Abstract

Spices are essential in culinary and traditional practices across Ghana. This study identified the commonly bought spices and explored their purposes of use among buyers and sellers in the Cape Coast Metropolis. An exploratory sequential mixed-method design was employed involving 48 respondents (24 sellers and 24 buyers) from the Abura and Koto koraba markets. Semi-structured interviews and observations were used to collect data, analyzed using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis. Results revealed that ginger, garlic, chili pepper, and cloves were the most commonly bought and sold spices, followed by bay leaf, aniseed, grains of paradise, negro pepper, African nutmeg, and rosemary. The primary purposes for using these spices included culinary, health, preservative, and spiritual reasons. The findings underscore the importance of spices in local diets, health, and culture. Consumer education on safe handling and promotion of indigenous knowledge on spice use are recommended.