Let's return to our traditional ways of eating kontomire, cocoyam leaves - Professor Akosa

Renowned cellular pathologist and lifestyle wellness consultant, Professor Agyeman Badu Akosa, has emphasized the importance of consuming local Ghanaian foods to combat communicable diseases, which currently pose significant health challenges in the country.

Speaking at a discussion on practical ideas to improve quality health in Ghana held at the Ghana Shippers Authority Hall in Accra, Professor Akosa highlighted the detrimental effects of consuming sugar-sweetened beverages, fried foods, and processed foods, which are strongly associated with non-communicable diseases such as hypertension, heart diseases, and diabetes.

The event featured Professor Akosa alongside health policy and management expert, Prof. Aaron Abuosi, under the theme "Quality Health for All."

According to a Graphic report, Professor Akosa stressed the significance of health promotion and urged Ghanaians to prioritize locally produced foods over Western and fast foods to reduce the prevalence of non-communicable diseases.

He lamented the trend of Ghanaians turning away from nutritious local foods in favour of imported, highly processed alternatives with high sugar content.

"I urge us all to go back to our former ways of eating kontomire or cocoyam leaves, garden eggs, okro, ‘abedru’, and all that keep us healthy and also minimize the dependence on pizzas, noodles, and fried foods," Professor Akosa advised.

He stressed the importance of traditional Ghanaian diets rich in natural ingredients and nutrients for maintaining good health and preventing chronic diseases.

NAY/OGB

Ghana’s leading digital news platform, GhanaWeb, in conjunction with the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, is embarking on an aggressive campaign which is geared towards ensuring that parliament passes comprehensive legislation to guide organ harvesting, organ donation, and organ transplantation in the country.