President John Mahama Urges Ghanaians to Avoid Late-Night Eating and Excess Sugar
President John Dramani Mahama has advised Ghanaians to adopt healthier eating habits by avoiding late-night meals and reducing their intake of sugar, warning that poor dietary choices could have serious health consequences.
Speaking on the importance of healthy living, the President cautioned against eating late in the evening, particularly after 7:00 p.m., describing the habit as one that could gradually harm a person’s health over time.
According to him, people who regularly eat late are putting themselves at risk and should be more mindful of their eating schedules. He also stressed the need for moderation in sugar consumption, urging Ghanaians to rethink their love for sugary foods and drinks.
“We are killing ourselves slowly if we eat late, mostly after 7 p.m. We must eat less sugar,” President Mahama said.
He further warned that individuals who describe themselves as having a “sweet tooth” should exercise greater caution, noting that excessive sugar consumption could increase the risk of developing diabetes.
“For those of us who say we have a sweet tooth, you better be careful because it is a passport to diabetes,” he added.
The President also linked high sugar consumption to cancer, stating that sugar is a trigger for the disease and emphasizing the importance of healthier dietary choices as part of efforts to improve overall public health.
His remarks come amid growing concerns over the increasing prevalence of non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, obesity, and certain forms of cancer, many of which are associated with unhealthy lifestyles and poor nutrition.
Health experts generally recommend balanced diets, regular physical activity, maintaining a healthy weight, and limiting added sugars to reduce the risk of chronic diseases. President Mahama’s comments add to ongoing conversations encouraging Ghanaians to adopt healthier lifestyles and prioritize preventive healthcare.
Editor’s note: While excess sugar intake is associated with a higher risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and some cancers, the statement that “sugar is a trigger for cancer” is a simplification. Current medical evidence indicates that cancer cells use glucose like all cells do, but consuming sugar itself has not been proven to directly cause cancer. Excess sugar can contribute indirectly by increasing the risk of obesity and metabolic disorders, which are established risk factors for several cancers.
