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Dawadawa makes a comeback …Savannah spice redefining Ghanaian cooking
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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
Construction of a major underground stormwater drain along the Dr. Busia Highway within the Kaneshie enclave will commence on September 7, 2026.
The Project Coordinator for the Greater Accra Resilient and Integrated Development (GARID) Project, Dr. Kwadwo Ohene Sarfo, announced this at a special media briefing on Wednesday.
According to him, the works will involve the construction of a double-cell underground rectangular drain measuring approximately 10 metres wide and 1.95 kilometres long, stretching from Pamprom Junction to First Light Junction.
The new drain will replace the existing two 1.2-metre diameter pipes, which are inadequate to carry the volume of stormwater in the area.
Dr. Sarfo said the drain will connect at one end to the recently completed section within the Accra Academy campus and at the other end to the existing drain at Pamprom Junction.
He said the construction is expected to run from September 2026 to October 2027.
The project forms part of government’s broader flood prevention and mitigation programme aimed at addressing perennial flooding in Accra.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
The former Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, has withdrawn from the party’s National Chairmanship race.
In a statement issued yesterday, Chairman Wontumi who is currently serving a 20-year jail term said his decision was driven by his love for the party and his unwillingness to let his personal circumstances distract the NPP from its rebuilding efforts.
“There are moments in the life of a man when the heart wants to continue, but duty demands sacrifice. Moments when one must quietly set aside personal ambition, not because the dream has died, but because the family he loves must not be made to carry his burden. Today, I find myself at such a painful moment,” he wrote.
He disclosed that after many nights of prayer, sober reflection and consultations with his family, legal team, party elders, campaign team and trusted supporters, he concluded that his present situation must not become an additional burden on the NPP.
“This is not the decision my heart desired, but sometimes, true love requires us to release what we deeply want in order to protect what we love even more,” he added.
Recounting his years of service, Chairman Wontumi said he had served the party with everything within him, walking through heat and rain, travelling to remote communities and standing with the grassroots in both victory and defeat.
“For many years, I have served the NPP with everything within me… The NPP is not merely a political party to me. It is my family. It is my home. It is a cause to which I have dedicated a significant part of my life,” he stated.
He explained that the party, already carrying the pain of electoral defeat and the huge responsibility of preparing for the future, should not be made to carry his personal weight.
“That is why I cannot allow my present situation or personal ambition to distract the party from the difficult work of rebuilding. I cannot ask the party to carry my weight when it is already carrying the pain of defeat and the enormous responsibility of preparing for the battle ahead. I would rather carry this pain quietly than allow the party I love to suffer because of me,” he said.
He further sympathized with his supporters across the 16 regions, acknowledging that the decision would be painful for many who had sacrificed for his campaign.
“To my teeming supporters across all sixteen regions, I know this message will hurt. I know many of you will read it with tears in your eyes because I understand the sacrifices you have made for this journey,” he said.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
