The Obuasi East District has successfully concluded a week-long training program aimed at strengthening food safety standards and combating malnutrition across the region. Held from September 2nd to 9th, 2025, the initiative brought together 296 participants, including 61 males and 235 females, from nine communities including Kwabrafoso, Akaporiso, Domeabra, Odumase, Ayease, Jimiso, Boete, Nyamesomyede, and Diawuoso.
The training reached a diverse group comprising 16 School Feeding Contractors, 217 food vendors and handlers, and 63 community members. The program formed part of the district’s strategic commitment to ensuring good nutrition, food safety, and healthy eating habits among residents.
Participants received comprehensive instruction on the essentials of food and nutrition, learning about the three functional types of food: energy-giving foods such as carbohydrates and fats, body-building foods like proteins that support growth and tissue repair, and protective foods including vitamins and minerals that defend against disease. The training emphasized the distinction between macronutrients required in large amounts and micronutrients needed in smaller quantities but equally essential for preventing deficiency diseases.
A significant portion of the program focused on food and personal hygiene practices. Vendors learned practical techniques for safe food handling to ensure the food sold to the public remains free from contamination. Trainers also equipped participants with skills to recognize signs of malnutrition, including weight loss, fatigue, poor concentration, and stunted growth in children.
The health benefits of proper nutrition were highlighted throughout the training, with emphasis on disease prevention, enhanced immunity, improved child development and learning capacity, and support for healthy pregnancy and aging. Participants were guided on maintaining balanced diets by choosing whole grains over refined carbohydrates, prioritizing healthy fats while avoiding trans fats, and increasing fiber intake through vegetables, fruits, and whole grains
