News
Rise in consumption of processed food worrying
…Embrace traditional foods to avoid diabetes, other diseases
The quest to embrace traditional and locally sourced foods is gaining momentum as health experts warn of the growing health dangers associated with processed diets.
According to dieticians, the rise in consumption of ‘fast-food’ and highly processed imported foodstuff, has increased diseases like diabetes, hypertension, and obesity among the populace.
One of such concerned advocates for consumption of traditional foodstuff is Madam Salma Abdulai, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of AMAATI Quality Food Company and a lead exporter of fonio, a nutritious traditional food full.
It is rich in fiber, vitamins, and protein and helps in the prevention of some chronic diseases.
Speaking with The Spectator, Madam Abdulai described as unfortunate the switch and over concentration on fast-food which is creating many health problems for Ghanaians.
Though it has become widespread in the urban and rural-urban areas, Madam Abdulai added her voice to those of other professionals urging Ghanaians to embrace the rich traditional food heritage, known for its nutritional value and health benefits.
According to her, Ghanaian diets, especially those in northern Ghana have long been based on whole foods like millet, sorghum, yam, cassava, leafy vegetables, beans, and a variety of fresh fruits.
These foods, she explained, were nutrient-dense, offering a wide range of vitamins, minerals, fiber, and healthy fats.
In sharp contrast to many Western-style diets which are heavy in refined sugar, unhealthy fats, and additives, the traditional cuisines promotes heart health, digestive wellness, and longevity,” she said.
She also said that countries like Ghana, Nigeria, and Senegal are leading the movement to promote indigenous grains such as millet, fonio, and sorghum, which are highly nutritious and more climate-resilient than imported crops like rice and wheat.
Madam Awudu Amina Pagnaa, founder of Duduhgu, a traditional kitchen dedicated to revitalising and preserving indigenous food knowledge, said there was a campaign where citizens are educated on the benefits of consuming more locally grown foods, including wasawasa, Tubaani, Zambarima Zugu, Kapala, plantain, cocoyam, kontomire (Cocoyam leaves), and local spices such as prekese and dawadawa, which have long been staples of the Ghanaian diet.
According to her, those foods are not only promoting health but are more sustainable for the environment, as they grow well in West African climates without the need for extensive chemical inputs.
She said some hotels and restaurants in the Northern region are gradually introducing traditional foods, like fonio dishes, bitter leaf, okra and ayoyo which are packed with antioxidants and fibre.
She further said, “those dishes are not just cultural icons; they are also some of the healthiest meals we can eat.”
From Geoffrey Buta, Tamale
Ghanaian music icon, Akwasi Poku Addae, known in Showbiz circles as Kwaisey Pee has honoured his promise to children suffering from cancer.
Ahead of his 25th anniversary event held at the D’ Icon Event Centre at East Legon last year, he made a promise to donate some funds to children suffering from cancer.
True to his word, the musician has recently made a donation of GHC50,000 to the Paediatric Oncology Unit of the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital.
He told the Ghanaian Times that children are so dear to him, and was optimistic the support would go a long way too impact lives.
The music dynamo also promised that the gesture will not be the last,” it will be a continuous feature from me.”
He also called on Ghanaians home and abroad to lend a helping hand to children suffering from cancer.
According to him, children with cancer have many needs, and a helping hands will go a long way ease the suffering.
“Cancer treatment is very expensive, and leaving that to parents of the children alone, will be a huge burden, with support from you and myself, we can make some changes in other people’s lives,” he concluded.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
A disagreement has emerged between Member of Parliament for Berekum West, Dickson Kyere-Duah, and energy consultant Kwadwo Poku over government funding for Ghana’s participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The debate centred on government’s decision to budget about 13 million dollars to support the national team, even though FIFA is expected to provide an appearance fee of about 10.5 million dollars if Ghana qualifies for the tournament.
During the discussion on Joys news , Mr Poku questioned why the government should allocate such an amount when FIFA already provides funds to participating countries.
According to him, the appearance fee alone should help cover some of the country’s expenses.
He argued that if FIFA is giving Ghana 10.5 million dollars simply for qualifying for the tournament, it raises questions about the need for the government to appropriate additional funds.
Mr Kyere Duah, however, explained that the government’s allocation was part of advance planning captured in the national budget even before the final qualification results were known.
He noted that the budget for the tournament period was prepared in November 2025, when it was not certain that Ghana would qualify.
He stressed that budgeting does not automatically mean the entire amount will be spent.
According to him, the funds are meant to prepare the team from the start of the competition period until the end of the tournament.
Mr Kyere Duah explained that if the team exits the tournament early, the full amount allocated in the budget will not be used.
Mr Poku maintained that FIFA already provides financial support to teams for participating in the World Cup and insisted that the government must clearly justify additional spending.
The discussion extended to the role of the Ghana Football Association in managing the national teams.
Mr Poku described the association as a private institution and argued that FIFA also operates as a private body that does not allow government interference.
He explained that FIFA provides funds to teams to support their preparation and participation in the tournament.
Mr Kyere Duah, however, maintained that national teams represent the country and require government support to operate effectively.
By: Jacob Aggrey
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