Features
Akpeteshie: Ghana’s lively heritage
The dried sugercane used in preparing alcohol
Akpeteshie has been one of Ghana’s local beverages which has been used and passed on from our ancestors to our generations over the years. It is patronised by locals, celebrated by many, and scares some.
This drink traces its roots from the days of colonisation. It is deeply rooted in the Ghanaian culture as a national treasure since it blurs the lines between the upper class and the lower class.
Akpeteshie, popularly known as “Apio” and “Oha” in Ga, Twi, and Ewe respectively, is a home-brewed alcoholic spirit produced in Ghana and some other West African nations by distilling mainly sugar cane juice or palm wine.
Upon the arrival of the colonial masters, indigenous alcoholic brands were consumed. The people of the coast believed that these locally manufactured brands were of more quality than the foreign brands.
This was because these brands were made from fruits and herbs, which were more beneficial to the people, unlike the foreign brands, which some believed were concentrated with chemicals.
The consumption of Akpeteshie threatened the colonial government since their initial means of raising revenue for the state was through imported beverages. As a result of this, the British banned the consumption of Akpeteshie, because it competes strongly with their imported beverages.
The ban led the people to change the name from “Kpotomenui” meaning something hidden in a coconut mat fence to the name Akpeteshie in the Ga language, which is the act of hiding, since most people had to find a discreet way of consuming it without being caught by their colonial masters.
In the preparation of the Akpeteshie, especially when using the sugarcane, the dried-up sugarcane is placed in the crusher machine. The sugarcane juice is then juiced into a bucket. This juice obtained from the sugarcane is allowed to ferment over a period of thirty days in a large barrel, sometimes with the help of yeast.
The fermented liquid is then heated or boiled on fire, and the vapour that comes out of this passes through the copper pipe within the cooling barrels where it condenses and drips into sieved jars or gallons. The end result of this process is the alcohol, that is Akpeteshie. According to most brewers, the sugar content would determine the amount of vapour evaporated.
Akpeteshie is also made from mango fruit, pineapple, and cocoa seeds. Only a few people, according to research and experts, voiced out the main reason some use these fruits rather than the usual raw materials of sugar cane and palm wine for the Akpeteshie.
The cocoa seed when used for the Akpeteshie with the help of different herbs like mahogany, protect the body from heart diseases, asthma, piles, relieves stress and reduces fatigue in the human body. It also helps improve the blood flow and lowers blood pressure. It also aids in easy digestion, and it is useful for healing wounds.
Although Akpeteshie has become very popular in our Ghanaian societies, many do not take into consideration its production process. Most of the producers are smallholder farmers who earn a living from their art.
Furthermore, most people have now become addicted to Akpeteshie and some find happiness and peace in drinking it, despite its effects on their health. It is believed that Akpeteshie contains some minerals and vitamins like magnesium, zinc, and vitamin C, which are very significant to human health.
In addition to reaping the benefits of Akpeteshie, it is best known to enjoy it in moderation, since it helps reduce the risk of certain diseases like measles, and aids digestion through the antioxidants in it. The vitamins boost the immune system and support the overall health of the human body. Akpeteshie in one way or the other helps to reduce stress levels and bring feelings of happiness or relaxation to the body.
Despite Akpeteshie being beneficial to the human body, it is important to know the risks associated with consuming it; and it is important to seek medical advice if any serious medical issues arise because the sellers may add different ingredients that could harm the human system.
According to some of the Akpeteshie sellers, after purchasing from the place of production, mahogany, garlic, ginger and negro pepper are added to make it safer for the human system than consuming it in its raw state.
It is believed that the sugar level in Akpeteshie at the raw state is higher and if consumed in large quantities without any additives could lead to diabetes. An anonymous Akpeteshie trader said they mostly add stainless steel nails to it after buying it in its raw state to enhance its taste and to make it more alcoholic.
The nails are added in their fresh state but the molecules of iron on the surface of the nails react with the oxygen produced in the alcohol which forms a reddish–brown substance n the surface–rust. The rust is infused in the alcohol to give it a stronger smell and taste. The rationale behind this act is to increase the alcoholic content in the raw Akpeteshie.
Although most consumers prefer the Akpeteshie that has been mixed with nails, there are some who are against these practices because of the health complications associated with them.
Members of the Asomdwe Society in Bawjiase made it a life mission to omit the addition of nails during their production process due to the risks involved. Some medical experts highlighted that the rust from these nails can lead to serious health problems such as stomach cramps, constipation, muscle, or joint pain and in severe cases could lead to gastric cancer or death.
Research has proven that Akpeteshie can contain some trace elements of copper, lead, and iron as a result of the materials used in the production process. Some brewers store the juice in metallic jars since there are no strict regulative bindings on the production of Akpeteshie. This has raised concerns and many questions whether the sale of Akpeteshie should be legalised or banned.
According to a health expert at the Dakal Medical Centre, Dr. Ernest Osei Asiamah, the scientific school of thought has proven that moderate intake of alcohol helps in the prevention of heart attack and aids the body system with good circulation. The potential health risks associated with drinking alcohol is hypertension, heart condition and liver disease.
Some drugs react with alcohol, but the best precaution doctors often give to their patients is to either take it in moderation or to stay away from it.
Despite the reasons for consuming Akpeteshie, consumers are advised to reduce the intake or avoid it completely because the risks associated with its usage far outnumber the benefits.
The Ministry of Health (MoH) and Food and Drug Authority (FDA), through their agencies, should increase public awareness about the risks associated with the consumption of Akpeteshie. It is said that Akpeteshie kills softly and so those addicted to it should consult a medical practitioner to treat or stem any damage to the body.
