The Vegetarian Association of Ghana (VegGhana) is gearing up to host its 9th Annual Vegfest in Accra on Saturday October 25 at the Efua Sutherland Children’s Park. 

Originally the VegGhana was expected to host the 42nd IVU World Vegfest of the International Vegetarian Union at the Accra International Conference Center from October 1 – 6 2014 however due to the unfortunate situation regarding Ebola in the West African sub region and the subsequent directive by the Government of Ghana to ban all international conferences for three months, the event has been postponed to October next year. 

This is the first time this international event of repute will be hosted on African soil since its inception in the early nineteenth century.

VegGhana therefore extends an invitation to all members of the general public who would like to learn more about healthy diets to join them at Efua Sutherland Park from 9am to 6pm for a family day of education, entertainment, great vegetarian food and fun under the theme which is “Miraculously preserved - Celebrating Life at the center of the Earth”. 

There will also be an organic vegetable market fresh from different farms as well as food preparation workshops by vegetarian chefs. 

“This will be a great opportunity for Ghanaians as well as visitors alike to taste traditional vegetarian dishes that have almost been forgotten in Ghana as well as to listen to enlightened speakers on varied topics that will add value to your lifestyle” said Edwin Baffour of the Vegetarian Association.

On Friday October 24 there will be a health walk at 9am from Obra Spot at Kwame Nkrumah Circle to the Ministries ending up at Asase Pa Restaurant on High Street. 

While at the ministries the Executive Committee will present a letter to the Minister of Health on their position regarding possible interventions to promote a greater consumption of plant based diets in Ghana.  The Association members will also pay a visit to Bishop Mixed School on John Evans Atta Mills High Street.

According to Dr. Kofi Asare, Chairman of the Planning Committee, “the alarming increase in lifestyle related diseases such as diabetes, coronary heart disease and high blood pressure are all a reflection of the sort of diets we consume which are now more convenient rather than nutritious to the body”.  He called on Ghanaians especially mothers who play a most important role in society to attend this event which is free of charge.