I have been patronising shops operated by the Ghana Cocoa Board COCOBOD, where cocoa drinks, chocolates and other cocoa products are sold in Accra near Kingsway, for about 15 years now.
With time, I have realised poor customer service, particularly from attendants there.
On Thursday, February 12, 2026, I visited as usual to purchase some things while there.
An elderly woman in her 70s was also there, who, after buying her things, requested from the attendant to be shown a place to urinate.
The response was shocking. In a brusque and dismissive tone, the attendant simply said No.
The old lady reiterated her question, saying, “Please, perhaps you did not hear what I said, show me the washroom.”
The reply was the same — sharp, rude, and unkind, “No!”
Indeed, the attitude of the attendant was not strange to me as I had suffered the same some years back when I was pregnant and needed to use the washroom.
I want to bring to the attention of the management of the COCOBOD that, so long as they operate a public-facing space, they must be concerned about the basic dignity and toilet rights of their customers.
Access to a washroom is not a luxury, its is a basic human need.
Even if the place is run privately, COCOBOD must be concerned because they sell their products and any bad experience there might affect people’s patronage.
Additionally, we are all now being encouraged to patronise our own products, but how can that be seamless when even the common courtesies to be offered are denied?
How much, really, will it cost COCOBOD to have a functional toilet in a small shop where they sell their products?
This is not merely about the toilet. Its is about respect, compassion and human dignity.
Kareen Adu.
Mob. 0243957790
Source:
www.graphic.com.gh