Six Popular Ghanaian Foods That May Lead To Excessive Weight Gain

Ghanaian cuisine is celebrated for its rich flavours and deep cultural roots. However, some traditional meals—especially when consumed in large portions or prepared with excess oil and carbohydrates—can lead to excessive weight gain.

Understanding the nutritional content and cooking methods behind these dishes is crucial for making healthier dietary choices.

1. Waakye with Multiple Sides

Waakye, a beloved Ghanaian dish made from rice and beans, becomes especially calorie-dense when paired with common accompaniments like fried plantain, spaghetti, boiled eggs, fried fish, and shito.

2. Fufu with Palm Nut or Groundnut Soup

Fufu, traditionally made from cassava and plantain, is often served with rich, calorie-dense soups such as palm nut or groundnut soup, making it a hearty but heavy meal when consumed in large portions.

3. Kelewele (Spicy Fried Plantains) and Groundnuts

Kelewele, spicy fried plantains, is a popular Ghanaian snack often enjoyed with groundnuts. Both components are calorie-dense—plantains absorb a significant amount of oil during frying, and groundnuts are naturally high in fats.

4. Kenkey with Fried Fish and Pepper Sauce

Kenkey, made from fermented maize dough, is typically served with fried fish and pepper sauce. While kenkey is a rich source of carbohydrates, the addition of fried fish increases the meal’s overall fat and calorie content.

5. Bofrot (Fried Dough Balls)

Bofrot, commonly referred to as puff-puff, is a deep-fried snack made from a flour and sugar dough. Due to its cooking method, it is typically high in calories and fat.

6. Omotuo (Rice Balls) with Groundnut Soup

Omotuo, also known as rice balls, is typically served with groundnut soup. This pairing of starchy rice and rich, oily soup tends to be high in calories. Regular consumption, especially in large quantities, can potentially lead to weight gain.