By Professor Raphael Nyarkotey Obu
Akokono Khebab
At the core of Ghana’s traditional food culture beats a lesser-known yet highly nutritious treat –
Akokono
, the larvae of the African palm weevil (
Rhynchophorus phoenicis
Although it has traditionally been part of the diet for people living in rural areas and specific ethnic groups, broader adoption has faced obstacles because of the taboos related to eating insects. However, as contemporary scientific research highlights the significant health advantages of this native food source, now is the moment to reconsider our stance.
Akokono
‘ involvement in Ghana’s policies related to nutrition and health.
Rediscovering indigenous nutrition
Currently, Ghana faces two main nutritional issues: undernutrition and micronutrient deficiencies, alongside an increase in lifestyle-related conditions such as obesity and diabetes. Amidst these concerns, there is growing interest in reviving the use of nutrient-dense traditional foods like
Akokono
is both relevant and crucial.
Akokono
It goes beyond being just a conventional snack; it serves as a protein-packed, nutrient-dense, and eco-friendly dietary option. Studies carried out by experts at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), McGill University in Canada, along with the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (ICIPE), have underscored this fact.
Akokono
As a nutrient-rich food capable of considerably enhancing general well-being when incorporated into everyday eating habits.
Nutritional Profile: Why Is Akokondo Considered a Superfood?
One of the most striking features of
Akokono
Its rich nutritional profile stands out due to its comprehensive composition of vital nutrients. Notably, it includes all the indispensable amino acids needed by the human body. Consequently, this makes it an equivalent alternative to proteins sourced from meats like beef, chicken, and seafood. In regions where people have restricted access to these types of animal proteins,
Akokono
offers a budget-friendly and easy-to-access option.
In addition to protein,
Akokono
is rich in beneficial fats, specifically monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids, which are advantageous for heart health. Additionally, it serves as a good source of:
-
Iron
Essential for preventing anaemia, particularly among women of childbearing age and children. -
Zinc
: Crucial for immune system support and cell maintenance. -
Magnesium and copper
Essential for enzyme activities and energy production. -
Vitamin B12, riboflavin, niacin, and folic acid
Essential for the creation of red blood cells, proper functioning of the nervous system, and the process of DNA synthesis.
A study from 2020 that was published in
BMC Nutrition
Parker et al. assessed the inclusion of
Akokono
into peanut butter for children and observed a notable enhancement in the food’s protein and micronutrient content. The children who ate this enriched spread exhibited improved growth indicators and overall nutrition levels when contrasted with those who didn’t consume it.
Akonono and the battle against anemia
Anemia continues to be a significant public health issue in Ghana. The Ghana Demographic and Health Survey from 2019 indicates that more than 66 percent of young children under five years old and 42 percent of women of childbearing age suffer from anemia. Efforts like iron supplement programs have shown varied outcomes because of adherence problems and inadequate eating patterns.
Here,
Akokono
provides a culturally suitable and easily absorbable form of dietary iron. In contrast to iron tablets, which may lead to stomach issues, iron derived from natural food sources such as
Akokono
is gentler on the body and typically absorbs more easily. Promoting
Akokono
Incorporating iron-rich foods into antenatal and child nutrition programs might revolutionize efforts to decrease anaemia-linked issues like maternal deaths, low birth weights, and impaired development.
An eco-friendly approach to tackling protein deficiency
Apart from health benefits,
Akokono
offers substantial ecological benefits. These larvae can be cultivated utilizing waste products from agriculture such as palm leaves and fruit scraps, which fits well into sustainable economic systems. Compared to traditional farming of animals, they use less water and food, produce lower levels of greenhouse gases, and grow rapidly. This makes
Akokono
Farming that is both highly sustainable and scalable.
As climate change poses challenges to conventional agricultural practices, insect farming is gaining international recognition as a key component of sustainable food solutions. The UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) supports the consumption of insects as an effective answer to worldwide food shortages. In Ghana, where eating insects is deeply rooted in cultural traditions, there lies a significant chance for the country to spearhead innovation in this field across Africa.
From field to plate: the culinary adaptability of Akokono
Innovation in cooking has demonstrated that
Akokono
can surpass traditional roasted snacks or roadside treats. Recently, Ghanaian chefs, nutrition experts, and food business owners have created various premium items through the use of
Akokono
, including:
-
Akokono-fortified biscuits and cereals
for school feeding programmes. -
Protein-rich pastes
blended with peanut or shea butter. -
Powdered Akokono flour
Used in cereals or baby food. -
Gourmet dishes,
Including dishes like stews, kebabs, and rice meals.
This adaptability enhances its attractiveness and simplifies incorporation into everyday eating habits. When properly processed and packaged,
Akokono
-products could similarly be exported as part of Ghana’s agricultural food sector.
Overcoming barriers to acceptance
Even with its advantages, city dwellers and the upper class frequently perceive
Akokono
Consumption is often viewed as primitive or unclean. This stigma originates from dietary changes during the colonial era and contemporary misconceptions. Overcoming this obstacle necessitates focused health education initiatives, cooking demonstrations, and support from healthcare providers and public figures.
Schools, places of worship, healthcare centers, and media outlets should be utilized to normalize insect-based food consumption. Furthermore, the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MOFA), along with the Ministry of Health and Ghana Health Service, ought to integrate
Akokono
Into nutritional policies and school meal programs. Integrating food science research with indigenous knowledge can enhance standardized practices for safety, cleanliness, and conservation techniques, thereby boosting trust in their usage.
Policy recommendations
To completely realize the full potential of
Akokono
I suggest the following:
-
Integration into national nutrition plans
— The Ghana School Feeding Program and maternal nutrition policies ought to take into account
Akokono
products. -
Support for Akokono farming
– Offer education, initial resources, and financial assistance to young farmers and women’s collectives. -
Research and development
– Further scholarly investigation into the health advantages of
Akokono
Can aid clinical nutrition and public health initiatives. -
Standardisation and certification
– Establish safety protocols via the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) for Akokono-derived food items. -
Export potential
– Position
Akokono
As part of Ghana’s push towards a greener economy, we can also look into exploring international markets where edible insects are becoming increasingly popular.
Conclusion
Within a nation adorned with a rich variety of culinary customs,
Akokono
stands out as a traditional delicacy and a contemporary health option. It merges nutrition, sustainability, and economic promise into a single compact form. Ghana needs to capitalize on this chance to reshape
Akokono
Not as “food for the poor,” but rather as “food for the future.” It is time to shift this perspective.
Akokono
on the national plate—not as a relic of the past, but as a superfood for the present and future health of our nation.
>>>the writer
is a Professor of Natural Medicine, admitted to practice law at the Gambia Bar, and holds a chartered designation in health economics.
Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc.
Syndigate.info
).
