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Why do we still go globe-trotting calabash in hand, a large entourage in tow and officials back home waiting to pounce on the “booty” that will be squeezed into our calabash like the last drop from an Ideal Milk tin? We sit on so much wealth but like Diabetes, we are hungry (poor) in the midst of plenty.
I do not have answers to our challenges as a country with my limited information because from where I stand it appears international economic woes alone can’t explain our challenges but we have many smart people in leadership positions so something must be missing. I am no History scholar (my only claim to that is being a friend to one of the great Prof Albert Adu Boahen’s children. May Chris’ soul rest in perfect peace). I do not think there has ever been a better time in the history of our dear country; stable democracy, peace, loads of knowledge, people willing to make a difference, access to a global market and many more. Yes, the challenges are humongous, but we are not alone, and the story has always been the same.
For as long as I can remember, we have always been one of the top 2 producers of Cocoa in the world, yet we hardly have a say in the money we should get from the toils of Tetteh Quarshie. The cocoa farmer seems to be a “neglected” species. Together with our neighbour to our West, we produce over 60% of the worlds cocoa yet as the price of cocoa products like chocolate continue to rise, the price of our unrefined cocoa beans continues to dance “agbadza” with peaks and troughs; who pulls the strings? My limited economics fails me here.
Fear of the unknown may paralyse us but the obvious should urge us on. The pattern of cocoa growth around the country is changing and climate change is certainly playing a role. Can Cocoa really go extinct (I first heard this on Citi FM) if global warming continues unabated? Are we losing cocoa only to changing climate, galamsey, disease and aging trees or other issues such a lack of respect for those who till the land including cocoa farmers? Have we made farming so unattractive that it’s now the preserve of the elderly? What happens when that generation moves on to glory? The young ones are moving to the cities to be close to where most of the money from cocoa is spent.
These days I see some beauty products from cocoa, shea butter etc. produced locally. These are amazing world-class products. Why did it take us so long to do so little? These finished products need to be promoted nationwide, then to our neighbours and then around the world. We should use as much as possible here for its health and beauty benefits while creating wealth.
I still think about the National Cathedral, but I will keep my thoughts to myself. We need a COCOA VILLAGE by ALL MEANS. This will be a major tourist attraction for both internal and external clients. CAN YOU JUST IMAGINE, a world top 2 cocoa producer has a place where you can go to experience the exciting cocoa story of perseverance, hope and maybe patriotism? A place where you can see a miniature cocoa farm and how it is tendered daily and different stages including harvesting and drying. Areas that show physically or in pictures processing of chocolate, cocoa bread, cake, pastries, drinks, soap, shampoo, body creams and an endless list. We can throw in a few games/activities and couch them as Tetteh Quarshie’s favourite. Why has this not materialized? Tourism please!!!
At least one day each week should be COCOA DAY; everyone or at least all state offices, functions etc. should serve only cocoa products. We will reap not only from the health benefits but also a product that becomes more attractive world-wide and guess what will follow. Can we have properly organized “cocoa festivals” at least once a year? It should be fairly easy to set the ball rolling by organizing a mini cocoa festival at least once a month in one COCOBOD facility nationwide; lets showcase cocoa products and add some “flavour” to make it attractive. I am dedicating one month this year to promote COCOA & COCOA products; let us do this for GHANA.
If the benefits of Cocoa do not blow your mind, then I don’t know what else will. It rubs shoulders with any product being marketed on a “Neoplan Bus”. The only difference is that with cocoa, research backs it, and it is safe for use.
Do not get overexcited and begin to imagine discarding your medicines. Cocoa taken in moderation serves only as a supplement and NOT a replacement for your medication if your doctor has already put you on one. Some research has been done on dosing in some conditions but hold on for now and use it for prevention or to supplement your medicines for optimal outcome.
The antioxidant in cocoa that is at the centre of its quest for being considered a super food is also found in red wine, green tea, several fruits and vegetables and so it is not surprising that it has some anti-cancer/cancer prevention properties.
This same antioxidant also increases the good cholesterol (HDL) in our blood and hence prevents the formation of plaques in blood vessels that may cause narrowing or blocking of these vessels supplying essential nutrients to vital organs and various parts of the body. This seemingly simple process opens the floodgate of blessings such as:
Well, the magnesium in cocoa may be beneficial to those with various challenges during their menses. In a fast-paced world taking a break to sip a warm mug of cocoa gives you time to catch your breath and manage stress, especially if you picture all the great things happening in your body.
Cocoa has some positive effects on our teeth as well. That does not give you the license to avoid taking care of your mouth and teeth just because you drink a little cup of cocoa a day. You may end up with hardly any teeth and be sentenced to meals of “koko sakora” (porridge with no additives and not even bread).
Cocoa has even been linked to a reduction in the risk factors for diabetes, a disease which is itself a major risk factor for heart and blood vessel (cardiovascular) diseases. I believe more work is going on in this area.
Did you know that natural Cocoa may play a role in prevention of Malaria? When Professor Fred Addae speaks on Cocoa, you have to listen. As a country and continent we need to really get to the bottom of this feature.
Even the husk of cocoa is reported to have been used in preparations that help in the management of constipation especially in children. This function may be attributed to the fibre content. Dear reader, do not try any funny concoctions please, limit yourself to a pure cocoa drink a day, or a regular treat of a cube of dark chocolate.
Chocolate has been associated with romance for centuries and at the centre of this is the heart. Well now we are discovering that the cocoa in chocolate is heart friendly. Enjoy cocoa products, especially those with minimal or no refining. Additives such as sugar and milk reduce its benefits. Consume in moderation and remember that it does not replace exercising but complements it, neither is it a substitute for your medication but rather it acts as a supplement.
We may have our backs against the wall but it’s all our doing. We expect God to perform miracles, but the “Way Maker” already kept His side of the bargain; precious minerals abound in our land and our soil that I will describe as one of the choicest (probably out of ignorance). We have to make a difference and it starts with you and me.
ALWAYS LAUGH OFTEN, ENSURE HYGIENE, WALK AND PRAY EVERYDAY AND REMEMBER IT’S A PRICELESS GIFT TO KNOW YOUR NUMBERS (blood sugar, blood pressure, blood cholesterol, BMI)
Dr. Kojo Cobba Essel
Health Essentials Ltd (HE&W Group)
(dressel@healthessentialsgh.com)
*Dr. Essel is a medical doctor with a keen interest in Lifestyle Medicine, He holds an MBA and is an ISSA Specialist in exercise therapy, fitness nutrition and corrective exercise. He is the author of the award-winning book, ‘Unravelling The Essentials of Health & Wealth.’
Thought for the week – “imagine your food as part of your body and let that inform your choices. Do you want to be built of and powered by junk food?”
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