News
Superstition at K’dua Market …traders reject smaller denomination
Money
In the busy markets of Koforidua, a unique tradition has taken root among some traders.
As they set up their stalls each morning, a number of these vendors refuse to accept smaller currency denominations.
It is the belief of these group of traders that starting the day with such small transactions would affect sales and not make any profit.
This superstition, shared by traders in other markets throughout the region, has become a habitual practice that influenced their customer interactions and financial management, particularly in the early hours of trading.
For these traders, whether the day would be profitable or not depends on the first transaction. If the initial transaction involved smaller denominations, they feared it would set a negative trend for the day, leading to insufficient earnings.
To avoid this perceived misfortune, they turn away customers offering smaller bills or coins, preferring to wait for those with bigger denominations.
Madam Phyllis Boateng, a trader who believes in this superstition, explained to The Spectator that while the practice might seem irrational to outsiders, she firmly believes in the spiritual implications of money.
“We don’t only engage in commercial sales; we also believe that money has spiritual effects, and your small amount can negatively affect my sales. Some customers might feel offended, but I think they can find alternative shops to buy from,” she said.
Aside the belief about the size of denominations, Madam Priscilla Zilevu, another trader, has taken additional measures to also protect herself from bad luck.
She mixes garlic and pepper with her money, believing that this would ward off negative effects on her sales.
“Sometimes the source of the money the customer is using to buy from you is not a good one and can drain you financially, so you have to protect yourself from some of these things,” she explained.
Not all traders share this belief though as Dora Appiah-Kubi, who does not believe in these, recounted her experiences with other traders who refuse small denominations for their first sales.
Even taxi drivers, she noted, sometimes refuse exact fares like GH¢4.50 when starting their day, preferring larger notes.
However, a local preacher, Pastor John Amponsah, in Koforidua, Densuano, said the belief was fascinating, emphasising that the Bible does not support such practices.
“Even though many describes money as spirit and the trader not knowing the source of it, I believe it is more about how that money was used,” he said.
Pastor Amponsah said some Christian traders adhere to this superstition and pointed out that there was no biblical basis for the position of the market women.
Instead, he advised traders to accept all kinds of denomination and pray over them, citing Proverbs 10:22: “The Blessing of the Lord maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow,” and the story of Jesus commending the woman who gave the least offering as examples to follow.
He urged traders to abandon this practice, accept all forms of currency, and place their faith in God’s provision, rather than succumbing to superstitious fears.
From Ama Tekyiwaa Ampadu Agyeman
Local mattress manufacturers have raised serious concerns over the influx of substandard mattresses, warning that these products pose significant health risks to consumers and threaten the sustainability of Ghana’s mattress industry.
At a press briefing held in Kumasi on Tuesday, manufacturers accused unregistered foreign entities, particularly Chinese firms, of flooding the market with cheap mattresses made from polystyrene.
Mr Yaw Ampem Darko, a spokesperson for the local manufacturers, warned that prolonged use of substandard mattresses, especially those made with polystyrene, could result in chronic back pain, musculoskeletal disorders, poor posture, and diminished sleep quality.
These health implications, they stressed, were not always immediately evident but accumulate over time, especially among vulnerable populations such as children and the elderly.
This material, typically used for packaging, is considered unsuitable and unsafe for bedding.
According to industry leaders, these sub-standard products have been circulating for at least five years, gaining traction among unsuspecting consumers due to their unusually low prices.
“These mattresses are being sold at suspiciously low prices, luring unsuspecting consumers who are unaware of the health dangers.”
“We are not just protecting our businesses; we are protecting Ghanaian lives. The government must act swiftly to stem this tide before more citizens fall victim to these dangerous products,” Mr Yaw Ampem Darko stated.
The Ghana Standards Authority (GSA) has acknowledged the issue and, in response, announced a nationwide enforcement campaign aimed at clamping down on the production, distribution, and sale of substandard mattresses.
The campaign, which was scheduled to take effect from September 30, 2025, was empowered by the GSA Act, 2022 (Act 1078), which authorises the Authority to seize and seal non-compliant products and impose sanctions on offenders.
In a statement signed by the Director General of the GSA, Professor George Agyei, the authority cited Sections 29 and 43 of the Act, reiterating that all mattresses sold in Ghana must meet established national standards or face confiscation.
The statement further emphasised that mattresses failing to meet these standards not only compromise sleep quality but also contribute to long-term health complications, including spinal and neck pain.
Despite the GSA’s commitment, manufacturers have expressed frustration over delays in implementation and called for stronger enforcement mechanisms.
They urged the GSA to work in close collaboration with the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority and national law enforcement agencies to identify and prosecute violators of Ghana’s quality standards.
Manufacturers are also appealing to consumers to remain vigilant and prioritise their health by verifying that any mattress they purchase bears the GSA certification mark.
Moreover, they caution the public against purchasing suspiciously cheap mattresses that lack proper labelling or identifiable branding, as these were often indicators of substandard or counterfeit products.
As the official enforcement deadline had expired with no show, the local producers insisted that much more than business interests were at stake.
They argued that without swift and sustained action, the health and safety of Ghanaian consumers would continue to be compromised.
“Public awareness, strict enforcement, and collaboration among regulatory bodies are essential if we are to protect the integrity of the local industry and the wellbeing of the Ghanaian people,” Mr Darko indicated.
From Kingsley E. Hope, Kumasi
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The Founder of the Raissa Child Protection Initiative, Ms Raissa Sambou, has urged authorities to impose severe punishment on individuals, including teachers and guardians, who sexually abuse young girls.
Speaking in an interview to mark this year’s International Day of the Girl Child (October 11), Ms Sambou condemned the increasing cases of sexual exploitation involving minors, describing such acts as “heartless, criminal, and a total betrayal of trust.”
She noted that those entrusted with the care and education of children must not be the same people who violate them, stressing that “anyone found guilty of abusing a girl child must face the full rigours of the law without leniency.”
The International Day of the Girl Child is observed annually to promote the rights of girls, empower them to reach their full potential, and draw attention to the challenges they face worldwide.
Ms Sambou lamented that poverty continues to push many young girls into vulnerable situations, exposing them to exploitation.
She expressed concern that some headmasters, teachers, and community members who should protect girls rather take advantage of them.
“This must stop immediately. The safety of every girl must never be compromised,” she said, urging the public to report all forms of abuse to the appropriate authorities and called for swift action by law enforcement agencies against perpetrators.
Addressing girls directly, Ms Sambou encouraged them to take their education seriously and to believe in their potential.
“It is possible to be young and responsible. Your future is bright, protect it, believe in it, and never let anyone dim your light,” she advised.
She further urged girls to choose their friends wisely, stay disciplined, and speak up if anyone makes sexual advances toward them.
Ms Sambou concluded with a rallying call for collective action, saying “speak up, protect them, and empower them. Together, we can end the sexual exploitation of girls.”
By Esinam Jemima Kuatsinu
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