Street Food in Ghana: Delicious but How Safe?

Street food is an essential part of Ghanaian culture. From koko and bofrot in the morning to kebab, waakye, or fried yam in the evening, street food is affordable, accessible, and tasty. But while these foods bring joy and convenience, they can also come with health risks if not prepared or handled properly.

This article explores the benefits, health concerns, and ways to enjoy street food safely.

🌟 Why Street Food Is Popular in Ghana

• Affordable: A quick meal for just a few cedis.

• Convenient: Easily available near schools, markets, bus stations, and workplaces.

• Culturally rich: Local dishes like kenkey, banku, kelewele, and jollof are common.

• Livelihood: Supports thousands of informal food vendors, especially women.

⚠️ Common Health Risks of Street Food

Despite its popularity, poorly handled street food can lead to:

1. Foodborne Illnesses

Caused by bacteria, viruses, and parasites due to:

• Contaminated water used for cooking or washing

• Dirty utensils and surfaces

• Unwashed hands of food handlers

Examples:

• Cholera

• Typhoid fever

• Diarrhea

• Hepatitis A

2. Food Poisoning

Symptoms include:

• Stomach pain

• Vomiting

• Diarrhea

• Fever

Can result from:

• Undercooked meats

• Spoiled food due to poor storage

• Reheating food multiple times

3. Chemical Contamination

• Use of low-quality oil (reused multiple times)

• Cooking with plastic bags or containers

• Exposure to smoke and vehicle emissions near roadsides

4. Nutritional Imbalance

• Many street foods are deep-fried or high in refined carbs, salt, and oil.

• Frequent consumption may contribute to:

  • Obesity

  • High blood pressure

  • Diabetes

  • Heart disease

🧼 How to Choose Street Food Safely

✅ Healthier Street Food Choices

If you're trying to eat healthier, go for:

• Boiled or grilled options instead of fried (e.g., grilled tilapia, boiled yam)

• Add vegetables (e.g., salads with waakye or rice)

• Choose local drinks like sobolo or coconut water instead of sugary soda

• Limit portion sizes, especially with fried snacks

💬 Final Thoughts

Street food is part of Ghana’s vibrant identity. But awareness and caution are needed to avoid falling sick. As a consumer, be selective and observant. As a vendor, commit to clean and safe food practices. When handled properly, street food can be both enjoyable and safe.