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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
The Minority in Parliament has strongly objected to any planned merger or partnership between the government and Telecel, describing the deal as “technically, operationally, and financially unconscionable.”
Ranking Member on the Communications Committee, Matthew Nyindam, raised the concern during a media briefing in Parliament.
He questioned why both the Minister of Communications and Telecel would publicly announce a merger and then suddenly go silent on the matter.
“We object to any deal with Telecel by way of merger, absorption, or acquisition. This is a scheme to dispose of a national asset to fill private pockets,” Mr. Nyindam stated.
He argued that Telecel has not demonstrated any special technical or operational expertise that staff and management of AT (formerly AirtelTigo) do not already possess.
According to him, Telecel had earlier promised to invest $500 million after acquiring Vodafone Ghana but failed to do so, a situation he fears could repeat itself if the government allows another deal.
Mr. Nyindam claimed that Telecel was already indebted to the tune of $400 million, adding that the company only seeks to benefit from AT’s over three million customers to expand its own base without making any real investment.
“The government must not surrender the capacity of a state-owned company to a private entity through majority ownership. There is no clear plan to protect the jobs and livelihoods of thousands of workers,” he stressed.
The Minority Caucus is therefore calling on the government to halt any discussions or agreements with Telecel regarding the proposed merger, insisting that the deal is not in the national interest.
The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) has suspended all fines issued by its Compliance Team on the country’s roads, effective Wednesday, October 15, 2025.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Authority explained that the suspension follows feedback from the public and further consultations with stakeholders.
The Compliance Team’s enforcement exercise, which had been intensified in recent weeks, was aimed at ensuring that drivers and vehicles met all legal requirements before operating on the road.
However, the DVLA said it was pausing the activity to allow for more engagement and public education on the exercise before it is reintroduced.
While assuring the public of its commitment to promoting safety and compliance, the Authority emphasized that the suspension only affects the fines and charges being enforced by the Compliance Team.
It added that all legal requirements for drivers and vehicles to operate on Ghana’s roads remain in force.
By: Jacob Aggrey
