News
Ladies reject our proposal, disrespect us… Coconut sellers at K’dua lament
Michael peeling coconut to sell
Coconut sellers in Koforidua are frustrated over the disdain and disrespectful manner customers, particularly young women, deal with them.
Despite playing a vital role in Ghana’s informal sector by providing fresh, nutritious, and affordable drinks, these vendors feel marginalised and belittled by virtue of their occupation.
The worst and painful of all was the blatant manner their proposals to female partners were rejected.
As a result, most of them are single although they are ready to settle down as family men.
In separate interviews with The Spectator, the coconut ‘business moguls’ called for a change in attitude and urged the public to treat them with the decorum and respect accorded to those in the formal jobs.
Michael Adansi, a coconut vendor, highlighted the importance of their service and noted that coconuts, known for their health benefits, offered a refreshing and energy-boosting option for many Ghanaians.
However, he lamented that customers often fail to appreciate the value of their work.
“Young ladies especially look down on us. We can’t even approach them for friendship or relationships because they disrespect us due to the nature of our work and our appearance,” he lamented.
Michael added that even when coconut sellers are fortunate enough to have relationships, they face judgment from their partner’s family once their profession was revealed.
“We endure long hours in difficult conditions, often travelling far to source the coconuts,” Michael revealed, but said despite these efforts, they get insults, dismissive behaviour, and aggressive haggling from customers, even though the coconuts are sold at reasonable prices.
Michael emphasised that they were just trying to earn an honest living and deserve to be respected as legitimate professionals.
Yaw Poku, another vendor, expressed similar frustrations, noting that many customers assume coconut sellers are uneducated or incapable of getting better jobs.
He explained that the stigmatisation was unfair, as many coconut sellers have degrees, diplomas, or are Senior High School graduates.
“They engage in this trade to provide for their families and should be respected for their efforts,” he said and added that, “what people don’t know is that coconut selling requires skills like entrepreneurship, marketing, and customer service,” Yaw added.
In addition to customer disrespect, coconut sellers also face harassment from authorities and market officials, he noted but stated they remained hopeful that by sharing their experiences, the public would come to appreciate their hard work and understand that the dignity of work should not be determined by the type of job, but by the effort and value one brings to the community.
When The Spectator interviewed customers on the issue, responses were varied.
Efua Ansah, a student from Koforidua Technical Institute, pointed out that some coconut sellers do not dress well or package their products properly, a situation she said may contribute to the lack of respect.
She emphasised the importance of hygiene and cleanliness in building customer trust.
However, another customer, Ernest Larbi, defended the sellers, noting that they work under harsh conditions.
“They’re selling in the hot sun in their working gear. It’s not easy, so why disrespect them?” he questioned.
The Eastern Regional Environmental and Health Officer, Mr Prince Kissi, acknowledged the issue and stated that his office was working on strategies to improve the situation.
They have recently designated areas for coconut sellers and are planning a stakeholders’ meeting to train them on better hygiene practices and product presentation, he revealed.
“We have advised them to put on aprons and ensure they dispose of coconut shells properly to enhance their public image,” he explained.
With these initiatives, he hoped that coconut sellers would gain the respect they were demanding and be recognised for their contributions to the community.
News
UTAG, TUTAG, and CETAG threaten strike over delayed book and research allowance
The University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG), the Technical University Teachers Association of Ghana (TUTAG), and the Colleges of Education Teachers Association of Ghana (CETAG) have jointly issued a demand for the immediate payment of their Book and Research Allowance.
They have further indicated that failure by the government to honour this obligation will compel them to embark on a nationwide strike effective Thursday, June 13, 2025.
In a statement issued today, under the headline ‘Exchange Rate and Payment for the Book and Research (BRA) Allowance’ indicates that“The University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG), the Technical University Teachers Association of Ghana (TUTAG), and the Colleges of Education Teachers Association of Ghana(CETAG) wish to express our deep concern and discontent over the undue delay in releasing the exchange rate for the book and research allowance and payment.”
According to them, this delay has caused significant uncertainty and frustration among our members, who depend on this critical support for their research and academic work.
