KATH Medical Director urges Ghanaians to embrace local foods to prevent diabetes

The Medical Director of the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH), Professor Yaw Ampem Amoako, has urged Ghanaians to consume more locally produced foods as part of efforts to prevent diabetes and promote healthy living.

He said the quality of food people consume plays a significant role in their overall health, stressing the need for Ghanaians to make healthier dietary choices.

Professor Amoako made the call during the launch of activities marking the World Diabetes Day celebration at KATH.

The event was organised by the hospital’s Diet Therapy Unit in collaboration with the Diabetes Centre and the KATH@70 Celebration Committee.

Emphasis on Local Foods
Professor Amoako said this year's celebration places emphasis on promoting the consumption of local foods as a means of improving dietary habits and preventing lifestyle-related diseases.

He observed that some meals prepared and consumed at home may not necessarily be healthy, urging households to pay greater attention to the nutritional value of the food they serve.

According to him, some Ghanaians tend to consume traditional foods when they face financial difficulties but abandon them for foreign foods once their economic circumstances improve.

He therefore encouraged women, particularly those responsible for preparing meals at home, to prioritise locally available foods and incorporate them into their daily menus.

“The quality of food we eat has a direct impact on our health, and we must be mindful of what we consume,” Professor Amoako emphasised.

Dietitian Calls for Healthy Lifestyle
The Principal Dietitian at KATH, Mrs Efua Owusu Ansah, also advised the public to adopt healthy lifestyle practices to reduce the risk of developing diabetes.

She encouraged Ghanaians to eat nutritious meals, engage in regular physical exercise and manage stress effectively.

Mrs Owusu Ansah cautioned against excessive worrying, noting that maintaining a healthy lifestyle requires a combination of proper nutrition, physical activity and mental well-being.

She urged the public to take personal responsibility for their health by making conscious decisions about their eating habits and daily activities.

Promoting Diabetes Awareness
The World Diabetes Day celebration at KATH forms part of efforts to raise awareness about diabetes prevention and encourage healthier lifestyles among the population.

The activities also seek to educate the public on the importance of proper nutrition and the role of local foods in maintaining good health.

Health professionals continue to encourage Ghanaians to embrace preventive healthcare measures, including healthy eating and regular exercise, to reduce the burden of diabetes and other non-communicable diseases.