The Institute of Community Sustainability (ICS) has rejected a growing belief that eating dog meat, especially the head, can prevent heartbreak or protect marriages from breaking down.
In a statement released on Monday, May 4, the organisation said the idea circulating in parts of Accra has no scientific or psychological support. It stressed that the claim is based on myth rather than evidence.
ICS shared that its recent community outreach and investigation revealed a worrying trend.
Some women reportedly eat dog heads because they believe it helps them stay emotionally strong and prevents their partners from being unfaithful.
The organisation also found that some participants said they followed advice from pastors and spiritual leaders.
These leaders allegedly described the practice as “akwankyerɛ” (spiritual guidance) to help maintain marriages.
Executive Director of ICS, Eric Jerry Aidoo, strongly criticised the belief. He described it as harmful and misleading.
He said, “Heartbreak is a psychological and emotional challenge, not a biological or spiritual condition that can be cured by consuming an animal. There is no scientific or logical basis to this claim”.
He added that such practices take advantage of vulnerable people. He also warned that they encourage animal cruelty while giving people false hope.
The organisation has therefore called on religious leaders to stop promoting unverified practices. Instead, it urged them to focus on proper emotional support and marriage counselling.
ICS also raised health concerns. It warned that eating dogs and cats could expose people to diseases that spread from animals to humans.
Beyond health risks, the group emphasised that dogs and cats should be treated as companion animals, not food.
After its findings in Accra, ICS plans to extend its public education campaign to the Volta Region. The organisation aims to engage communities on emotional health, animal welfare, and the dangers of harmful beliefs.
The campaign will also teach women practical ways to build emotional strength without relying on unproven spiritual practices.
