwent rigorous training and were expected to uphold the values and standards that had guided the professions over the years.
He said the newly inducted professionals must safeguard the reputation of the profession by avoiding shortcuts and charged them to adhere strictly to scientific evidence in their practice.
“There should be no cutting corners, only a commitment to evidence-based practice and helping people,” he said.
Highlighting the important role of nutrition professionals in Ghana’s healthcare system, Rev. Baidoo explained that nutritionists are at the forefront of preventive healthcare through public education and healthy lifestyle promotion, while dietitians provide specialised care to help manage diseases and prevent complications.
He stressed that both roles were essential to improving the health and well-being of Ghanaians and urged the new professionals to contribute to improved nutrition outcomes, disease prevention, and quality healthcare delivery through ethical, evidence-based, and impactful service.
The GAND President, who expressed concern about growing incidents of unprofessional conduct within parts of the health sector, also called on practitioners to remain focused on their professional responsibilities.
“I call on all our colleagues to return to professionalism and do what we have been trained to do,” he said.
In his address to the new professionals, Mr. Wise Chukudi Letsa, a registered dietitian and Chief Executive Officer of Lets Consult, encouraged the inductees to invest in personal development and life-long learning to position themselves for successful and impactful careers.
He said professional qualifications alone were not enough to guarantee success, stressing the need for self-awareness, continuous improvement, and preparedness to take advantage of opportunities.
“Before you can be impactful as a dietitian or in whatever role you find yourself, you must be well prepared. You must know yourself,” he advised.
Mr. Letsa urged the new professionals not to take their skills and knowledge for granted but to continue developing themselves while remaining humble, kind, and committed to excellence.
According to him, many young professionals focused primarily on finding employment or securing projects without adequately preparing themselves to deliver value when opportunities arise.
“It is not enough to present yourself for projects or employment when you do not really know how you will be impactful and desirable,” he said.
He encouraged the inductees to embrace life-long learning and remain open to growth opportunities, noting that the evolving healthcare landscape requires professionals who were adaptable, knowledgeable, and committed to continuous development.
GNA
Nii Martey M. Botchway
[email protected]
Edited by Samuel Osei-Frempong