Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama has encouraged citizens to avoid eating heavy meals late in the evening, warning that the habit may increase the risk of developing several non-communicable diseases over time.
Mahama gave the advice while speaking at the launch of Ghana’s Free Primary Healthcare Programme, where he emphasized the need for healthier lifestyles to reduce the growing burden of obesity, diabetes, hypertension, heart disease and other chronic illnesses.
The President advised Ghanaians to eat dinner earlier and avoid consuming heavy meals such as fufu and banku after 7:00 p.m. He suggested that anyone who becomes hungry later in the evening should opt for a light snack or drink instead of another full meal.
According to him, the recommendation is part of a broader effort to promote preventive healthcare and encourage healthier eating habits across the country.
Mahama also cautioned against excessive intake of sugar and carbohydrates, explaining that when carbohydrates are not burned through physical activity, the body converts the excess into fat for storage.
He urged people to consume sugar in moderation and maintain active lifestyles to reduce the risk of obesity and other health complications.
The Ghanaian leader further warned against eating large meals shortly before going to bed, saying the practice could negatively affect long-term health. He encouraged people to relax for a while after eating before going to sleep rather than heading straight to bed.
His comments have sparked widespread discussion on social media, with many users applauding his focus on preventive healthcare and healthy living.
Some social media users described his message as timely and praised him for using his platform to educate the public on wellness, while others argued that factors such as overall diet quality, portion control, calorie intake and regular physical activity have a greater impact on health than the exact time a person eats dinner.
The discussion has continued beyond Ghana, with many people saying the President’s remarks have inspired them to pay closer attention to their eating habits and overall lifestyle.
