As is usual in these cases, Pa Yakubu was chosen by the ancestors to succeed his father and keep alive a task that the family has been carrying out since the beginning of time. At least, that’s what he claims.
Sitting on a cow skin, he listens to the ailments that those who come to him tell him. He is the herbalist or traditional doctor of the area. He’s not in a hurry. In a slow voice he asks the patient. Other times it makes a sound of assent that invites you to continue narrating, to delve deeper into the causes of the illness. Pa Yakubu states that there are diseases that Western medicine cannot cure because they are caused by some spirit or evil eye. That’s why you need to know the details of the patient’s life.
When he is satisfied with the data offered, he consults ancestors and spirits, who suggest the appropriate diagnosis. Then, using his wisdom, he orders the necessary sacrifices to appease the spirits or eliminate the spell. And prepares the necessary herbs that the client must take to heal. Pa Yakubu claims to know all the herbs, plants and roots necessary to heal those who come to him. His father was his teacher, as he is now his children’s teacher. Upon his death, the ancestors will decide which of them will be his successor.
On his cowhide he displays some of his preparations and explains what they cure: malaria, diarrhea, parasites, skin diseases… A complete traditional pharmacy.
Encouraged by his children, Pa Yakubu has started a new business in recent years, which seems to bring him a good income. Their village is located next to Mole National Park, in northern Ghana, a sanctuary for elephants – especially – antelopes and monkeys. He approaches tourists and scholars of fauna and flora who come there and with the help of one of his sons, who translates into English, he explains his remedies and declares their properties.
Salifu, the eldest son, explains that foreigners are very attracted to this natural medicine. Remedies against colds or headaches are in great demand. Like ointments for back and joint pain. Salifu’s wife also takes advantage of these exhibitions to offer her shea butter.
But the star product, the one that tourists and scientists demand the most, according to Salifu, is the traditional Viagra that his father prepares. A mixture of roots and plants crushed in the mortar until it becomes a fine powder. Then just boil a teaspoon of the powder in a cup of water and let it cool a little. It is drunk warm and its effects are immediate, he assures.
The whole family participates in the preparation, because now they have to prepare large doses. The children go to the jungle to look for the ingredients, the father makes the mixture and the women grind it in mortars. New business that improves family income.
