Vegan Education in Ghana by Gloria Ewoenam

MY vegan journey began in November 2021, where I participated in a forum with the theme ‘The food we eat and its effect on the environment’. That was my first time hearing the word ‘vegan’. I’d heard of ‘vegetarian’ but never ‘vegan’.

I am passionate about herbal remedies in relation to my health so when I got the message that our way of eating (non-vegan eating) is a major cause of global warming, I was a little perplexed. I had always thought fossil fuels were rather the major cause.

There, my curiosity and desire to know more about this group of people (vegans) began. Fortunately for me, I had a friend who I met from a beach clean-up who is vegan. In fact, I disturbed him with most of my questions. He told me about how sentient non-humans are. And truthfully, that was my first time hearing the word ‘sentient’ too. Then, memories of my childhood dawned on me.

Growing up in Anfoega (Volta Region), my mother used to rear goats, and I was given one of the females as a gift. She became my friend and I always wanted her around me, even though my mom was always complaining that I limit contact with her because I may attract certain diseases from her.

One afternoon when I got back from JHS (high school), mom broke the news to me that my friend had died and I cried. Mom dug a hole and we buried her.

Whenever a female goat gives birth, my mom will specially prepare soup for her, saying that she needs it. Yet, anytime the male goat grows, it will be used for pepper soup. Little did my mom and I know the connection we have with the goats.

So connecting my past with the new information of veganism, I gave up meat. But at that point I did not connect with the vegan philosophy, so I was still taking in fish and products from non-humans.

Then on Monday 3rd of January 2022, I decided to go vegan after coming across a beautiful young soul (Genesis Butler) fighting for animal rights. To be frank, I was inspired by her selfless dedication towards saving non-humans. And I have been vegan ever since. I am a vegan.

It has been easy with me because I have really connected with my past and one of the things I cannot stand is torture. And one of my beliefs is that, when it is of great importance, we will always find a way.

My sister was always questioning me anytime I was eating. she would ask “so where is the protein in your meal?” But I had already researched on the plant-based sources of protein so I was always eating a balanced meal. She always ended up giggling about it but I never let that discourage me because I know the intensity of my decision.

My greatest source of motivation is my belief which is; if it is of uttermost importance to you, you will always find a way. My second motivation is Genesis Butler and ‘unapologeticvegtino’ and my last motivation is all vegans worldwide.

Life in Ghana

My message to other vegans around the world is they should always remember their “why” and let that keep them going. Comments from people are their opinions and that should not discourage us.

I am currently a final-year undergraduate student studying a single major in information studies at the university of Ghana.

I love places of nature. So I mostly visit the school’s botanical gardens or the beach. I enjoy volunteering for services towards humanity and the environment.

My typical day these days as there are no academic activities due to the ongoing strike of the university lecturers, I do my meditation, prepare my meal, eat, step outside and visit social media pages of vegans. And of course participate in any voluntary activities if there are any.

Often, I find myself eating rice, banku, waakye and yam with vegetable stew, peanut butter soup, and beans stew.

From my perspective, it’s dispiriting knowing that the educational system of my country does not favour the youth. It is a means of increasing the unemployment level. Consequently there is little or no desire from the youth of Ghana to take action in voluntary services, to learn, and unlearn certain skills which will develop us personally and collectively.

As to whether Ghana has seen a growth in vegan food - i will say it’s currently a 4 on a scale of 10. There is an increase in the level of plantbased diets due to the level of disease of most patients. The knowledge of vegan food is there but people are just not ready to accept it.

If I could choose one thing that would help the growth of veganism in Ghana from my perspective it is education. Most people are not aware of what veganism is. The myths about veganism need to be cleared and that can only be done through desensitization and allowing non-vegans to ask all the questions they have in order to clear those doubts and misconceptions.

My message to other vegans around the world is they should always remember their “why” and let that keep them going. Comments from people are their opinions and that should not discourage us.

Vegan Events in Ghana

So far, I have participated in one of the events and that was the world vegan chalking event. It was productive, as it prompted people to wonder and question what the event and veganism in general is all about. The more events like this there are, the more we’ll create more awareness about veganism.

There is hope for the future. Our daily collective efforts as vegans is spreading the message of veganism. And soon, veganism will be the new normal.

Thank you for such a great opportunity to share my story. This means a lot to me and I am very grateful.

By Gloria Ewoenam