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Superstition at K’dua Market …traders reject smaller denomination
Money
In the busy markets of Koforidua, a unique tradition has taken root among some traders.
As they set up their stalls each morning, a number of these vendors refuse to accept smaller currency denominations.
It is the belief of these group of traders that starting the day with such small transactions would affect sales and not make any profit.
This superstition, shared by traders in other markets throughout the region, has become a habitual practice that influenced their customer interactions and financial management, particularly in the early hours of trading.
For these traders, whether the day would be profitable or not depends on the first transaction. If the initial transaction involved smaller denominations, they feared it would set a negative trend for the day, leading to insufficient earnings.
To avoid this perceived misfortune, they turn away customers offering smaller bills or coins, preferring to wait for those with bigger denominations.
Madam Phyllis Boateng, a trader who believes in this superstition, explained to The Spectator that while the practice might seem irrational to outsiders, she firmly believes in the spiritual implications of money.
“We don’t only engage in commercial sales; we also believe that money has spiritual effects, and your small amount can negatively affect my sales. Some customers might feel offended, but I think they can find alternative shops to buy from,” she said.
Aside the belief about the size of denominations, Madam Priscilla Zilevu, another trader, has taken additional measures to also protect herself from bad luck.
She mixes garlic and pepper with her money, believing that this would ward off negative effects on her sales.
“Sometimes the source of the money the customer is using to buy from you is not a good one and can drain you financially, so you have to protect yourself from some of these things,” she explained.
Not all traders share this belief though as Dora Appiah-Kubi, who does not believe in these, recounted her experiences with other traders who refuse small denominations for their first sales.
Even taxi drivers, she noted, sometimes refuse exact fares like GH¢4.50 when starting their day, preferring larger notes.
However, a local preacher, Pastor John Amponsah, in Koforidua, Densuano, said the belief was fascinating, emphasising that the Bible does not support such practices.
“Even though many describes money as spirit and the trader not knowing the source of it, I believe it is more about how that money was used,” he said.
Pastor Amponsah said some Christian traders adhere to this superstition and pointed out that there was no biblical basis for the position of the market women.
Instead, he advised traders to accept all kinds of denomination and pray over them, citing Proverbs 10:22: “The Blessing of the Lord maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow,” and the story of Jesus commending the woman who gave the least offering as examples to follow.
He urged traders to abandon this practice, accept all forms of currency, and place their faith in God’s provision, rather than succumbing to superstitious fears.
From Ama Tekyiwaa Ampadu Agyeman
News
Mrs Dotse-Ametsi installed as Devt Queen
The Dome-Tsevie clan of Abutia-Kloe in the Ho West District of the Volta Region last weekend outdoored Mrs Joycelyn Akorfa Dotse-Ametsi as a Development Queen.
The ceremony which attracted traditional, political and business executives among others had Mr Bernand Mornah of the People’s National Convention Party as the special guest of honour.
Mrs Dotse-Ametsi with the ceremonial name of Mama Woe-Nenyo I, was tasked with liaising and spearheading development projects and educational reforms among others.
The ceremony also coincided with the 30 years anniversary of the death of Torgbe Abutia Kodzo XVI (ex-President of the Volta Regional House of Chiefs) who happened to be her father.
Mama Woe-Nanyo I promised to adhere to the promise and expectations her clan has in her and not depart from the honour and respect her father radiated during his reign.
She called for the various clans of Abutia-Kloe to come together for the rapid development of Kloe and the Abutia Traditional Council.
News
The Golden Gift of the Savannah: The untold story of Shea Nut and Shea Butter
In the vast Savannah of Northern Ghana, where the sun ‘kisses’ the earth stands a tree revered for its economic and cultural significance – the shea tree.
For centuries, the shea nut plucked from this resilient tree, has been the lifeblood of countless women and communities, shaping economies, traditions, and futures across the northern regions of Ghana.
To many women, shea butter is not merely an ingredient in cosmetics and skincare.
It is a symbol of resilience and economic empowerment. This golden treasure provides a sustainable income for women who painstakingly gather, dry, and process the nuts into a rich butter renowned worldwide for its healing and moisturizing properties.
