Accra, Dec. 16, GNA- The life expectancy of Ghanaians would increase if people eat vegetarian foods, Ms Vivian Macu Nortey, a Ghanaian-born vegetarian based in Israel said on Thursday.

"In addition to what science has proven, I, born a non-vegetarian, have come to realise for the past seven years of becoming a vegetarian, that the secret of healthy living has much to do with our diet," she said.

Ms Nortey is currently in Ghana with a team of vegetarians to promote the eating of vegetarian foods for a healthy lifestyle through the operation of a mobile restaurant.

The restaurant, named "Asasse Pa", would be operating within the city centres, universities, theatre and cinema halls and recreational centres from Thursday.

Speaking to the Ghana News Agency (GNA) at the grand opening of the restaurant in Accra, Ms Nortey said the objective was to reach out to as many people as possible about the importance of eating vegetarian whole food.

"My message is not new, but I believe though people are aware. Many have not made conscious effort to try eating vegetarian foods so there is the need for someone to promote it for the benefit of mankind. "Our message is not to convince people to stop eating animal products, but we are preaching an already existing alternative which only a few people have responded to in the Ghanaian society."

As part of the campaign, Ms Nortey and her team seek to promote the eating of Soya bean products, which have been found to have a high yield of protein and is cholesterol free.