The mystery behind the akonfem bird

About a decade ago, a friend invited a group of writers to his residence in Bolgatanga in the Upper East Region, and I was one of the guests. We had travelled to the then three Northern Regions to organise writing workshops for some selected Senior High Schools.

We were served with some sumptuous guinea fowl meat at the upper balcony of our friend's house where our host decided to turn off all lights leaving us to enjoy the meat in the dark. I don't know whether that is part of the culture of the people of the area, but some of my friends who were a bit "naughty" thought we could have been served with something other than guinea fowl, possibly "Red Goat" meat, you know what I mean. But the meat was quite tasty, anyway.

Guinea fowls, which is locally known as ‘akonfem’ in the Akan Language, Although originated from Africa, were introduced in Europe in the 15th century by Portuguese explorers.

"Akonfem" is said to have a lean meat which is rich in essential fatty acids and low in calories.

Guinea fowl meat is also rich in vitamins E, B1 and B2 and minerals such as magnesium, calcium and iron, and is low in cholesterol and also high in protein.

The guinea fowl unlike foreign poultry has the ability to withstand harsh conditions. This makes its rearing much more easier as compared with difficulties associated with normal poultry.

As much as the guinea fowl has a lot of positive characteristics, it seems to be carving a bad name and has become a subject for national conversation many times.

In 1994, a war started in Nakpayili in the Nanumba South District of the Northern Region between Konkombas and Nanumbas over the price of a guinea fowl.

Prior to the 2016 elections the then opposition New Patriotic Party's propaganda machinery was hinged on akonfem which some people believe was part of the reason why the National Democratic Congress lost the elections.

The New Patriotic Party lied that guinea fowls procured under the Savannah Accelerated Development Agency (SADA) meant for distribution to some farmers in the North to help improve their lives, had fled to Burkina Faso, causing financial loss to the state.

Interestingly, the national discourse regarding the mystery of akonfem seems not to be ending anytime soon. Akonfem is trending gidigidi in the country today. This time around, a well marinated, spiced and grilled akonfem is causing a lot of confusion and disaffection amongst a certain political party which some experts believe could lead to their attrition.

Perhaps, the akonfems which flew to Burkina Faso many years ago are coming back spiced, marinated and grilled with venom.

Anthony Obeng Afrane