“Embrace Local Dishes for a Healthier Life” – Gyankobaa Chief Urges Ghanaians at Cultural Festival
In a passionate call to preserve Ghana’s rich heritage and promote national health, the Chief of Gyankobaa, Otumfo Kwansentufour Bofour Atwimakwaa—popularly known as Chief Boakye Darkwah—has urged Ghanaians to embrace traditional foods over modern, processed meals, citing their superior nutritional value and role in safeguarding cultural identity.
The chief made this impassioned appeal during a well-attended cultural festival held in the Toase Circuit of Jankobaa, where he addressed a gathering of youth, educators, traditional leaders, and residents under the theme: “Cultural Education, Empowering Our Youth, Preserving Our Culture.”
Speaking to the crowd, Chief Boakye Darkwah stressed that traditional Ghanaian meals—often made from locally sourced grains, vegetables, legumes, and fruits—are not only healthier but also deeply rooted in the nation’s cultural fabric.
“Our traditional meals are rich in antioxidants, fiber, and healthy fats, which promote heart health, prevent chronic diseases, and support overall wellness,” he said. “Unlike the fast foods and heavily processed meals that are increasingly becoming popular, our indigenous diets are wholesome and sustainable.”
He added that traditional African diets, which are mostly plant-based and include items like millet, maize, cocoyam, kontomire (cocoyam leaves), garden eggs, and okra, offer a natural way to boost the immune system, reduce the risk of obesity, and maintain a balanced lifestyle. According to him, the influx of modern eating habits and urbanization are gradually eroding these important practices, putting public health and cultural preservation at risk.
The chief lamented the growing dependency on imported, refined foods and sugary beverages, especially among the youth and working-class urban dwellers. He warned that this trend not only compromises health but also alienates Ghanaians from their roots.
“Preserving our cuisine is preserving our identity,” he noted. “What we eat tells a story about who we are. When we neglect our traditional foods, we lose a vital part of our history and cultural pride.”
Beyond the culinary advocacy, Chief Boakye Darkwah used the occasion to commend teachers and educational stakeholders for their role in shaping future leaders. He urged them to incorporate cultural education into their daily teaching to help instill a sense of identity and national pride among students.
“We need to empower our youth not just academically, but culturally,” he said. “They must understand and appreciate the value of our customs, languages, and foods. That’s how we preserve our legacy.”
The event featured displays of traditional dishes from various Ghanaian ethnic groups, cultural performances, storytelling sessions, and exhibitions by local artisans. It served as a vibrant reminder of the richness of Ghanaian heritage and the need to protect it from extinction.
Participants at the festival echoed the chief’s sentiments, with many calling for the inclusion of traditional food education in school curricula and local community events to promote awareness.
As the country continues to embrace modernization and globalization, Chief Boakye Darkwah’s call to action stands as a timely reminder: Ghanaians must strike a balance between progress and tradition by holding on to the values, foods, and practices that define their unique identity.
By promoting traditional foods and encouraging cultural education, the chief believes Ghana can chart a healthier, more self-reliant path for future generations.
