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
High Court issues bench warrant for disputed Akwatia MP following contempt conviction
A Koforidua High Court has issued a bench warrant for the arrest of Ernest Yaw Kumi, the presumed winner of the Akwatia parliamentary seat in the Eastern region, after convicting him of contempt of court.
The court issued the bench warrant for Kumi’s arrest after he failed to attend court.
The conviction comes after he disobeyed an interim injunction against him on January 7, prohibiting him from being sworn in and admitted as the Member of Parliament-elect for the Akwatia constituency due to an ongoing legal contest over his election.
Mr Kumi presented himself in Parliament to be sworn in on January 7, 2025.
The Judge, Justice Senyo Amedahe held that the convict, throughout the hearing of the contempt case, failed to appear in court in person.
He also rejected a letter from the minority side of Parliament claiming the MP was busy with parliamentary duties, hence his continuous absence from court.
The judge rejected the letter, insisting he would be going against his own ruling should he accept the letter from the minority caucus.
Source: Myjoyonline.com
News
Asset declaration is good, but lifestyle audit is key among public officials – Domelevo to Mahama
Former Auditor General Daniel Yaw Domelevo has commended President John Mahama for declaring his assets but stressed the need for a lifestyle audit to effectively curb corruption among public officials.
Speaking on Joy News’ PM Express on Tuesday, February 18, he acknowledged the President’s move as a “good gesture” but raised concerns about the process.
“It is good to see that the President has declared his assets,” he said.
According to him, “I was not too happy seeing the envelope being given to the Auditor General because that goes more or less to support what people have all along been saying—that you put your declaration in an envelope, seal it, and give it to the Auditor General, which is not the case anyway.”
“This should have gone through the entire process so that they capture it because you are supposed to verify the signature and be sure that the form has been properly completed. That at least should have been done, but it was not done,”he said.
While appreciating President Mahama’s directive for his appointees and public office holders to declare their assets by March 31, Domelevo expressed reservations about the timeline.
“To be honest with you, I think March 31 is too far away because the Constitution provides that it should be declared before you take office,” he argued.
He added that “Some will argue that Act 550 allows six months, but Act 550 contradicts the Constitution. I have a letter in my possession, written by former Attorney General Gloria Akuffo, confirming that the provisions of subsection 4(1) of Act 550 contradict the Constitution. However, we have all been upholding and following that.”
Daniel Domelevo was particularly pleased with Mahama’s commitment to hold non-compliant officials accountable.
“I’m also happy the President says those who don’t declare are going to be punished or asked to leave office. I think that will cut across everybody, and that will be good,” he stated.
However, the former Auditor General stated that asset declaration alone is insufficient in tackling corruption.
“This declaration is good. We must add to it what we call a lifestyle audit and the reversal of the burden of proof,” Mr Domelevo insisted.
“If we don’t do these two things so that we can audit and find out ‘how did you get this money?’, people are going to hide their resources or their assets with their families and friends. Everybody who is suspected of being an ally of a political or public office holder must be subjected to a lifestyle audit,” he concluded.
Source: Myjoyonline.com
