Nutrition
Benefits of Dawada
The African Locust bean, commonly referred to as “Dawadawa” by Ghanaians is a local seasoning used in soups and stews. It is rich in diverse nutrients and has great health benefits to Africans who consume it.
-Good vision
Due to the natural ingredients and nutrients found in the African locust bean, it makes it therefore one of the best treatments of bad vision and eye issues such as Myopia, Cataract and even minus eyes.
-It can treat stroke
Stroke is caused when the blood supply to the brain is suddenly obstructed by any substance which is fatal and dangerous to the health of individuals.
Research shows that consuming a good amount of African locust beans will definitely help you against such sickness.
-Reduces cholesterol
Cholesterol can cause blockage within the blood vessels thereby reducing the flow of blood to the heart which will definitely lead to heart issues. Eating locust beans can help your body burn the amount of cholesterol found in our bodies.
-Treat Diarrhoea
Due to the amount of tannin found in the African locust beans, it can cure diarrhoea, which is a gastrointestinal disorder with the symptoms of frequent watery bowel movements. Consuming African locust beans will help relieve you of diarrhoea
-Treat hypertension
Hypertension also referred to as high blood pressure is a long-term medical condition in which the blood pressure in the arteries is persistently increasing above the normal level. Therefore consuming a good amount of African Locust beans will help people with hypertension.
-Helps control blood sugar level
The human body requires sugar to produce enough energy but it should be stable otherwise if unstable, it will cause diabetes. Therefore consuming African locust beans will help you control blood sugar level.
-Improve digestion
Eating a good amount of African locust beans can improve digestion. Good digestion will give you a healthy body as the excretion process in the body will be facilitated which will prevent constipation.
-Healthy weight
Underweight is not healthy and vice-versa. It is not easy to have normal weight or for the underweight to gain weight. Eating African locust bean will help you gain weight in a natural way.
-Heal Wounds
As mentioned above it can be used to treat ulcer wounds internally as well as external wounds. The leaves when pounded can be applied on wounds and the beans can be put on the wound to heal the wounds.
-Reduce Fever
Consuming a good amount of African locust beans can reduce fever. It was traditionally used to reduce high fever which is still practiced in some rural African communities and also send away evil spirits because of its unpleasant smell.
African locust beans is one of the best gift of God to Africans but sadly, only a few see this, it consist of many vital nutrients which are cherished by the body. Therefore regular consumption of healthy African locust beans will give you good health
Source: https://gh.opera.news
Ingredients
- 2 cups of heavy cream
- 1 cup of condensed milk
- 1 tablespoonful of vanilla extract
- 1–2 tablespoonfuls of mild shito (preferably smoky and slightly sweet)
- Pinch of nutmeg or ginger (optional)
Preparation
- Whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form.
- In a separate bowl, mix the condensed milk, vanilla, and shito.
- Gently fold the whipped cream into the shito blend.
- Taste and adjust spice levels to your preference.
- Freeze for six or more hours.
- Serve chilled and enjoy.
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They say, “you are what you eat.” But in Ghana, what we eat — and what we don’t — tells a much bigger story about health, inequality, and public policy.
Across the country, the double burden of malnutrition and lifestyle-related diseases is growing. In one home, a child suffers stunted growth due to poor nutrition; in another, an adult battles hypertension or diabetes linked to unhealthy eating habits. These are not just personal health problems; they are reflections of national nutrition governance.
Ghana has many well-intentioned nutrition policies and programmes, but implementation gaps and weak accountability continue to limit their impact. In many communities, the food served in schools lacks adequate protein or vegetables, even though guidelines exist. Street food vendors operate without nutritional standards, and nutrition education is still missing from most community health outreach programmes.
Nutrition should not depend on luck or privilege. It should be a right, guaranteed by systems that ensure access to safe, affordable, and nutritious food for all. That’s why experts are calling for stronger inter-ministerial collaboration between Health, Agriculture, Education, and Local Government — supported by adequate budget allocation to nutrition interventions.
At the household level, simple choices can make a difference — swapping fried foods for boiled ones, reducing sugar and salt, and adding more local vegetables and legumes. But without supportive policies such as subsidies for nutritious local foods, better agricultural extension services, and stricter regulation of processed food advertising, personal effort alone is not enough.
As Women, Media and Change (WOMEC) continues to advocate, good nutrition is not just a kitchen issue — it’s a governance issue. It requires leadership, public awareness, and sustained investment. Every policy that supports farmers, improves school meals, or enforces food labeling laws brings us closer to a healthier population.
In the end, a nation’s strength depends on what its people eat. Nutrition is not charity — it’s smart governance.
Feature Article by Women, Media and Change (WOMEC) under its Nourish Ghana: Advocating for Increased Leadership to Combat Malnutrition Project.
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