They noted that at a joint meeting held on June 8, 2025, the undersigned unions unanimously resolved that the government must, as a matter of urgency, release the exchange rate and commence the payment process for the book and research allowance to our members.
“Despite the late release of the rates.we have resolved that we will not accept an extension of payments beyond September 2025. We
stress that this allowance is a statutory entitlement under our Conditions of Service and an essential resource for advancing research, teaching, and knowledge sharing,” they added.
The joint statement further added that“We hereby notify all stakeholders that if the government fails to
UTAG, TUTAG, and CETAG threaten strike over delayed book and research allowance
The University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG), the Technical University Teachers Association of Ghana (TUTAG), and the Colleges of Education Teachers Association of Ghana (CETAG) have jointly issued a demand for the immediate payment of their Book and Research Allowance.
They have further indicated that failure by the government to honour this obligation will compel them to embark on a nationwide strike effective Thursday, June 13, 2025.
In a statement issued today, under the headline ‘Exchange Rate and Payment for the Book and Research (BRA) Allowance’ indicates that“The University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG), the Technical University Teachers Association5 of Ghana (TUTAG), and the Colleges of Education Teachers Association of Ghana(CETAG) wish to express our deep concern and discontent over the undue delay in releasing the exchange rate for the book and research allowance and payment.”
According to them, this delay has caused significant uncertainty and frustration among our members, who depend on this critical support for their research and academic work.
They noted that at a joint meeting held on June 8, 2025, the undersigned unions unanimously resolved that the government must, as a matter of urgency, release the exchange rate and commence the payment process for the book and research allowance to our members.
“Despite the late release of the rates.we have resolved that we will not accept an extension of payments beyond September 2025. We
stress that this allowance is a statutory entitlement under our Conditions of Service and an essential resource for advancing research, teaching, and knowledge sharing,” they added.
The joint statement further added that“We hereby notify all stakeholders that if the government fails to commence the payment process by the 13th of June 2025, this will be considered a strike notice by UTAG, TUTAG, and CETAG across all campuses to the government.”
“We urge the government to act swiftly to avert any disruption to the academic calendar and to ensure that the welfare of teachers and the broader academic community is prioritised,” the statement concluded.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
News
Chief Imam endorses ‘Let Love Lead’s’ clean-up campaign at Nkrumah Circle
The National Chief Imam, Sheikh Osman Nuhu Sharubutu, has thrown his weight behind the upcoming city-wide clean-up exercise scheduled for Saturday, June 14, 2025, at Kwame Nkrumah Circle.
The revered Islamic leader gave his blessing during a consultative meeting with organisers of the exercise, calling the initiative a “commendable national duty” that aligns with both religious and civic responsibility.
The clean-up, which marks the third edition of a growing sanitation drive, is being organised by community stakeholders and supported by civil society groups.
This year’s exercise is especially symbolic as it coincides with the 10th anniversary of the June 3, 2015 flood and fire disaster that claimed over 150 lives at the same location.
“The well-being of our people and the cleanliness of our environment are acts of faith and service,” the Chief Imam said.
“We must all come together—Christians, Muslims, traditionalists, and non-religious people alike—to honour the memory of those lost and prevent future tragedies,” He added.
Organisers, ‘Let Love Lead’, say the Chief Imam’s endorsement adds significant moral weight to the campaign, which already enjoys growing national support.
Engagements have also been held with traditional rulers, MPs, government officials, and social influencers to galvanise wider participation.
This year’s event is expected to go beyond sanitation. Side activities include medical outreach, disaster preparedness education, interfaith prayers, and donations to victims of the June 3 disaster.
Nene Lartey Osakonor I (Big Dawood), a traditional leader spearheading coordination, described the Chief Imam’s support as “invaluable.”
He said, “We are deeply honoured by the Chief Imam’s endorsement.
“His message is a powerful reminder that sanitation is not just a government or NGO responsibility—it’s a spiritual and civic duty,” he added.
More institutions, volunteers, and media houses are expected to join the campaign as the date draws near.
