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“Syringe” shortage hits major markets in Accra

One of the major markets in the capital, Accra, has been facing a shortage of enema bulb syringes, commonly known as “bentua”.

The “bentua” is a bulb syringe used for administering liquid through the anus for various health and traditional purposes.

According to a report by Accra-based newspaper, The Mirror, this shortage has left many customers and vendors in disarray. They have not been able to access the product on a wholesale basis for the past three months.

Checks by the portal to the Accra Central Market have confirmed this shortage, with some vendors explaining the reasons behind it.

Some vendors have accused a licensed importer based in Kumasi of monopolizing the importation of the product into the country, leading to the shortage.

Georgina, who sells “bentua” at UTC in Accra, mentioned that the wholesaler mostly supplies stock to Kumasi and some West African countries, including Cote d’Ivoire. This had led to a limited supply for Accra.

Another vendor expressed to The Mirror that the exclusive importation arrangement from China is negatively affecting trade activities and their livelihood.

“Frequent complaints and agitation from potential customers have been overwhelming,” the vendor added.

Maame Bee, another vendor of “bentua” at Kingsway in Accra, stated, “If the woman in Kumasi does not supply the Accra Central market, no one else seems to have the right to import into the country.”

“Unfortunately, we cannot produce ‘bentua’ in Ghana,” another vendor named Naa Tsotsoo said.

“China, Germany, and Holland all produce ‘bentua’. There is also an Indian company in Abidjan making them. Our great, great grandmothers have been using this; Why can’t we produce some here?” Naa Tsotsoo questioned.

Currently, the shortage of “bentua” is significantly impacting businesses, vendors, and customers who rely on the product for various health and traditional purposes.

The profitable item is being sold for prices ranging from GH¢25 to GH¢70, depending on the size.

Source: www.ghanaweb.com

Ogyem Solomon

Solomon Ogyem – Media Entrepreneur | Journalist | Brand Ambassador Solomon Ogyem is a dynamic Ghanaian journalist and media entrepreneur currently based in South Africa. With a solid foundation in journalism, Solomon is a graduate of the OTEC School of Journalism and Communication Studies in Ghana and Oxbridge Academy in South Africa. He began his career as a reporter at OTEC 102.9 MHz in Kumasi, where he honed his skills in news reporting, community storytelling, and radio broadcasting. His passion for storytelling and dedication to the media industry led him to establish Press MltiMedia Company in South Africa—a growing platform committed to authentic African narratives and multimedia journalism. Solomon is the founder and owner of Thepressradio.com, a news portal focused on delivering credible, timely, and engaging stories across Ghana and Africa. He also owns Press Global Tickets, a service-driven venture in the travel and logistics space, providing reliable ticketing services. In addition to his media ventures, Solomon serves as a Brand Ambassador for Alabuga, a prominent Russian industrial company, representing their interests and expansion across Africa. He previously owned two notable websites—Ghanaweb.mobi and ShowbizAfrica.net—both of which contributed to entertainment and socio-political discussions within Ghana’s digital space. With a diverse background in media, digital journalism, and business, Solomon Ogyem is dedicated to telling impactful African stories, empowering youth through media, and building cross-continental media partnerships.

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