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Bismark Mensah’s Momoni Cube… To add value to Ghana’s old-age spices
Bismark graduated from the Ho Technical University
The culinary industry in Ghana has evolved over the years with men especially giving their women counterparts a run for their money with some outstanding innovations and creativity.
One of such individuals is young Bismark Etornam Mensah, an undergraduate of Ho Technical University pursuing a second degree with background in Hospitality and Tourism Management.
With what started as a passion for food and creating new recipes, Etornam has added value to Ghana’s old-age irresistible spice, cured fish or ‘stinking’ fish, popularly known as ‘Momoni.’
Momoni as referred to by the Akans, ‘Looshala’ by the Ga people and ‘Lafifi’ for the Ewes is Ghana’s fermented salted fish which comes in various textures depending on the type of fish used. The distinguishing feature, however, is the domineering scent which radiates from one kitchen and engulfs an entire community.
Momoni is similar to the Swedish surströmming, Korean hongeohoe and the Japanese Kusaya, although not as ‘mighty’ in terms of putridity as compared to that of the motherland.
Bismark in his quest to make the spice more presentable, friendly to carry around and exported across the globe especially among Ghanaians in the diaspora, created the groundbreaking Momoni cube, which is currently making waves in the culinary industry.
The idea was to conceal the mighty momoni in a very attractive cube wrap, so it could be publicly accepted as many hail the aroma in private but would rather make mockery of it in the open.
Bismark, prior to coming out with the Mononi cube had founded Fetuli Foods, with the aim of revolutionising the culinary industry with flavourful stock/bouillon cubes made from Ghanaian indigenous food products, prioritising natural ingredients and health-consciousness while celebrating Ghanaian food traditions.
The objective was also to become a leading provider of authentic and sustainable culinary products, redefining the market with Ghanaian indigenous food products.
He also intends to inspire global appreciation for Ghanaian cuisine while fostering economic empowerment and environmental stewardship.
The drive to leverage Ghanaian indigenous food products to create innovative new products and passion for promoting local cuisines and natural food additive, birthed the momoni cube idea.
Momoni cube according to Bismark, was an idea that came through a school project (Recipe Development and Research).
Researching into Ghanaian indigenous food products, Bismark realised most indigenous food ingredients were diminishing from the market due to improper storage, packaging and transportation.
Cured fish then came to mind on one of his visits to the market where he met a market woman and a Ghanaian woman who live in the US talking about how they wished they could get momoni in the diaspora but could not, due to improper packaging and the scent.
After months of trying, Bismark managed to come out with an attractive pack of momoni cube which comes in the form of regular cubes and has since been the toast of many in Ghana and the diaspora since last year.
His innovation drew the attention of many friends and family who supported the production and also came second during last year’s Presidential Pitch Awards under the auspices of the National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programme (NEIP) which gave him additional capital to expand.
Though it was challenging for a new product to break into an existing market and established distribution channel, the future looks promising for Bismark who is looking forward to making an impact on the global market.
Bismark is also coming out with a new product, Fetuli All Meal Spice, (all natural, no synthetic or artificial additives) seeking to replace synthetic additives on the Ghanaian market, in homes, restaurants and on every table.
He called for more support from the government to acquire additional machinery to boost production, adding that it was important to support young entrepreneurs to develop and become market leaders.
Bismark showcasing his culinary skills
Bismark graduated from the Ho Technical University
By Michael D. Abayateye
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ASWIM lauds Prof Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang
The Association of Women in the Media, (ASWIM) has congratulated Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang on her historic achievement as Ghana’s first female Vice President.
The association said her trailblazing journey with sterling accomplishments from academia to politics, is undoubtedly, a vivid inspiration to countless women and girls across Ghana and Africa.
This was contained in a statement signed by its president, Mrs Mavis Kitcher, and copied to The Spectator on Tuesday in Accra.
“ASWIM celebrates your remarkable career, marked by numerous firsts, including the first female Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cape Coast, (UCC), and the first female to hold a professional chair in Ghana, (UCC),” the statement said.
It said the accomplishments of Prof Opoku- Agyemang were clear testament to the brilliance, resilience and resourceful nature of the complete beautiful African woman.
“As she takes on this new role, ASWIM proudly lauds her commitment to education, women’s empowerment, distinguished public service and patriotism and is very confident that her pursuit of excellence, love for humanity, humility, decency, modesty and commitment to the welfare of the vulnerable will characterise Ghana’s political leadership and public service,” the statement added.
By Jemima Esinam Kuatsinu
Entertainment
Demolition of Fantasy Dome unfair — Mark Okraku-Mantey
Months after the Fantasy Dome was dismantled to make way for construction at the Ghana International Trade Fair site, the Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mr Mark Okraku-Mantey, has expressed concern over the manner the facility was destroyed.
In an interview on Daybreak Hitz with Andy Dosty, Mr Okraku-Mantey criticised the handling of the dome’s dismantling, suggesting that it could have been done without causing damage.
“I don’t think that leadership gave instructions that they should do what happened. The structure was a prefab but I hear the people destroyed it. That one, we cannot defend it. It is unfair to him (owner). Sometimes, you give instructions and people will go and do things that will make you look bad,” he stated.
When asked about any punitive measure against the workers responsible for the destruction, Mr Okraku-Mantey clarified that the Trade Fair does not fall under his ministry.
He said he had previously contacted the owner, Leslie Quaynor, to discuss relocating the dome, and even suggested the National Museum as a potential site, though it was too small.
The demolition of the 20,000-seater Fantasy Dome occurred on March 16, 2024.
According to Dr Agnes Adu, CEO of the Ghana Trade Fair Company Limited, the action was taken after multiple notices were given to Quaynor to vacate the premises for redevelopment, as per their tenancy agreement.
Dr Adu noted that all previous tenants had complied except for the Fantasy Dome.
Quaynor, in an interview with JoyNews, confirmed that his lease had ended, and was in the process of relocating the dome.
He had requested an extension, which was denied, leading him to seek a writ and an injunction from an Accra High Court to halt the demolition.
Despite this, the demolition proceeded, causing significant damage to the structure.
Quaynor described the incident as a major setback, not only for his business but also for the entertainment industry, which relies on venues like the Fantasy Dome.
