Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama has advised citizens to avoid eating heavy meals after 7:00 p.m., warning that the habit could gradually harm their health by increasing the risk of several non-communicable diseases.
The President made the remarks while speaking at the launch of Ghana’s Free Primary Healthcare Programme, where he stressed the importance of adopting healthier eating habits as part of efforts to reduce the growing burden of lifestyle-related illnesses across the country.
Mahama encouraged Ghanaians to have dinner earlier in the evening and avoid consuming heavy meals such as fufu and banku late at night. According to him, those who become hungry later in the evening should opt for a light snack or drink instead of another full meal.
He explained that the advice forms part of a broader campaign aimed at tackling the increasing prevalence of obesity, diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, and other health conditions linked to unhealthy lifestyles.
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While addressing the audience, the President also spoke about the effects of excessive sugar and carbohydrate consumption, noting that the body stores unused carbohydrates as fat when they are not burned through physical activity.
“Excess sugar triggers all kinds of cancers. Eat sugar in moderation, but not only sugar, carbohydrates too. When the body takes in carbohydrates and you don’t use physical energy to utilize them because they are supposed to give you energy, the body converts the carbohydrates into fat and stores it as fats,” he said.
Mahama further cautioned against eating large portions shortly before bedtime, saying the practice could have long-term health consequences.
“Let me repeat again, for those who come home late and eat a bowl of food, you are killing yourself slowly. Eat something light and don’t sleep immediately after you eat. Watch TV, relax, then you can prepare to sleep around 9:00 p.m. or 9:30 p.m.,” the President added.
His comments have since generated widespread reactions on social media, with many users commending his emphasis on healthy living and preventive healthcare. Others, however, argued that overall diet quality, meal portions, and physical activity play a more significant role in maintaining good health than the specific time dinner is eaten.