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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)
The driver stopped the vehicle at the gate of the large, fenced property along the Nsawam Highway, and Kakraba stepped out to meet the several workers who had gathered to wait for him.
He greeted them and went straight to the point.
“Gentlemen, I am glad to see that you have almost completed the clearing of the land. I’m happy to report that we have concluded all arrangements with Nana Serebour, and construction of the palace will start in a few days.
“I will need you to go and level the ground, and then come back to start this project. Some workers from a construction company will come and join us.
“My plan is to build twenty houses in four months. Then we will do twenty more until we reach two hundred.
“I am relying on you to help me deliver good-quality work to satisfy our clients and, as I have already indicated to you, I will reward you for your work.”
After an hour’s discussion, he closed the meeting and moved to drive away. Wofa Yaw drew closer.
“Director, can you please spare me five minutes? I would like to discuss a small issue.”
“Why, Wofa Yaw? Your wife has threatened to leave you?”
“No, Director. My wife will never leave me. This concerns a young niece of mine.”
“I hope it’s something I can help with. Please sit in the car and let me hear you.”
“Boss, my niece, Beesiwa, is a polytechnic graduate, very beautiful and with very good character.
“Unfortunately, her parents virtually forced her into a relationship with an idiot based in the US, which affected her badly. She has now recovered from that experience and, Boss, I am respectfully asking if you would find a job for her.
“I promise you that you will never regret it.”
“Well, Wofa Yaw, let me meet her and speak with her. I may be able to help, maybe not in the way you expect, but let me meet her.
“I will not be back here for another week, but I will be at the office throughout next week. You can come with her.”
On Monday morning, Wofa Yaw and Beesiwa were seated at the office by nine o’clock. Three young ladies welcomed them warmly, offered them soft drinks and assured them that Kakraba would be there shortly.
They then returned to their desks and sat behind computers with large screens displaying various building designs.
Kakraba walked in and greeted them warmly. After chatting briefly with the three ladies, he ushered Wofa Yaw and Beesiwa into his office.
“Director, this is my niece, Beesiwa. I mentioned her to you when you came to Nsawam.”
“Yes, indeed. Madam Beesiwa, you are very beautiful, just as your uncle said. Wofa Yaw is my colleague.
“We have just started a building project that will take about three to four years. He mentioned that you have a small problem, so I said I would like to meet you and see how I can help.
“So, Beesiwa, please tell me a little about yourself.”
Beesiwa described her childhood, her school experience, her brief work at the bank and the nasty episode with Sammy Abrokwa, which shattered her peaceful life. She also explained how she had been recovering from the experience.
“I am really sorry to hear this,” Kakraba said. “Now, here is what we are going to do.
“We are a small but very busy company. The three ladies out there spend most of the day on site and come back to report on their work in the morning.
“I have three main projects. The big one is an estate project in Nsawam, where your uncle is one of my main colleagues. I need a personal assistant who can take care of my activities, especially when I am not in town.
“Now, we will have to start with trust. Based on what I know about Wofa Yaw, and based on what you yourself have told me, I think we can start on a sound basis.
“So, Wofa Yaw will take you to my home. You can move into one of the four guest rooms.”
“Sir, I have taken some computer lessons, and I have even done graphics and web design,” Beesiwa said.
“Fantastic! I will give you a good phone and a laptop. I will also arrange computer lessons for you.”
“Now, Wofa Yaw, take her home. My sister, Kuukuwa, will meet you and show you around, and then you can return to Koforidua.
“When would you like to start work?”
“Sir, I would like to start today, but I would need to go and bring my things.”
“No problem. Take a taxi to my house, meet my sister, and let me know what you decide.”
Later that day, Kakraba and the three ladies met with some bank officials to conclude the sale of the three buildings at Adabraka.
They closed at five-thirty and, after rewarding the ladies for their hard work, Kakraba got home just after dark.
He was surprised to find Kuukuwa and Beesiwa sitting at the table enjoying supper.
“What’s happening here?” he asked. “Beesiwa, I thought you would return to Koforidua.”
“She changed her mind,” Kuukuwa said. “We went to the mall and bought a few things for her. Then we came back to cook. She has made some nice changes to your bedroom and cooked a couple of interesting dishes. Sit down; we will serve you.”
“Well, I certainly can’t refuse that. It’s been a busy day.
“So, what’s the plan now? Will Beesiwa go to Koforidua tomorrow, gather her things together and come down?”
“No, I will stay here for a while,” Beesiwa replied. “Kuukuwa bought me the things I need, so I may go back next week. I’m ready to start work. What would you like me to start with?”
“Well, you can come to the office tomorrow morning, meet the three girls and get a feel for what we do.
