This study aimed to survey the ethnomycological knowledge of residents of Cape Coast Metropolis, an indigenous, but cosmopolitan community, south of Ghana. First, one hundred and fifty questionnaires were randomly administered to members of the metropolis to survey their knowledge about fungi. Second, 75 natives of selected indigenous communities within the metropolis were orally interviewed to evaluate their indigenous beliefs and utilization of fungi. Results suggest that most respondents are

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... familiar with fungi, notably mushrooms (locally called mre) and the baker's yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae). Paradoxically, most respondents agreed that fungi are plants. Most respondents disagreed that all fungi are edible, but agreed that some are edible, others poisonous and medicinal. An overwhelming majority of respondents agreed that yeast is used in baking, and that yeast found in palm wine is responsible for its alcoholic content. The study revealed most respondents agree fungi cause candidiasis, some skin infections and that worms cause ringworm (dermatophytosis or tinea). One interesting finding also is that whereas the elite read about fungi, ethnomycological knowledge among the natives is still transmitted through cultural practices and folklore. Responses from the natives in the indigenous communities largely corroborated most of the responses from respondents to whom questionnaires were administered. The natives identified at least one wild edible mushroom with its local name, and are mostly involved in their collection. They use the wild edible mushrooms for food and sell some for household income.