News
Dawadawa makes a comeback …Savannah spice redefining Ghanaian cooking
Once overshadowed by bouillon cubes and synthetic seasonings, Dawadawa the aromatic, fermented seed of the African locust bean tree is staging a flavourful return to Ghanaian kitchens.
Once seen as old-fashioned, it is now gaining recognition as a superfood, appreciated not only for its rich, umami depth but also for its health benefits.
At the Aboabo market in Tamale, Hajia Fati, a vendor who has been selling Dawadawa for over 16 years, has noticed the shift.
“These days, more people come asking for it not just for soup and stew, but even for jollof,” she said, proudly pointing to her handwoven basket filled with the brown, pungent balls of fermented seeds.
Known across West Africa as iru or ogiri, Dawadawa is produced by boiling, fermenting, and drying the seeds of the Parkia biglobosa tree. Its distinct earthy aroma and flavour were once a staple in traditional cooking. Now, health-conscious cooks are reviving it as a natural alternative to artificial additives.
Madam Esther Boateng, owner of Estjoy Eatery & Supermarket, told The Spectator that changing consumer habits are driving this comeback.
“People are reading food labels now. They’re more aware of what goes into their bodies,” she explained. “Dawadawa is rich in natural protein, calcium, antioxidants, and prebiotics. It helps with digestion, regulates blood pressure, and boosts the immune system.”
In a twist on Ghana’s beloved rice dish, Dawadawa paste or powder is now being used in place of seasoning cubes, lending the jollof a deeper, more authentic flavor.
“The jollof tastes richer more Ghanaian,” said Madam Matilda, who runs a popular restaurant in Tamale. “Customers love it. They’re becoming more conscious of what they eat, and they’re coming back for more.”
Across social media, food bloggers and home chefs are sharing recipes featuring Dawadawa, pairing it with smoked fish, Kontomire, and even plant-based proteins.
In Accra, Kumasi, and even some UK shops, branded and hygienically packaged Dawadawa is now available-complete with expiry dates and nutritional labels.
“Before, it was just raw balls on trays,” Hajia Fati recalled. “Now, we label them and package them properly. People want clean, trustworthy local products.”
The revival is not just culinary; it’s cultural and economic. Women’s cooperatives in Northern Ghana are producing Dawadawa under improved sanitary conditions, creating jobs and preserving indigenous knowledge.
However, the Parkia biglobosa tree is under threat. It takes years to mature and is increasingly endangered due to bushfires, logging, and climate change. Conservationists warn that protecting this tree was key to ensuring the spice’s future.
As Ghana looks inward for healthier, homegrown ingredients, Dawadawa is proving it has more to offer than just taste. It is a symbol of sustainability, local innovation, and culinary pride.
From stews and soups to the growing trend of Dawadawa jollof, this humble seed is reclaiming its status not just as a seasoning, but as a cornerstone of a healthier, more authentic Ghanaian diet.
From Geoffrey Buta, Tamale
AngloGold Ashanti Obuasi Mine has broken ground on a modern 1,500-seater multipurpose assembly hall and a secured main gatehouse for New Edubiase Senior High School, in the Adansi South District.
The project, being executed by local contractor AA Engineering and Construction, is expected to be completed within 17 months and forms part of the Mine’s 10-Year Socio-Economic Development Plan (SEDP) — a strategic framework for delivering sustainable development in its host communities.
Beyond the expansive assembly hall, the facility will house a fully integrated administrative complex featuring a dedicated sound room, a 16-seater staff eatery, and suites for the Headmaster and Assistant Headmaster, a bursar’s office, an 18-seater conference room, a 24-seater staff common room, six faculty office spaces and ancillary stores and washrooms.
Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony, the Mine’s Director of Sustainability Management, Edmund Oduro Agyei, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to improving educational outcomes in host communities through impactful and sustainable investments.
The Edubiasehene, Guahyia Oduropanin Birikorang, commended the Mine for the investment, saying the project demonstrated that the company’s development agenda extended well beyond its immediate operational areas.
The Headmaster of New Edubiase SHS, Mr Christopher Appiah Mensah, described the intervention as timely and transformative, noting it would address longstanding infrastructure deficits, improve conditions for teaching and learning, and create adequate space for academic and social gatherings.
“This will greatly enhance administrative efficiency and improve the overall welfare of both staff and students,” he said.
The facility is also expected to boost the school’s capacity to host national examinations and major events, and strengthen its standing as a centre of academic excellence within the district.
From Kingsley E. Hope, Kumasi
Stakeholders have been urged to help raise awareness and eliminate the stigma often associated with clubfoot, a treatable condition which occurs in children.
Parents are to seek early treatment for the condition while policymakers strengthen support for early detection, disability inclusion, and child health services in the country.
Clubfoot is a condition present at birth in which one or both feet are twisted inward and downward. If left untreated, experts say a child may face lifelong challenges with walking, which could affect education, employment, and social inclusion.
In Ghana, an estimated 1,000 babies are said to be born with clubfoot every year.
In commemoration of the World Clubfoot Day, marked on June 3 every year, stakeholders create awareness about the condition and, among other things, celebrate the dedication of health professionals who ensure children receive treatment.
In a release copied to the Ghana News Agency, Nana Afua Adutwumwaa Adjetey, Programme Manager, Ghana Clubfoot Programme, noted that many families were unaware of the free treatment available for the condition in Ghana. 
She observed that the lack of awareness continued to delay treatment for children who could have received prompt and life-changing care at no cost.
Treatment, she said, was provided free of charge for children under age five at Christian Health Association of Ghana (CHAG–Hope Walks) partner clinics across the country.
More than 9,000 children born with clubfoot had received treatment and care through the programme over the past 18 years.
“The treatment follows the internationally recognised Ponseti Method, which uses a series of gentle casts to gradually correct the position of the foot, followed by a brace to maintain correction and prevent relapse. When treatment begins early, success rates are extremely high,” Madam Adjetey explained.
“For many children, the journey begins with a health worker who identifies clubfoot at birth and makes a referral. A few moments of observation can change the course of a child’s life forever.”
“Clubfoot is not a curse; it is not caused by wrongdoing…it is a medical condition that can be treated successfully. Families should never feel ashamed to seek help.”
The Programme Manager said children born with the condition deserved equal opportunities, dignity, and inclusion, and called on communities to support parents rather than “judge them.” -GNA
