A growing urban diet shift in Accra is changing the way city residents eat, as a new study reveals that traditional Ghanaian meals are rapidly being replaced by processed and fast foods.

Once, households relied on fresh local staples like cassava, yam, plantain, corn, and millet, prepared with natural ingredients. Today, however, many residents prefer convenient meals such as instant noodles, fried snacks, white rice, and sugary drinks.

According to researchers, this dietary transformation is driven by busy urban lifestyles, limited cooking time, and the availability of cheap, ready-to-eat options in the city.

Health experts are sounding the alarm, warning that the ongoing urban diet shift is contributing to a rise in non-communicable diseases, including obesity, hypertension, and diabetes. They urge the public to prioritize balanced diets rich in fruits, vegetables, nuts, and legumes to counter the growing health risks.