President John Dramani Mahama has used humour to caution Ghanaians about unhealthy eating habits, particularly late-night consumption of heavy meals, as part of efforts to promote better lifestyles.
Speaking at the launch of the Free Primary Healthcare Initiative in Dodowa on Wednesday, April 15, the President linked the growing prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) to modern lifestyles characterised by reduced physical activity and changing dietary patterns.
“Stop eating banku at night”
In a lighthearted moment that drew laughter from the audience, President Mahama advised:
“Stop eating banku at night.”
He explained that many people end long workdays with heavy meals late in the evening, a habit he warned could negatively affect health.
“By 7 PM, eat your dinner and don’t eat again. If you are hungry, just pick a cup of tea… don’t eat any heavy food,” he suggested.
He also humorously questioned the logic of demanding large meals after a sedentary day.
“You sit behind a desk from 8 am to 5 pm… then you come home and ask for your banku. What physical activity did you do to deserve banku?” he quizzed.
Changing lifestyles, rising health risks
The President contrasted current lifestyles with those of earlier generations, noting that although similar foods were consumed in the past, people were far more physically active—often engaging in farming and manual labour.
Today, he observed, many people lead more sedentary lives, increasing their risk of lifestyle-related illnesses such as hypertension, diabetes, and other NCDs.
Focus on prevention
His remarks form part of a broader public health message under the Free Primary Healthcare Initiative, which emphasises preventive care, lifestyle changes, and public awareness as key tools in tackling the rising burden of non-communicable diseases in Ghana.
