Akpeteshie

Akpeteshie, the national spirit of Ghana, is a cherished and potent beverage created by distilling palm wine or sugar cane juice. Known by various vibrant names such as apio, ogoglo, Kill Me Quick, Efie Nipa, and Home Boy, it holds a significant place in Ghanaian culture. Before European colonization, the Anlo people brewed a local spirit known as "kpótomenui." However, during British colonial rule, local brewing was prohibited, and it was during this period that the name "akpeteshie" emerged. Despite the ban, production and consumption of akpeteshie persisted clandestinely, and following Ghana's independence, distillation was legalized.

The production process of akpeteshie involves fermenting palm wine or sugarcane juice in large barrels and subsequently distilling it to produce a spirit with a potent 40-50% alcohol content. Typically sold in unlabeled recycled bottles, it can be purchased either wholesale or by the glass in small shops and bars. Its affordability has made it popular across various social and economic groups in Ghana.

Nonetheless, the high alcohol concentration in akpeteshie has led to health concerns, particularly regarding liver damage and the potential for alcoholism. A tragic incident in Rivers State in 2015, where 66 people perished from methanol-contaminated ogogoro (another name for akpeteshie), highlighted the risks associated with illicit spirits. Consuming akpeteshie is often described as an intense experience, comparable to a knockout punch.