The Crop Services Directorate of the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA) recently hosted a seminar organised by Communication Initiatives for Change Ghana (CIC)–Meatless Monday Ghana focusing on the vital role of healthy eating especially plant-based diets in preventing Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs). The event was aimed at encouraging staff to adopt Meatless Mondays as a practical and sustainable lifestyle change for better health, increased productivity, and environmental sustainability.
Key Highlights from the Seminar
Mrs. Brigitte Anim, Deputy Director of the Health Promotion Division at the Ghana Health Service, emphasized the importance of adhering to preventive health practices. She stressed the need for increasing fruits and vegetables intake, engaging in regular physical activity, and reducing red and processed meat consumption as essential steps in combating NCDs. Mrs. Anim commended the Meatless Monday initiative as a timely response to the growing burden of diet-related diseases and noted its alignment with national health promotion strategies.
Dr. Solomon Gyan Ansah, Director of the Crop Services Directorate, expressed gratitude to CIC–Meatless Monday Ghana for organizing the seminar. He pointed out that, the rise in NCDs among professionals, including those in agriculture, threatens national productivity. Dr. Ansah encouraged staff to take the Meatless Monday messages seriously and to make gradual, sustainable efforts to adopt healthy eating habits.
Deputy Director (Crop Services MoFA) Mr. Harry Bleppony pointed out the need for lifestyle adjustments within the agricultural community. He noted that, despite working closely with food production, many staff members have limited variety in their diets. He urged everyone to lead by example by adopting Meatless Mondays and advocating for healthier food choices at home and in their communities.
Expert Presentations and Group Discussions
The seminar featured insightful presentations:
- Mr. Emmanuel Fiagbey, Executive Director of CIC–Meatless Monday, spoke on “Meatless Monday – A Personal Program for Healthy Eating, Healthy Living, and a Healthy Environment.”
- Mr. Wise Chukwudi Letsa, Dietician and Team Lead at LETS Consult Ltd, presented on “Reorganizing Your Meals to Effectively Incorporate Increased Plant-Based Eating for the Prevention of NCDs.”
These lectures were followed by a time for questions by participants and group discussions, where participants shared their views on using healthy eating to prevent and manage NCDs.
Key Takeaways and Prevention Actions
Participants discussed the impact of NCDs such as hypertension, heart disease, diabetes, stroke, and obesity on work and retirement. They noted that NCDs can lead to absenteeism, reduced productivity, increased healthcare costs, and burdens on families.
To mitigate these effects, the seminar recommended:
- Regular health check-ups
- Eating a balanced, healthy diet
- Engaging in physical activity
- Ensuring adequate rest
- Taking walks or being active during breaks
- Avoiding tobacco and excessive alcohol
- Practicing Meatless Mondays
The seminar concluded with a call to action for all staff to embrace healthier lifestyles, starting with small, sustainable changes like Meatless Mondays, for their own well-being and the benefit of their families and communities.
