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
News
Philip Nai and Friends to hold 5th edition of Christmas party with kids
On the back of a successful get-together for children at the oncology unit of the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, on December 23, 2023, Joy FM lead producer, Philip Nai and his friends are back with another event this year.
The 5th edition of Philip Nai and Friends will be held at the Agblezaa community on December 24, 2024.
There will be activities such as musical performances, health screening, bottle flipping, Praise and Worship, Sip and Paint, Dancing Competition, Musical Chairs among others.
Donations of food items, bags of water, toiletries, clothes, learning materials will also be made. Individuals are encouraged to help this worthy cause by calling 0244735451.
Last year, musicians Nii Soul and Perez Musiq were present to lend their support to the programme.
There were also entertainment activities involving both the children and their mothers.
At the event, the Programmes Manager of Joy FM, Edem Knight-Tay shared a word of encouragement with the patients and their parents. She admonished them not to lose hope in God’s power to heal the kids of their sicknesses.
Also present were Dr. Grace Buckman, the Chief Executive Officer of Sonotech Medical and Diagnostic Centre; Ghana’s rep for Miss Universe 2023, Engracia Afua K. Mofuman; and Kwame Dadzie, the host of Showbiz A-Z on Joy FM.
Philip Nai and Friends is a charity project founded by Philip Nai, a philanthropist and one of Ghana’s astute and well-known producers at Joy FM, a subsidiary of The Multimedia Group.
Philip Nai and Friends is an annual project done mainly in collaboration with his friends from the media fraternity including celebrities and support from business and corporate Ghana to show love to the underprivileged by feeding, clothing, providing medical care and entertainment among others.
Philip Nai has for the past four years, led this project in various communities in Accra, every Christmas Eve and wishes to replicate same across the country in the coming years with all your support.
News
The Glow Up Season: Woman King, Crowned Queen of Miss Malaika Ghana 2024
The Miss Malaika Ghana 2024 pageant came to a spectacular end on Saturday, November 16 at the Palms Convention Centre in Accra.
After weeks of competition, 25-year-old Lucille Naakwaley King was crowned the winner in a dazzling finale that showcased beauty, talent, and female empowerment.
The glittering finale kicked off with co-host Bliss King introducing the top 10 contestants who came out in a spectacular display of cars by The Dream Collection, who ushered the ladies to the event in luxury cars, received on the red carpet amidst funfair and ultimately a grand entry unto the stage.
The ladies had a chance to showcase their poise and personality in a one-on-one conversation with the host, Regina Van-Helvert.
Based on votes accumulated leading up to the event, the field was then narrowed to the top 5 finalists: Marie. Delphine, Lucille, Cherise and Whitney.
In one of the most impactful segments of the night, the top 5 finalists delivered individual speeches on who their role model is, by highlighting their key achievements and how their journey inspires them on their path to becoming the women they aspire to be.
This portion gave insight into the contestants’ values, passions, and visions for creating positive change.
Lucille King chose Dr. Arikana Chihombori-Quao as her role model – an activist, diplomat, entrepreneur and founder of medical clinics.
In her impassioned speech, Lucille praised Dr. Chihombori-Quao’s many accomplishments, saying: “I want to say a big thank you, Dr Chihombori-Quoa. Thank you for proving that a woman can be many things at once. And for not only empowering me by what you say, but by what you do and who you are as a strong, female Pan-African advocate.”
This choice of role model highlighted Lucille’s own ambitions to be a multi-faceted leader and champion for women’s empowerment across Africa.
The Judging Panel
Selecting a winner from such an accomplished group of finalists was no easy task. The Miss Malaika Ghana 2024 judging panel consisted of respected figures from entertainment, business, and pageantry: Ama O. Sarpong – Miss Malaika 2010 winner, now an oil and gas professional, Trudy Arnold – Miss Malaika 2009 runner-up, now CEO of Studio 7, Chris Attoh – Actor, television presenter, producer and film director and Kojo Soboh – CEO and founder of EMY Africa and Carbon AV.
This diverse panel brought expertise from various fields to evaluate the contestants on beauty, intelligence, talent, and potential for impact.
Crowning the Queen
The final segment of the night was what many termed ‘the make or break’ point for the top 5 delegates. Where they were put on the spot and asked questions by the judges pertaining to their individual speeches.
A few minutes after the final delegate said ‘thank you for the question’ and proceeded with her response, the judges made the final and ultimate decision which answered the lingering question of ‘Who wins what’?
20-year-old Cherise Nana Ama was announced second runner up and 24-year-old Fiakegbe Marie Juniore was called as the first runner up.
Then came the big moment – Lucille Naakwaley King was crowned Miss Malaika Ghana 2024! As the audience erupted in cheers, Lucille gracefully accepted the crown and began her reign as the newest ambassador for the Miss Malaika Ghana brand.
The evening also featured a talent competition among three finalists selected during pre-judging: Lucille, Nakiya, and Marie.
This segment allowed the ladies to showcase skills beyond beauty and public speaking. Lucille wowed the crowd with an energetic salsa dance routine.
Her precise footwork, fluid hand movements, and magnetic stage presence earned her the title of Miss Talent, as determined by the judges. This additional award highlighted Lucille’s well-rounded abilities and star power.
Between competition segments, the audience was treated to spectacular musical performances from some of Ghana’s top artists: Camidoh, Olivetheboy, LalixLola and an incredible dance performance by Dancegodloyd and his crew.
These entertaining acts kept the energy high throughout the night and showcased Ghana’s vibrant music scene alongside its beautiful and talented women.
In a post-win interview, Lucille reflected on what being crowned Miss Malaika Ghana 2024 means to her.
‘’Winning the crown means more to me than many may think. It means that I can more rigorously fulfil my purpose in life- helping people. I have always wanted to make changes, and improve people’s lives, but until now, it has felt like an improbability task. I am so grateful for the platform to help others, and I am looking forward to doing so via my first project which is aimed at children with Autism and Down syndrome,” she said.
according to her, “These children are isolated, misunderstood, neglected, and sometimes even ridiculed. I want to help change this. I want people to realize how worthy of love, or at the very least, respect and dignity children with these conditions are. I want to share their stories, to humanize them and show the country that they are different, yes, but still worthy and valuable.
’’
Miss Malaika Ghana is one of the country’s most prestigious beauty pageants, organized annually by Charterhouse Productions. More than just a beauty contest, Miss Malaika Ghana aims to discover, nurture and promote talented young Ghanaian women.
The competition emphasizes: Intelligence and eloquence, leadership potential, commitment to community service, celebration of African beauty and culture amongst others.
Participants of Miss Malaika Ghana often go on to successful careers in business, media, and public service.
The pageant provides a launching pad for young women to make their mark on Ghana and beyond.
The 2024 edition of Miss Malaika Ghana was proudly brought to you by Club Shandy, JAC by Tryton Motors, Brussels Airlines, Big Blue Resort, The Pinnacle Apartments, Your Cruise People, airing on Joy Prime TV, GHOne TV, DGN TV, MX24 TV, LifeStyle TV, and powered by Charterhouse
