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A Ghanaian entrepreneur’s journey from humble beginnings to building a nationally recognized herbal brand — blending cultural heritage, patience, and innovation in natural health.
In an era where many young entrepreneurs seek instant success, Edem Kofi Dotse, founder and Chief Executive Officer of 21 Root Herbal Products, stands out as a beacon of patience, persistence, and purpose. His flagship brand, Wengeze Bitters, a Food and Drugs Authority-approved herbal tonic, has grown from a modest kitchen experiment into a nationally recognized name, with branches across six regions of Ghana.
Wengeze Bitters, a registered trademark with the Registrar General’s Department, received approval from the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) in 2015. The product, made from 21 carefully selected herbs, is designed to promote overall wellness, aid digestion, and purify the body of toxins. The name “Wengeze,” derived from the Igbo language, means “shake,” reflecting the product’s energy and vitality. Dotse’s slogan—“Wengeze!” with the response “Testify!”—captures the enthusiasm of his growing customer base.
Born to a father from the Volta Region and a mother from Sandema in Northern Nigeria, Edem Kofi Dotse is also the Nkosuohene (Development Chief) of Sawer in Somanya. The tenth of eleven children, his early life was marked by exposure to herbal medicine through his father, a traditional herbal practitioner.
“We all took my father’s medicines which were in the form of bitters,” Dotse recalls. “After school, I started making artifacts and beads. Later, inspired by my father’s practice, I began preparing bitters, and my friends encouraged me to produce more after trying it.”
From that humble beginning—starting with just a single beer bottle of akpeteshie—Dotse gradually scaled up production. Today, 21 Root Herbal Products employs 30 workers across branches in the Volta, Eastern, Greater Accra, Ashanti, Central, Western, and Oti Regions. His product range has expanded to include Wengeze Powder and a Virgin Cream for women, designed to promote intimate health and treat infections such as syphilis.
Despite his success, Dotse emphasizes patience and consistency as the pillars of sustainable business growth. “There’s no journey that’s smooth in the beginning,” he says. “Today’s youth want quick money, but patience is the key. You need to start small, stay focused, and progress steadily. I started small, but patience has helped me grow and expand my business.”
Dotse is also a strong advocate for consumer safety and regulatory compliance. “Unregistered products are polluting the system,” he warns. “The Food and Drugs Authority is working hard to stop this practice, and they must continue to do more to protect consumers.”
Beyond business, Dotse’s motivation remains service-oriented. “My aim is not to enrich myself but to help others,” he explains. “Wengeze Bitters is good for smooth menstruation in women and helps men eliminate body impurities. I depend on my own products for good health and have never visited the hospital.”
With his eyes set on global recognition, Edem Kofi Dotse envisions a bright future for his brand. “Beyond the skies should be my limit,” he says with conviction. “I want Wengeze to become a household name—not just in Ghana, but across the world.”
