A senior lecturer at the Kumasi Technical University, Dr. Solomon Kwarteng Forkuo is calling on medical practitioners to scrutinize the consumption of ‘ataya’ and come out with their findings if drinking it is good or bad for human health.
Dr. Kwarteng Forkuo in a studio interview with Nana Konadu Abu-Prah on the Wontumi Morning Show called on medical practitioners to probe the effect of ‘ataya’ on consumers since it could have a dire effect on life.
His call comes on the back of a statement by former President John Mahama that he would ensure National Democratic Congress (NDC) polling agents are given ‘ataya’ at polling stations during the 2024 elections.
But Dr. Forkuo insisted that in preparing for the 2024 elections, it about making the brains work and not about consuming any drink.
“It is about the brain working not the physique”, he said as he continued that “call on the medical experts to look into it and find out if drinking ‘ataya’ is good for them.”
He added that he doubts former President Mahama or his wife consumes ‘ataya’ at home but is proposing it to the NDC polling agents without considering their health.
“Do you drink ataya?” he rhetorically asked Mr. Mahama.
“Do you know the effect and medicinal effect of it? Boys are dying…Does he give his family ‘ataya’ in the morning for them to drink before going about their daily business?”
Locally brewed tea known as ‘Ataya’ is a popular beverage among residents of the northern part of the country. It is known for its ability to keep users awake and energised to perform any challenging task or work.
Former President John Dramani Mahama, who is vying to lead the NDC in the 2024 elections, said he thought NDC agents would perform better if they drank Ataya.
John Mahama openly declared: We will be serving our agents tea, coffee and ‘Ataya’ at the polling stations on December 7, 2024 to enable them stay awake and watch the results of the elections to help avoid rigging.