News
Intake of ‘Gobe’ can prevent heart diseases —Nutritionists
Nutritionists have advised Ghanaians to eat more beans-based meals, including the popular local dish, gari and beans, also known as ‘Gobe’ to prevent heart diseases. They said incidences of obesity and cancer could be minimised with the regular intake of beans meals.
At a programme in Accra to mark the World Pulses ( Beans) Day on Monday, Mr Wise Chukudi Letsa, Nutritionist and Dietician, who spoke on the topic: ‘Beans: The Super Food for Healthy Living and Healthy Farmlands,’ admonished Ghanaians to include beans in their diets.
Mr Letsa said beans was rich in protein, fibre, vitamins, minerals, irons and other nutrients and contained just a little fat. Mr Letsa, a Nutritionist with Lets Consult, stated that the presence of those nutrients in beans explained why its intake could prevent heart diseases and other ailments, hence the need to consume it regularly.
The event, dubbed: ‘Meatless Monday’ was organised by the Communications Initiative for Change (CIC), a Ghanaian non-profit organisation.
The ‘Meatless Monday’ is an initiative aimed at encouraging Ghanaians to reduce their intake of meat by taking in more beans-based meals on every Monday of a week.
It was launched after the United Nations in 2019, set aside February 10 to celebrate and encourage the consumption of pulses (beans) worldwide. This year’s celebration was hinged on the theme: ‘Bringing Diversity to Agrifood Systems.’
Mr Peter Agbovi, National Secretary, Chefs Association of Ghana, said a variety of meals could be prepared with beans, which include Waakye (rice and beans), Kose (beans paste made into cakes), Ayikple, Aboboi, Tuo Zaafi, Akyeke, and kakro.
He encouraged Ghanaians to consume more of those foods to stay healthy.
Mr Emmanuel Fiagbey, the Executive Director, CIC, indicated that even if people could not eat beans-based meals regularly, efforts should be made to consume them every Monday.
He said that was the essence of the introduction of the ‘Meatless Monday’ initiative. -GNA
News
Restore beauty of Kwame Nkrumah Circle area / State of Kwame Nkrumah Circle an eyesore!
Small size quarry stones fixed at open spaces under the Kwame Nkrumah Circle Interchange was to leave the place open and free from activities of beggars and other activities of the homeless.
By the way the stones were fixed, it makes the area, particularly the VIP and Neoplan Station stretch of the Interchange, inhabitable by the destitute.
But a walk through the area currently suggest the opposite.
At the median where pavement blocks have been taken over by these homeless and destitute, the area has been turned into a hotel where a number of these unfortunate ones have comfortably laid their mattresses and other stuff to rest from the day’s activities.
They have crossed over to the SSNIT and Kaneshie Station area with their activities and have removed the quarry stones which were to ward them off the place to enable them find spaces to sleep comfortably.
The pavement blocks removed from different locations under the interchange now serves as foundations on which beds were laid and in some cases, mosquito nets erected.
Their continued presence is not only creating a nuisance for commuters but marring the beauty and serenity of the place.
Sadly, the activities of these deprived fellows have been ignored while the numbers keep increasing day by day.
The Spectator finds the development very worrying and calls on the responsible authorities to clear the area to restore the beauty and serenity of the area.
By Victor A. Buxton
News
‘Tis the red season: Celebrating love on Valentine’s Day
February is often referred to as the ‘Month of Love,’ a time when couples, friends, and loved ones take the opportunity to celebrate and appreciate one another.
Among the many days in February, Valentine’s Day – February 14 – stands out as the most recognised day for love and affection worldwide. Though it is not an official public holiday, it is widely celebrated in workplaces, schools, churches, and various social gatherings.
From exchanging gifts, planning romantic surprises to making heartfelt gestures, Valentine’s Day serves as a reminder that love is meant to be cherished and expressed in countless ways.
Origins and significance of Valentine’s Day
Valentine’s Day has deep historical roots dating back to ancient Rome. It is widely believed that the day was named after Saint Valentine, a Roman priest who defied Emperor Claudius II’s ban on marriages and secretly wed young couples. His defiance led to his imprisonment and eventual execution on February 14, around the year 269 AD.
While the origins of the day remain debatable, the tradition of celebrating love on this day gained popularity over centuries.
By the middle ages, it became associated with courtly love, and by the 18th and 19th centuries, handwritten love letters, poetry, and small tokens of affection became customary.
Today, Valentine’s Day is a global celebration marked by expressions of romance, friendship, and appreciation.
Creative ways to celebrate love
For many, chocolates and flowers are the go-to gifts on Valentine’s Day, with some referring to it as ‘Chocolate Day’ due to the overwhelming demand for sweet treats.
However, love can be expressed in many ways than just gifting chocolates.
People now plan elaborate surprises, book romantic getaways, and host intimate dinner dates. Some hire professional event planners to decorate spaces such as hotel rooms, beaches, or private restaurants with stunning red roses, candles, balloons, and soft music to set the mood for a memorable evening.
Others opt for personalised experiences, such as handwritten love letters or poetry for a more sentimental touch, surprise picnics at scenic locations, ‘Do It Yourself’ (DIY) gift boxes filled with personal mementos, perfumes, books, and custom jewelry while others try a few adventure dates, such as boat rides, road trips, or even skydiving for the thrill-seekers.
Even for those who are single, Valentine’s Day offers a chance to celebrate self-love and friendships.
Many individuals host self-care spa days, plan solo trips, or organise “Galentine’s” and “Palentine’s” parties to celebrate friendships and enjoy the day in a unique way.
Business
Valentine’s Day is not just an occasion for lovebirds – it is also a booming season for businesses. Retailers, online vendors, and local markets anticipate increased sales, with thousands of products being marketed as perfect gifts for the occasion.
Some of the most in-demand Valentine’s gifts include flower bouquets, fashion accessories such as handbags, perfumes, jewelry, watches, and shoes, personalised items like engraved bracelets, photo books, and couple’s portraits and themed Valentine’s cakes.
Restaurants and event centres capitalise on the season by offering special Valentine’s Day packages, couples’ dinner discounts, and themed entertainment nights.
For small business owners, the Valentine’s season is an opportunity to maximise profits, market unique products, and offer exclusive deals to attract more customers.
One of the beautiful aspects of Valentine’s Day is that it is not just for couples. It is a time to celebrate all forms of love – romantic, platonic, and familial. Whether it’s expressing gratitude to parents, surprising a close friend, or simply practising self-love, there is always a way to be part of the celebration.
Valentine’s Day is more than just a commercialised event; it is a time to celebrate the essence of love in all its forms. Whether it’s through a heartfelt gift, a simple message, a surprise dinner, or even just quality time, the goal is to make someone feel truly special.
Happy Valentine’s Day!
By Georgina Boadiwaa Ntim