Beyond its nuts, the shea tree produces a sweet, edible fruit packed with vitamins and nutrients. Its pulp is an excellent source of vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants, which boost immunity, aid digestion, and promote overall health.
The fruit, often consumed fresh, serves as an essential source of nourishment for rural communities.
However, the journey from shea nut to shea butter is a laborious process requiring skill, patience, and sheer determination.
Women venture into the wild, walk long distances to collect fallen shea nuts.
After gathering, the nuts are boiled, sun-dried, and cracked open to reveal the kernels. These kernels are then roasted, grinded, and kneaded by hand until the oil separates from the solids, forming the smooth, fragrant butter which is now a staple in beauty and pharmaceutical industries, globally.
Shea butter is not the only valuable product derived from this remarkable tree. The shea nut also yields a highly nutritious cooking oil used traditionally in West African cuisine.
Rich in healthy fats, it promotes heart health and serves as a healthier alternative to palm oil and other cooking oils.
As global interest in natural and sustainable products grows, the demand for shea butter has surged.
Major cosmetic brands have embraced it as a key ingredient in lotions, hair products, and medicinal ointments, thanks to its high concentrations of vitamins A and E and anti-inflammatory properties.
Additionally, the food industry now recognises shea butter as a viable alternative to cocoa butter in chocolate production, further expanding its market value.
Yet, despite its growing international appeal, the shea industry faces significant challenges.
Climate change threatens the sustainability of shea trees, while middlemen and unfair pricing structures often limit the earnings of the women who produce the butter.
However, initiatives promoting fair trade, value addition, and sustainable harvesting practices offer hope for better economic returns for shea producers.
Organisations and cooperatives are working tirelessly to protect the shea tree and enhance the livelihoods of shea butter producers.
By introducing modern processing techniques, offering training programmes, and securing fair trade agreements, these efforts are ensuring that the legacy of shea butter continues to benefit local communities for generations to come.
Maria Johana Yuorpor, one of the women leading this transformation is a dedicated shea butter processor. For over a decade, she has championed quality production while equipping women with the skills to refine and add value to this ‘women’s gold.’
Maria’s journey into the shea butter industry was not one of mere chance but of deep-rooted passion and an unyielding commitment to uplift her community.
Growing up in a region where shea butter was a staple in homes used for cooking, skincare, and medicinal purposes, she witnessed firsthand its potential as a tool for economic empowerment.
Determined to make a difference, she immersed herself in intensive research and training, perfecting her craft to meet international standards.
Over the years, her expertise and commitment to quality production have earned her local and international recognition, shining a spotlight on Upper West shea butter.
According to Maria, the best shea butter comes from the Upper West Region due to the naturally rich and unpolluted environment in which shea trees flourish.
“The climate and soil here give our shea nuts a unique richness, which translates into high-quality butter with superior texture and moisturizing properties as well as the best way of processing it,” she explains.
Maria said, said when she begun understanding the importance of value addition, she started training women in her community on advanced processing techniques, including refining, packaging, and product diversification.
“Today, many of my trainees have expanded beyond producing raw shea butter to crafting soaps, body creams, and essential oils, all tailored for export markets”, she added.
To further enhance the shea industry and support women entrepreneurs, the Kosmos Innovation Center (KIC) among many organisations has stepped in with training and funding opportunities.
Mrs. Mercy Tuffour, Gender and Safeguarding Specialist in an interview said, KIC through their initiatives were training women on modern techniques in product formulation, branding, and market access, allowing them to elevate their shea-based businesses.
She emphasised the significance of these interventions: “We are committed to equipping women with the skills and resources needed to create high quality shea products that can compete in both local and international markets.
By adding value to raw shea butter, these women are transforming their livelihoods and securing better financial futures, where Northern Ghana becomes the hub of premium shea butter exports, driven by women entrepreneurs, she added.
She also advocated increased investment in shea butter processing facilities and seeks partnerships with global skincare and cosmetic brands to highlight Ghana’s superior shea butter.
As Maria Johana Yuorpor continues her mission, her story serves as an inspiration to many – proof that with passion, knowledge, and resilience, local resources can be transformed into global opportunities, changing lives one shea nut at a time.
Story/Photos from Geoffrey Buta, Nyoli, Upper West
