Prices of local coloured fowls soar …as families in UER prepare for annual rituals

The annual demand for local fowls used in traditional sacrificial rites ahead of the farming season has driven prices up to GH¢300 in parts of the Upper East Region.

The traders said local fowls, which normally sell from GH¢80, becomes a sought-after commodity during the period because many families and traditional areas require birds of specific colours to perform customary rituals believed to usher in timely rains, bumper harvests and protection for their communities.

A visit by The SPECTATOR to the Manyoro market in the Kassena-Nankana District of the Upper East Region revealed brisk business, with buyers carefully selecting birds based on feather colour rather than size.

Ayamga Thomas Atanga, a poultry trader, said demand had increased significantly over the past few weeks.

“People are looking for white, black, red or speckled local fowls because those are the colours required for sacrifices in their various communities. Once we get such birds, they are sold quickly,” he said.

He noted that the seasonal demand provides an important source of income for poultry traders and local farmers who rear indigenous birds.

Another trader, Awinbilla Adongo, mentioned that some customers travelled from neighbouring districts to make reservations for the birds.

“Depending on the colour and availability, prices range from GH¢120 to GH¢300. The rarer the colour, the higher the price because buyers are willing to pay to fulfil their traditional obligations,” he explained.

A traditional priest, Tindana Akolgo Anabila, said the practice had been observed by communities in the region for generations and formed part of preparations for the farming season.

“Before the first rains, families perform sacrifices to honour their ancestors and pray for good rainfall, protection, peace and a successful farming season. The colour of the fowl is determined by the customs of each clan and cannot be changed,” he said.

He explained that the significance of the sacrifices extended beyond prayers for rain.

“These rituals are also performed to seek spiritual protection for families, prevent accidents and other misfortunes, ward off evil influences and invoke blessings for a fruitful farming season. Our forefathers believed that when the customary rites are observed faithfully, the land will be blessed and the people are protected,” he stated.

According to the traditional priest, many families continue to uphold the practice because of their belief in its spiritual and cultural significance.

“There are people who no longer observe these customs, and in our tradition, it is believed that neglecting the rites can result in poor harvests and other setbacks. That is why many families continue to perform them every year before the rains,” he added.

He stressed that the birds were acquired mainly for ritual purposes rather than for consumption.

Some buyers at the market told The Spectator that despite the increase in prices, they considered the purchases necessary to preserve customs handed down through generations.

The seasonal trade has also provided a boost for local poultry farmers, many of whom rear indigenous fowls in anticipation of the increased demand.

With the onset of the rainy season, traders expect demand for coloured local fowls to remain high over the coming weeks, underscoring the enduring influence of tradition on local commerce and community life in the Upper East Region.

From Geoffrey Buta, Manyoro