Alata Samina; Then And Now (Final Year Online News Production)

Karlien Naa Dei Kotey

Accra.


                            The Sensational African Black Soap; ALATA SAMINA

One of Ghana’s homemade products that seems to be in the face of time is the African black soap, popularly known as Alata Samina.

The African Black Soap; Alata Samina 

The African black soap is a dark brown colored cleansing bar which is commonly used and known by the people of West Africa. In its preparation, three basic materials are used, namely, dry plantain peels, cocoa potash and palm oil. It is known to have originated from the Yoruba people in Nigeria and Yoruba communities in Benin and Togo. 

The Yoruba traders, specifically women traders, who sold tomatoes and peppers, introduced black soap to Ghana. These women were called Alata which means pepper traders whereas Samina means soap, making Alata Samina the Ghanaian name for the African black soap. Many years ago, the Alata Samina soap was solely prepared and used without combining other soaps or additives. The soap makers typically prepare a mixture of water and the ashes of plantain peels, cocoa potash, shea tree bark and palm oil. 

Today, Ghanaians have explored the many ingredients that could enhance the benefits of the black soap. Many people have come to accept and experience the benefits of using the Alata Samina but in a rather modernized way. They either request a natural mixture which is made by the Alata Samina soap vendors or purchase the factory-made mixtures which made with processed lime and honey and sold in plastic containers.

The Alata Samina being mixed by the vendor

Today, Ghanaians have explored the many ingredients that could enhance the benefits of the black soap. Many people have come to accept and experience the benefits of using the Alata Samina but in a rather modernized way. They either request a natural mixture which is made by the Alata Samina soap vendors or purchase the factory-made mixtures which made with processed lime and honey and sold in plastic containers.

One Alata Samina soap vendor who has been in the Alata Soap business for more than ten years says the purchasing level has increased overtime. According to her, 90% of her customers buy other soaps usually antiseptic, together with honey, turmeric and lime so that she can mix the Alata Samina according her customer’s preferences.

An Alata Samina Vendor and some Ghanaians who use the soap

Although Alata Samina is an ancient soap mixture, it has been enhanced by many entrepreneurs as well as many soap making companies. Due to this, it is progressively to be taking grounds in many Ghanaian homes and the area of business in the country. 



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