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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 Dzidula Pink Foundation, a new organisation dedicated to cancer awareness, early detection, and patient support, has been officially launched in Accra, with a passionate call for national commitment to fighting the disease. The launch event, held last week Friday, carried the theme: “Beyond the diagnosis: A future of restoration, care and courage.”
Speaking at the event, Madam Abena Brigidi, founder and CEO of Nimed Capital Limited, emphasised that cancer remains one of the most devastating health challenges facing families across the country. “Cancer does not discriminate—it affects mothers, fathers, daughters, and sons. It drains families emotionally and financially, and behind every statistic is a human story and a future suddenly thrown into uncertainty,” she said.
Sharing her personal encounters with cancer, having lost both her husband and father to the disease, Madam Brigidi highlighted the emotional, financial, and physical scars left behind. “I stand here not just as a speaker, but as a witness to what cancer can take away,” she stated. “I have watched loved ones fight bravely, and I have felt the deep pain that loss leaves behind.”
She stressed that awareness and early detection are critical to reducing deaths, noting that many Ghanaians still lack access to proper screening, reliable information, and adequate treatment. She appealed to healthcare professionals, corporate institutions, policymakers, the media, and the general public to join hands in the fight. “Early detection saves lives. Your support today can lead to someone’s healing tomorrow,” she said.
Madam Brigidi further called for collective responsibility to sustain the foundation’s mission. “To our medical professionals, we need your expertise. To corporate partners, your resources. To the media, your voice. To policymakers, your support. And to the public, your compassion,” she urged. She also insisted that breast cancer awareness should not be limited to annual campaigns, saying, “Breast cancer awareness must not be seasonal.”
Mrs Diana Fafa Gozo, founder of the Dzidula Pink Foundation, shared her own cancer journey, describing the shock of diagnosis, the fear that followed, and the difficult path through treatment. Her experience transformed her pain into purpose and inspired her to create a foundation to ensure no cancer patient walks alone.
Mrs Gozo explained that many patients struggle not only with treatment costs but also with emotional resilience. She outlined the foundation’s initiatives, which include awareness and early detection campaigns, patient support funds, community outreach, and survival support circles. “This foundation is my offering of gratitude, courage, and compassion and a reminder that no one should walk the cancer journey alone,” she concluded.
By Esinam Jemima Kuatsinu
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The Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) says it will deploy teams of Public Health Officers, members of its Sanitation Taskforce, and labourers, including sweepers and janitors, across all sub-metros to support the third National Sanitation Day exercise.
It explained that these teams will be equipped with waste collection trucks, tippers, and other tools to help with desilting, refuse collection, and transporting waste to approved disposal sites.
The AMA reminded residents that failing to comply with the sanitation directive or refusing to participate in communal labour is an offence.
It said offenders risk a fine of up to 100 penalty units, imprisonment between 30 days and six months, or both, with repeat offenders liable to additional daily penalties.
It urged all residents, traders, transport operators, market women, shop owners, landlords, tenants, and businesses to actively participate in the exercise.
The AMA said it counts on everyone’s collective responsibility to keep Accra clean, liveable, and resilient, especially as the city approaches Christmas and the New Year.
By: Jacob Aggrey