“Since you are living here, at least for now, we can discuss the plans for the next few weeks.
“Sometimes there are gaps when I travel up north. You can take care of things from now. I think the girls would like having someone like you around.”
By Ekow de Heer
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A frequent question following breast surgery is whether human tissue possesses the regenerative capacity to restore an excised organ.
From a strict physiological standpoint, a completely removed breast cannot regrow. Unlike certain organisms that can regenerate complex limbs or organs, adult human tissues—particularly specialised glandular structures—lack the cellular machinery required to rebuild an entire organ after its total surgical removal.
Instead, the body heals the surgical site through processes such as scar tissue formation and re-epithelialisation rather than complete cellular regeneration.
What a mastectomy actually removes
To understand why natural tissue regeneration does not occur, it is important to examine the surgical scope of a mastectomy.
Depending on the type of procedure and the medical reason for surgery, a mastectomy may involve the removal of:
Glandular architecture: The milk-producing lobules and ducts that form the functional core of the mammary gland.
Adipose tissue: The fatty tissue that contributes to breast volume, projection and contour.
Other breast tissue: The extent of tissue removal varies according to the type of mastectomy and the need to achieve appropriate surgical clearance.
Because specialised breast structures are physically removed, the body does not rebuild a complete mammary gland. Instead, healing occurs through tissue repair and scar formation.
Distinguishing residual tissue from “regrowth”
Patients or observers may notice changes in the chest area after surgery, sometimes leading to misconceptions about tissue regeneration.
Skin- and nipple-sparing procedures
Modern breast surgery may preserve the outer skin envelope or, in selected cases, the nipple-areola complex. Small amounts of breast tissue may remain depending on the surgical technique. Any changes in remaining tissue due to hormonal fluctuations represent residual tissue responding to the body, rather than the regrowth of a completely removed breast.
Adipose accumulation
Weight gain after surgery can increase the amount of subcutaneous fat across the chest wall. However, this is part of general body fat distribution and does not represent the regeneration of a mammary gland.
Modern reconstructive pathways
Because a completely removed breast does not naturally regenerate, modern medicine offers reconstructive options aimed at restoring physical symmetry, contour and body image.
The two main approaches are implant-based reconstruction and autologous, or tissue-based, reconstruction.
Implant-based reconstruction
Implant-based reconstruction uses synthetic medical devices, typically filled with silicone gel or saline, to rebuild the breast mound following a mastectomy.
The two-stage process: This approach may begin with the placement of a temporary tissue expander to gradually create space and stretch the surrounding tissues. A later procedure may then be performed to place a permanent implant.
Recovery profile: Implant-based reconstruction generally involves a shorter initial surgery and recovery period compared with procedures that require tissue to be harvested from another part of the body.
Long-term considerations: Breast implants are not lifetime devices and require ongoing medical monitoring. Some patients may need additional procedures over time because of complications or changes in the implant or surrounding tissue.
Autologous or tissue-based reconstruction
Autologous reconstruction uses the patient’s own living tissue to create a new breast mound. Tissue may be transferred from another part of the body, commonly the lower abdomen, using procedures such as a DIEP flap.
Natural look and feel: Because the reconstruction uses living tissue, it can provide a natural warmth, texture and softness. The tissue may also change with the patient’s body weight over time.
Long-term durability: Once healing is complete, autologous reconstruction can provide a long-lasting result without the need to replace an implant. However, some patients may still require further procedures.
Complex surgery: This option usually involves a longer operation and recovery period. In microsurgical procedures, surgeons may need to reconnect tiny blood vessels to establish blood flow to the transferred tissue.
Direct comparison
When choosing between these two reconstructive pathways, patients and their surgical teams must consider several physical, medical and lifestyle factors.
Surgical burden: Implant surgery is generally less invasive, while flap reconstruction involves surgery at both the chest and the donor site.
Foreign material versus native tissue: Implants involve the use of a medical device, while autologous reconstruction uses the patient’s own tissue.
Recovery: The recovery timelines and rehabilitation requirements differ significantly between the two procedures.
Recovery and physical rehabilitation
Recovering from breast reconstruction requires patience, careful pacing and, in some cases, structured physical rehabilitation.
Because implant-based and autologous tissue-flap procedures involve different surgical techniques, their healing timelines and physical therapy milestones can vary considerably.
Understanding these differences is important for patients considering reconstruction, as the choice involves more than restoring physical appearance. It also requires careful consideration of recovery, long-term monitoring, lifestyle and individual medical needs.
Part 2 will examine recovery timelines, physical therapy milestones and other factors patients should consider when choosing between reconstructive options.
By Robert Ekow Grimmond-Thompson
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