Traditional chewing stick trade booming in spite of stiff competition

Accra, Feb 06, GNA - A 35-year old traditional chewing stick trader has said chewing sticks business is still booming, in spite of stiff competition from modern tooth brushes and paste because of its medicinal properties.

Madam Naomi Amoah, who said this in an interview with Ghana News Agency on Wednesday, explained that the stick was capable of checking mouth related diseases and infections, but unfortunately dental researches have been quiet on its value.

She said traditional chewing sticks mainly used by elderly persons in all societies of the country was distinguished for its potency in checking gum bleeding, tooth decay and mouth odour as well as making the teeth naturally white.

She said in her esteemed opinion, the chewing stick does not only strengthen the teeth and gum, but also contains natural properties that could boost appetite, serve as a natural purgative and enhance erection and ejaculation among some men.

Madam Amoah said the chewing sticks were derived from three basic trees, namely, 'Sokodua', 'Tweapia' and 'Sarwire', adding that the barks of such trees were equally noted for the treatment of malaria and fever.

The mother of of two, who has been in the chewing stick trade for 13 years, said she made GH¢ 60 to GH¢ 80 a day and that had been the major source of income for the family.

'I use the proceeds from the business in taking care of my children at the Junior High School and the primary school levels and hope to look after them through to the tertiary level', said Madam Amoah.

She said though she sold modern tooth brush and paste, she would recommend traditional chewing stick for all and sundry because of its medicinal value.

Madam Amoah said the only way to ensure Ghanaian businesses grew was to change the mind set of people on made in Ghana goods to get them to patronize the product so as to reduce the canker of youth unemployment facing the country.

She called on the appropriate authorities such as the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research to conduct thorough researches into the medicinal properties of chewing sticks and make their findings public to enable Ghanaians appreciate its value.

GNA