Some salaried workers in Ho in the Volta Region say they seem to have found a creative way to beat what they describe as harsh economic conditions in the country.
They have resorted to eating ‘gari’ and beans as a means of ensuring survival. Known in the local parlance as “gorbe” or “borbor”, the workers say the food is not only cheaper and nutritious, but sustains them throughout the day.
Speaking to Citi News, an employee of the Volta Regional Coordinating Council said he buys beans to save him from spending too much on food.
“Instead of going to spend 10 cedis in a restaurant, I reserve more money. When I come here, I usually buy 3 cedis or 4 cedis with beans, plantain, rice, all mixed together. It is ‘concrete,’ so when I take it, it takes me throughout the whole day,” he explained.
[contextly_sidebar id=”3iz5HwVmvrGoRyRHxPex2XmJhkcJ2n0F”]Another worker explained that “For me it is a pleasure coming here for the beans. Because of the economic hardship now, you cannot buy food and go for another food in the next two or three hours but when you come for the beans like this, it serves as lunch, supper.”
The food vendor at the beans joint, Madam Mary Lawson said “business is fine, a lot of prominent people buy my food. They like my food because I prepare it well without making it too watery”
“Some customers also prefer the beans because it’s cost effective. With only 1. 50 pesewas, or 2 cedis you will be satisfied,” she added.
Citi FM’s Volta Regional correspondent Norbert Akpabli reported that night workers were also seen trooping into another joint called Fear Bobo which means “ Night Beans “ in the region.
A taxi driver who spoke to Citi News said: “I am a taxi driver, so it takes me throughout my night job, I just spend 1.50 pesewas and I am ok. It also helps reserve money”
A survey in Ho Market also indicated that there has been a high demand for raw beans.
According to Nobert, “an olonka of beans that used to be sold at 8cedis and 7 cedis depending on their variety now sells at 10 cedis and 12 cedis respectively.”
By: Marian Efe Ansah/citifmonline.com/Ghana
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