Nutrition
You Are What You Eat: The Silent Power of Good Nutrition
They say, “you are what you eat.” But in Ghana, what we eat — and what we don’t — tells a much bigger story about health, inequality, and public policy.
Across the country, the double burden of malnutrition and lifestyle-related diseases is growing. In one home, a child suffers stunted growth due to poor nutrition; in another, an adult battles hypertension or diabetes linked to unhealthy eating habits. These are not just personal health problems; they are reflections of national nutrition governance.
Ghana has many well-intentioned nutrition policies and programmes, but implementation gaps and weak accountability continue to limit their impact. In many communities, the food served in schools lacks adequate protein or vegetables, even though guidelines exist. Street food vendors operate without nutritional standards, and nutrition education is still missing from most community health outreach programmes.
Nutrition should not depend on luck or privilege. It should be a right, guaranteed by systems that ensure access to safe, affordable, and nutritious food for all. That’s why experts are calling for stronger inter-ministerial collaboration between Health, Agriculture, Education, and Local Government — supported by adequate budget allocation to nutrition interventions.
At the household level, simple choices can make a difference — swapping fried foods for boiled ones, reducing sugar and salt, and adding more local vegetables and legumes. But without supportive policies such as subsidies for nutritious local foods, better agricultural extension services, and stricter regulation of processed food advertising, personal effort alone is not enough.
As Women, Media and Change (WOMEC) continues to advocate, good nutrition is not just a kitchen issue — it’s a governance issue. It requires leadership, public awareness, and sustained investment. Every policy that supports farmers, improves school meals, or enforces food labeling laws brings us closer to a healthier population.
In the end, a nation’s strength depends on what its people eat. Nutrition is not charity — it’s smart governance.
Feature Article by Women, Media and Change (WOMEC) under its Nourish Ghana: Advocating for Increased Leadership to Combat Malnutrition Project.
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Ingredients
-2 cups of cooked rice
-Oil
-2 pounds of fresh lobsters
-1/2 tablespoonful of grinded ginger
-1/4 teaspoon salt
-1/2 onion
1 cup frozen peas
-3 large carrots
-3 eggs
-3 tablespoonful of soy sauce
-2 tablespoonful of diced green onions
Preparation
-Cut lobsters into bite-sized pieces and toss for 2minutes.
-Put a saucepan on fire and add a tablespoonful of oil.
-Stir in diced onion, garlic, peas, carrots and other vegetables.
-Add rice and stir to coat. Stir occasionally until rice is warmed through.
-Add soy sauce to the rice and stir well
-Remove from heat and serve.
Benefits of Lobsters
Snack (Baobab drink)
Ingredients
-Condensed milk
-5 tablespoonful of honey (optional)
-1 teaspoonful of flavour (vanilla or strawberry essence)
Preparation
-Place 2 tablespoonful of baobab powder in a bowl and mix with water.
-Set mixture aside for it to dissolve properly.
-Sieve the baobab mixture to remove lumps and fibre for a smooth drink.
– Add honey or sugar, milk and flavour to your taste.
-Best served chilled.
By Linda Abrefi Wadie
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Lobster is a nutritious seafood that provides several health benefits. It is rich in protein, vitamins, minerals and healthy nutrients that support the proper functioning of the body.
– Builds and repairs body tissues: Lobster is rich in high-quality protein, which helps build muscles and repair damaged tissues.
-Supports brain health: It contains vitamin B12, which helps maintain healthy nerves and supports proper brain function.
Strengthens the immune system: Lobster contains zinc and selenium, minerals that help the body fight infections and protect cells.
– Promotes healthy bones: It provides phosphorus and some calcium, which contribute to strong bones and teeth.
–Supports heart health: Lobster contains omega-3 fatty acids, which may help support cardiovascular health.
–Prevents anaemia: Its vitamin B12 and iron content help the body produce healthy red blood cells.
–Supports thyroid function: Lobster contains iodine, which the thyroid gland needs to produce hormones that regulate metabolism.
–Helps maintain healthy skin: Its protein and zinc contribute to skin growth, repair and maintenance.
Supports energy production: Vitamin B12 and other B vitamins help the body convert food into energy.
Helps maintain healthy muscles: Its protein and potassium support muscle function and maintenance.Health.com
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