Reduce meat consumption to at least once a week – Ghanaians urged

Ghanaians have been advised to limit their meat intake to once a week as part of efforts to improve overall health and reduce the risk of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs).

Emmanuel Fiagbey, the Executive Director of the Communication Initiative for Change, highlighted the connection between high meat consumption and the increasing prevalence of conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, stroke, kidney problems, obesity, and certain types of cancer.

Speaking during a community education session at Nima, organized for women’s groups, community leaders, and chiefs, Mr. Fiagbey introduced the “Meatless Monday” campaign, which is supported by the Center for Communication Programmes and the Center for a Livable Future at Johns Hopkins University.

The campaign aims to encourage Ghanaians to go meat-free at least one day a week and to adopt healthier eating habits. Mr. Fiagbey urged the public to embrace the initiative, noting that incorporating more fruits and vegetables on “Meatless Mondays” could significantly lower the risk of chronic illnesses, improve weight management, and promote better overall health.

Changing Diets and Rising Health Risks
Mr. Fiagbey also expressed concern about Ghana’s shifting dietary habits due to urbanization and the rise of an affluent middle class. Many urban dwellers, he noted, are replacing traditional foods with processed meals and increasing their meat consumption, despite the associated health risks.

Market trends predict a sharp rise in Ghana’s meat consumption, which is expected to grow by 9.57% annually, reaching a market value of $6.65 billion by 2029. Similar trends are being observed in other African countries, such as Rwanda, where meat consumption is projected to grow by 5-7% annually over the same period.

Citing a Harvard University study, Mr. Fiagbey warned that consuming processed red meat daily, even in small portions, increases the risk of heart disease-related death by 30%.

Low Fruit and Vegetable Intake in Africa
In addition to concerns about rising meat consumption, Mr. Fiagbey highlighted the low intake of fruits and vegetables across Africa, noting that less than 5% of the population consumes the recommended daily amount of 400 grams.

Expert Insights on Preventing NCDs
During the session, Mrs. Catherine Adu-Asare, Programme Manager of the Diet Healthy Lifestyle Programme at the Ghana Health Service, provided education on NCDs and their prevention. She explained that cardiovascular diseases, cancer, respiratory diseases, and diabetes are the leading causes of death globally, with lifestyle choices playing a major role.

“Heart disease alone accounts for 17.5 million deaths annually worldwide. A balanced diet, regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, moderate alcohol consumption, and managing stress are key to reducing the risk of these diseases,” Mrs. Adu-Asare stated.

Similarly, Mrs. Elizabeth Esi Denyoh, Chairperson of the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) Africa Region, stressed the importance of active lifestyles and healthy eating to combat diabetes and other NCDs. She emphasized the growing number of people in Ghana living with type 2 diabetes and called for a cultural shift to prioritize regular physical activity and better dietary habits.

The session ended with a renewed call for Ghanaians to adopt healthier lifestyles, including participating in the “Meatless Monday” campaign, to protect their health and reduce the burden of NCDs in the country.