The Nutrition Department of Mercy Women’s Hospital, popularly known as Roman Hospital in Mankessim under the Mfantseman Municipality, climaxed its celebration of World Nutrition Day on Friday, 30th May 2025, with a variety of health-centered activities.
As part of the celebration, the department promoted the theme “Cook Your Own Food” by preparing and showcasing a variety of local dishes such as fufu, banku, aprapransa, ampesi, and many others, served with different traditional soups.
The event aimed to encourage the public to embrace local cuisine as a healthier alternative.
Speaking in an interview with Douglas Oyiboh Amponsah, Senior Nutrition Officer madam Lydia Amanda Kanga explained the purpose of the celebration.
She emphasized that traditional foods are the healthiest and should be prioritized over canned and fast foods.
According to her, many people are abandoning nutritious local meals, opting instead for processed foods, which are contributing to increasing health issues.
“What we eat contributes to about 70% of the illnesses we suffer,” she said. “That’s why we are appealing to everyone to return to natural foods and avoid canned and packaged items.”
Miss Mary Tetteh, a dietitian at Mercy Women’s Hospital, also stressed the importance of healthy eating habits.
She explained that many cases that come to their facility are diet-related and can be avoided through proper nutrition.
She encouraged the public to embrace local dishes and underscored the benefits of home-cooked meals. “Cooking your own food helps you save money and ensures you get the right nutrients your body needs,” she noted.
She also appealed to farmers to reduce the use of chemical fertilizers and agrochemicals, as these could have harmful long-term effects on human health.
As part of the day’s activities, a street quiz was organized on the hospital premises, where health workers were asked questions related to healthy diets and nutrition, creating an engaging and educational atmosphere.
The celebration served as a strong reminder to the public about the importance of nutrition and the critical role it plays in overall health and well-being.
Story by Douglas Oyiboh Amponsah
