“Eat Ghana, Live Healthy” — SUWMA Advocates Local Diet at Kumasi Event
In a significant effort to promote healthy living and preserve Ghana’s rich culinary heritage, the Susana Wesley Mission Auxiliary (SUWMA) of the Kumasi North Diocese has organized an elaborate local food competition as part of activities commemorating Ghana Month.
The well-attended event, held at the Kwadaso Methodist Church in Kumasi, brought together 21 SUWMA groups drawn from various circuits across the Ashanti Region.
The competition served as a vibrant showcase of Ghana’s diverse indigenous cuisine, with participants exhibiting an impressive array of traditional dishes prepared with locally sourced ingredients.
The initiative, according to organizers, was not merely a display of culinary skills but a deliberate intervention aimed at reorienting public attitudes towards the consumption of Ghanaian foods, which are often overshadowed by the growing preference for fast and foreign diets.
Speaking to the media on the sidelines of the programme, the Diocesan Chairperson, Mrs. Esi Sakyi Appiah, underscored the relevance of the initiative in the context of rising health concerns associated with poor eating habits.
She explained that many Ghanaian meals are inherently rich in essential nutrients and, when consumed consistently, contribute significantly to improved health outcomes and overall well-being.
“This programme is designed to project the value of our local foods onto the global stage while reminding Ghanaians of the health benefits embedded in our traditional diets. We must consciously return to what we eat as a people,” she emphasized.
Beyond the celebration of food, the event also served as an educational platform, where SUWMA executives engaged participants and patrons on the importance of nutrition, particularly within the home.
They cautioned against the excessive reliance on commercially prepared foods, which they say may lack the nutritional balance required for healthy living.
The executives further called on parents and guardians to be more intentional about the dietary habits of their children, stressing that proper nutrition remains a critical component of child development and long-term health.
The competition, characterized by color, creativity, and cultural pride, reaffirmed SUWMA’s commitment to promoting indigenous values while addressing contemporary health challenges through practical community-based initiatives.
Ultimately, the event reinforced a simple yet powerful message embracing Ghanaian local foods is not only a celebration of identity but also a pathway to healthier living.
