The literal translation of Sankofa is “Go back and grab it”. Sankofa means in English: “Reach back and get it” (San - to return; Ko - to go; Fa - to fetch, to seek and take). Sankofa also refers to the Asante Adinkra symbol, the bird that grabs an egg or a styled heart shape from its back with its head turned backward.

Sankofa is often associated with the proverb:

Se wo were fi na wosankofa a yenkyi!

which translates as ‘It is not wrong to go back for that what you have forgotten’.

Sankofa Healthy Lifestyle is a tribute to Mrs. Agatha Acquah (Maame, the grandmother of Vivian Acquah). Unfortunately she died from the effects of obesity. This pain and grief must be prevented for others and their families. That is why the project is called Sankofa Healthy lifestyle.

Within the Ghanaian community, little attention is being paid to become or remain healthy, at least in a way that also is appealing to the Ghanaian community. Within the Ghanaian community, a lot of foods are being cooked in the traditional manner. Often the wrong products are being used in an excessive way, which can lead to obesity and other health problems (hypertension, diabetes, respiratory problems, etc.). The children look up to their parents, family and they copy these traditions from their environment. Sankofa Healthy Lifestyle is a project which aims to tackle the problem of obesity within the Ghanaian community and to improve the health of Ghanaians decisively.