Coffee from Ghana

The population of Ghana, a nation in Western Africa, is somewhere about 30 million. It has historically been recognized for the export of gold, crude oil, and cocoa. However, there has been a significant increase in coffee production during the past ten years.

Ghana's history with coffee up to this point hasn't been very noteworthy, unlike the titans of the African coffee world like Ethiopia or even the up-and-comers like Zimbabwe. But they are specifically attempting to alter that.

The nation has a lot of potential in the coffee sector as it is already a significant global exporter of cocoa.

Does Ghana grow coffee? And is it worthwhile to try?

Today, we'll look at a nation that is putting a lot of effort into establishing a name for itself in the coffee industry. Everything and everyone must begin somewhere.

ALMOST NOTORIOUS

Since Ghana was predominantly recognized for its cocoa bean farming in the 1960s (when it was the world's top producer until the Ivory Coast overtook it), we wouldn't blame anyone for thinking that it had nothing to do with coffee production.

To diversify and increase the nation's income, the government didn't start establishing coffee plantations all over the country until the 1980s. It took time for 19 plantations to be established and separated for private ownership.

Ghana has just lately experienced significant growth in the coffee industry; it is currently sub-Saharan Africa's third-smallest producer of the bean, after Liberia and the Central African Republic.

Fortunately, a plan that was started in 2001 resulted in 2,400 hectares of new and renovated coffee plantations all throughout the nation. Due to the new, reasonable rates for the commodity, many more farmers were interested in growing coffee.

CONDITIONS FOR COFFEE GROWING IN GHANA

As you might expect, Ghana's environment is ideal for growing coffee cherries. More specifically, Robusta, which is grown in 6 of the country's 10 districts, is the species of coffee that thrives in Ghana the most.

• Ashanti

• Brong

• Ahafo

• Volta Regions: Eastern, Central, and Western

In Ghana, the coffee growing season starts in September and lasts until January. The farmers start planting the crops in May when the rains start falling.

A farm may generate 1.8 tonnes of coffee cherries per hectare annually if it is well-maintained. Given that it is considerably simpler to grow a lot of coffee beans than a crop like cocoa, which takes more time and work to grow, this demonstrates why coffee is a good alternative for small farmers.

Ghana's highest points, in contrast to other, higher parts of Africa, are just about 400 meters above sea level. Sadly, this means that Arabica coffee cannot be produced because it needs higher elevations to flourish. However, there is still hope because Robusta thrives in Ghana's ideal tropical climate and lower elevations.

HONOR THE ROBUSTA

Yes, the majority of coffee produced in Ghana is the Robusta variety, which is regarded as being subpar compared to Arabica, the latter's equivalent. However, Ghana now has a competitive edge in the coffee industry thanks to this.

Robusta flourishes in warm, tropical climates and is often less expensive to grow, giving Ghana a lot of breathing room and the capacity to export coffee cherries at a reduced price. Robusta still plays a significant part in the coffee market even though it isn't typically preferred.

These Ghanaian farmers are working hard to increase the amount of coffee they produce as well as its quality. These farmers are devoted to their work and employ their talents to advance the Ghanaian coffee industry.

GREENING UP IN GHANA

Ghana has only recently begun to produce coffee, and the country is much more inexperienced when it comes to exporting green coffee beans (this is coffee beans that have not yet been roasted).

The government didn't decide to increase green coffee output to 3,000 metric tonnes until 2006. Farmers were not intimidated by such a large quantity, and by 2010, they had doubled that amount, producing 6,000 metric tonnes.

Ghana's president, Mahama, plans to boost production to 100,000 tonnes by 2021. Farmers from all across the nation had to invest significantly in order to achieve this significant increase in output, and the infrastructure that the government of Ghana can give also needed to be strengthened and supported.

In order to market their coffee, Ghana enters the best green coffee available in international coffee competitions. Hopefully, this will draw the interest of consumers in the US, Canada, and Europe.

From then, third-wave coffee shops and cafés would purchase and serve their coffee, and a large number of curious customers would do so!

THE POTENTIAL OF COFFEE IN GHANA

The government's initiatives to revive coffee output in Ghana have offered optimism to both the nation's coffee farmers and the young people who are dealing with rising unemployment rates. Many people rely on Ghanaian coffee as a source of income and family support, and they have faith in the government to make this happen.

By 2030, the government intends to produce 200,000 metric tonnes of the crop. If they succeed, Ghana will start to emerge as one of Africa's leading coffee producers, perhaps someday surpassing Ethiopia's extraordinary levels.

And don't forget, the more coffee is produced, the more small companies can brew beautiful, fresh Robusta beans grown locally into exquisite Lattes, Cappuccinos, Americanos,, and Espresso. This would greatly increase the motivation of the farming and café communities to succeed with Ghana coffee.