Regina Inkum
Level 300
Ghana Institute of Journalism (GIJ)
Conflict at work is more common than you might think. According to 2022 research by The Myers-Briggs Company, more than a third of the workforce reports dealing with conflict often, very often, or all the time in the workplace. The same report found that managers spend an average of four hours per week dealing with conflict, and nearly 25 per cent of people think their managers handle conflict poorly or very poorly.
Addressing a dispute might feel tense or awkward, but resolving the conflict is typically well worth it in the long run. Whether you’re trying to mediate conflict between colleagues or are directly involved, here are seven steps you can take to manage workplace conflict.
1. Don’t put it off
Facing conflict head-on is hard. However, waiting too long to address it can negatively impact your emotional well-being, focus, and the entire office environment. If you’re feeling angry, letting that emotion fester can also escalate it over time. This can make you less responsive to other points of view and make it harder to resolve the issue.
The sooner you can address the conflict, the better it will be for you, the person you disagree with, and your entire team.
2. Learn all you can about the problem
It’s important to determine the type of conflict you’re dealing with. Begin by considering the cause of the conflict. For example, ask yourself whether someone said something that upset you or if you have emotions of anger and resentment that stemmed from something that happened.
Then try to identify if it’s a task, relationship, value, or team conflict. Once you know what type of conflict it is, you can work to resolve it with specific tactics for that situation.
If you skip this step, you may waste time or escalate the situation further by trying to address issues irrelevant to the real conflict.
3. Actively listen
Listen attentively when people share their side of the story. Active listening is one of the most valuable professional skills you can possess. This type of listening involves not only hearing what the other person is saying but also listening to understand their point of view.
No matter your role in conflict, it’s easy to begin sharing your opinion with little regard for the other people involved. However, it’s important to learn about all sides of a disagreement to make well-informed decisions before drawing conclusions.
To reach a resolution, you must step back and prioritize listening over talking. Ultimately, that will encourage the other person to do the same when it’s your turn to speak. –source: betterup.com
Today, I focus on the Temple Of Praise Ministries International (TOP Church) in Helsinki, as I continue my description of personalities or institutions and their accomplishments as members of the Ghanaian Diaspora in Finland.
The TOP Church in Finland has seen significant strides and accomplishments that must be made known to the public. 
Some history
The Church was established in Finland in September 2016. Since its inception, it has steadily grown both spiritually and numerically, by the grace of God, as disclosed to me by Mr Matthew Anini Twumasi, the Presiding Elder of TOP’s branch in Finland. The TOP Church has other branches across Africa, Europe, and America.
The Church in Finland was founded with a vision to create a welcoming and dynamic community where people could experience God’s love and grace (see, www.topchurchfinland.org). According to Presiding Elder Matthew, the TOP Church operates within a unique environment where Christianity coexists with what is seen as a largely secular society.
Despite this, he submits, there are significant opportunities for outreach, unity, and demonstrating the love of Christ through service and community engagement.
Activities
Church services at the TOP Church are typically held on Sundays for the main worship. In addition, there are mid-week prayer sessions, Saturday prayer services, and a half-night service held on the last Friday of every month. “We also organise quarterly programs”, Elder Matthew added.
His impression of the Church so far has been positive. “It is a vibrant and welcoming community where members are committed to worship, fellowship, and supporting one another in faith”, he stated.
In sum, Elder Matthew said the Church continues to grow by God’s grace. “We remain hopeful and committed to spreading the Gospel, strengthening the faith of our members, and making a positive impact in society”, he continued.
Achievements
The TOP Church has a number of achievements and achievements. Some of the strengths include strong community bonds, cultural diversity, and deep commitment to spiritual growth.
I also remember that during the COVID-19 period, I heard that the TOP Church was one such bodies that hugely supported its members and others to cope with the situation.
According to Elder Matthew, the challenges facing the church include “adapting to cultural differences, engaging the younger generation, expanding outreach in a secular society, and securing a permanent place of worship”.
Role in the Ghanaian community in Finland
The TOP Church plays a prominent role as a religious group that serves Ghanaian migrants and others in the Finnish society.
Thus, the TOP Church is a religious body for Ghanaian migrants in Finland and other nationalities who want to worship with them for diversity and better intercultural and multicultural understanding.
The Church also has mechanisms in place to support its members who are bereaved as a way to commiserate with them in times of death and funerals.
The Ghanaian community has played a vital role in the growth of the Church. Their strong sense of fellowship, dedication to worship, and active participation have helped build a solid foundation and attract others to the ministry, according to Elder Matthew.
Integration
By its activities, the TOP Church is helping to ensure integration of its members well into the Finish society.
This is important since social interaction and citizens’ well-being are an important part of the integration process.
The role of migrant associations and groups such as TOP Church acting as bridge-builders for the integration and inclusion of migrants through participation in the decision making process and by acting as a representative voice is highly appreciated in Finland. Thank you!
GHANA MATTERS column appears fortnightly. Written in simple, layman’s terms, it concentrates on matters about Ghana and beyond. It focuses on everyday life issues relating to the social, cultural, economic, religious, political, health, sports, youth, gender, etc. It strives to remind us all that Ghana comes first. The column also takes a candid look at the meanings and repercussions of our actions, especially those things we take for granted or even ignore. There are key Ghanaian values we should uphold rather than disregard with impunity. We should not overlook the obvious. We need to search for the hidden or deeply embedded values and try to project them.
With Dr Perpetual Crentsil
