DOG MEAT Patronized More Than Fish, Chicken, Guinea Fowl, And Cattle Meat In Bolgatanga: Whilst Some Use It For Delicacies, Others Use It For Rituals

GhanaCelebrities.Com reporter, Osarfo Anthony, sojourned Bolgatanga, in the Upper East of Ghana to follow up on a lead. There, he also had another lead that dog meat is highly patronized by indigenes of Bolgatanga to other flesh-eatables.

In fact, in Bolgatanga, dog meat is patronized more than goat, cattle, and chicken meat as well as fish. Aside that, dog meat is less expensive than cattle meat or any other kind of meat. There is actually a dog meat market where only live dogs are sold or bought – just as we have normal market where tomatoes, pepper, onions, etc. are sold and bought.

When the reporter visited the dog market, he was awe struck – seeing plenty live assembled and hanged dogs with buyers negotiating with dog sellers so they can grab a dog home to prepare some ‘tuozaafi’ and ‘tumbani’ meal.

The prices of the dogs range between GHC 100 – 150. The market was soiled with dog stool – hope you know the stench that comes out of dogs’ fecal matter? However, none of the sellers or buyers held their noses – obviously, their olfactory senses are used to the smell. Some were even seen eating around whilst others slept on mats and benches.

When the reporter attempted interviewing some of the sellers, they were so busy that they did not have time to spare. Others who were ready too, asked what our objective for the story is – unless told, they can’t open up. When told it was a report for publication, none was ready to speak.

Asked if pictures or videos could be taken without any interview, the reporter was nearly lynched. Still bent on getting some exclusive for publication, the reporter pleaded with one young seller who agreed to speak but on condition – behind the market.

This young dog seller told the reporter that he asked to grant the interview not because of the rude conduct from the other sellers but because his dogs are special ones. Asked what he meant by special dogs, he said his dogs are sold purposely for those who require dogs for rituals.

Rituals purposes such as: pacifying something abominable, money-making, higher farm yield, business boost, and others. Though he also insisted we don’t take pictures of him, the photographer was too smart – he had taken one from a distance, but with a close up shot, this young dog seller warned us not to dare him. Here are some pictures we took

From the market, the reporter visited the dog meat abattoir – where many dogs had been slaughtered. The whole place was tainted with blood. Flies were all over the place. Whilst some were seen roasting some slaughtered dogs, others were busy slaughtering the dogs behind the building – with the dogs crying for their dear life.

From the abattoir, the reporter ended his adventure at a ‘chop bar’ where dog meat is used in preparation of the soup and stew. Though a 100% vegetarian, the reporter deliberately asked for the price of dog meat (in the soup). He was banged in the face with the response from the seller: “3 pieces for GHC1.”

When the woman brought out one piece of the meat, it was quite fat. But, when tilapia was requested, the price was GHC 7 – which was not too big. A piece of chicken was sold for GHC 5. Asked why the dog meat costs more than the rest of the flesh-eatables, she said “why, are you a stranger?

“Well I see you are a stranger. People here love dog meat more than any other meat. It tastes’ nicer than chicken, goat meat guinea fowl. You will love it, trust me.” The reporter who could not stand the musky scent, excused himself to urinate, and ran off…

As the saying goes, one man’s meat is another man’s poison – never judge and never condemn. So in case you want to enjoy another form of meat which is tastier than chicken, goat or cattle, try dog meat someday when you go to Bolgatanga. Until then…MOTWUM!!