Positive Changes in Countries Part 24 - Responsible Governments, Responsible Citizens: Ghana, Greece, Grenada

The people of Ghana wish you spiritual upliftment. Our country is located on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean, and we are neighbored by Burkina Faso, Côte d'Ivoire, and Togo. To improve the life quality of its citizens, the Ghanaian government had been implementing programs like LEAP, or Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty," which provides both cash payments for those in need as well as free healthcare. This has led to increased child nutrition, better school attendance, and improved elderly care, especially in underserved regions. Since Supreme Master Ching Hai spoke, the veggie trend is rising in Ghana. A program implemented by His Excellency President Nana Akufo-Addo, “Planting for Food and Jobs,” is intended to provide healthy plant-based food as well as agricultural jobs.

Greece, officially known as the Hellenic Republic, is a beautiful European country known for its long coastline and hundreds of offshore islands. In an effort to benefit companion animals, the Greek Parliament unanimously passed a law that provides greater protection for their well-being. The mistreatment of animals is now regarded as a criminal offense, with penalties that include high fines and even imprisonment. Many Greek people are also helping reduce global warming through the Greek Orthodox practice of refraining from most animal products 200 days of the year. Koukoumi Hotel Mykonos has received top-rated reviews as the first-ever fully vegan hotel in Greece. The hotel’s slogan reads, “We can enjoy life without harming animals, the environment, or ourselves.”

Grenada is a small island country that can be found at the southern end of the Grenadines island chain in the Caribbean Sea. The forward-thinking Grenadian government has also prioritized education offering many opportunities to its citizens. The islands’ youth literacy rate has risen to 99.2% as a result. Grenada is also home to a top-rated medical school at St. George's University that has been graduating an increasing number of doctors and veterinarians. Recognizing the urgency of addressing climate change as an island nation, the Grenadian government has integrated a low carbon development strategy into its national energy policy.