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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
The Vice Chancellor of the Pentecost University, Apostle Professor Kwabena Agyapong-Kodua, is advocating an intentional conversation about the development and education of the boy child in creating stronger families and societies.
According to him, the boy child must not be ignored in conversations on leadership, education, family stability and national transformation because they are key to national development.
“There is a reason why a boy child must not be denied opportunities like education; he is a future leader. When boys are trained well, society becomes safer and stronger,” he stated.
Apostle Prof. Agyapong-Kodua made the remark at a forum organised by the Church of Pentecost Schools Outreach Ministry in Accra to observe the International Day of the Boy Child observed on May 16.
It was held in collaboration with the Pentecost Men’s Ministry and the Ghana Education Service (GES), and under the theme: ‘Flourish and Thrive: Investing and Unleashing Boys for Strong Families and Communities.’
Leading the discussion, the Pentecost University Vice Chancellor warned that poor mentorship, declining in education, harmful social media influences and emotional neglect have made a lot of young boys vulnerable.
With a lot of the attention switching to the girl child, the boy child, he said was confronted with many challenges including violence, substance abuse, educational decline, emotional neglect and the absence of positive role models.
According to Apostle Prof. Agyapong-Kodua, he noted that boys were turning to social media for direction due to the absence of fathers and mentors to help shape their lives.
“If we are not intentional, social media will mentor our children for us. We are not saying they should not use social media, but they should be guided to access the right information to excel in life,” he stated.
Prof. Agyapong-Kodua urged society to encourage boys to become creators of technology rather than mere consumers.
Contributing, Madam Gifty Asiedu, Director of the Girls’ Education Unit at the GES Headquarters, said the service remained committed to ensuring that no child was left behind, adding that, “supporting the boy child should not come at the expense of progress made in girl-child education.”
“If you focus intentionally on one gender and neglect the other, you create a societal problem,” she underlined.
She said the GES had observed some decline in boys’ retention in school, although the gap between boys and girls was not yet too wide.
“Over the years, attention has been focused on the girl child and we have seen the benefits. However, data now show that the statistics concerning the boy child continue to decline,” she indicated.
She explained that the service was implementing gender-responsive education to ensure that classroom teaching addressed the needs of both boys and girls equally.
Elder Barima Acheampong Sarpong II, Deputy Director of the Pentecost Men’s Ministry and Chief of Asante Asaman in the Ashanti Region, said society needed to critically examine the plight of boys.
“As we celebrate the International Day for the Boy Child, I urge every man to identify one boy child, find out how he is doing and dedicate some time to mentoring him,” he explained.
The programme, attended by educators, church leaders and policymakers, was the second edition following a partnership initiated last year between the Schools Outreach Ministry, the Pentecost Men’s Ministry and the GES.
It sought to improve school enrolment, completion rates and learning outcomes among boys so they could grow into responsible men who would build strong families and communities.
By Esinam Jemima Kuatsinu
Candidates that wrote the 2026 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) in Ho Municipality are hopeful of obtaining good grades to make everyone especially their parents and the Regional Minister proud.
The candidates said they had so far sat the examination with focus and integrity after a call from Mr James Gunu, Regional Minister to avoid examination malpractice saying, they expected great performance upon release of results.
Mr Gunu, at the start of this year’s BECE delivered the message during a monitoring visit to some centres in the municipality including Ho Kpodzi EP Basic A School, Mawuli School, Mawuko Girls Senior High School (SHS), and Kabore School.
He urged the candidates to rely on hard work and discipline, warning that shortcuts could jeopardise their future.
“Stay focused and give your best in this year’s BECE – your determination and hard work will pay off. Avoid shortcuts and examination malpractice; integrity matters just as much as success,” he said.
The Minister, accompanied by the Ho Municipal Chief Executive, the acting Volta Regional Director of Education, and the Ho Municipal Director of Education, encouraged candidates to view the exam as a foundation for their academic journey and to celebrate responsibly after the final paper, commending parents, guardians, teachers, and officials of the Ghana Education Service for their support in preparing the candidates.
Candidates at some of the centres Ghana News Agency visited, echoed the call for honesty and high standards.
At Kabore School, Ms Francisca Atsu of Sokode Lokoe MA Basic School said, “The Regional Minister was here earlier to speak to us and also to encourage us. We’ve done our best. I assure him that we will make him and our parents proud.”
At Taviefe SHS Centre, Ms Valentina Sakpla of Taviefe R.C Basic School added, “We are expecting good results to make everyone proud and for our own good.”
Mr David Dotse, Supervisor at Kabore School, hosting 11 schools, with a standby ambulance on site to cater for any health emergency, reported smooth proceedings. –GNA
