In the rolling hills of Ghana’s Akuapem Ridge, a quiet revolution in coffee production is gaining momentum, driven by the visionary efforts of John Nana Addo Francois and his company, Asili Coffee.
This initiative, part of a broader effort under the ACP Business-Friendly programme funded by the European Union and the Organisation of African, Caribbean, and Pacific (ACP) States, aims to transform Ghana from a cocoa-centric nation into a recognized coffee producer.
The International Trade Centre’s (ITC) Alliances for Action program is central to this initiative, focusing on enhancing coffee production and consumption in Ghana.
The Akuapem Ridge, with its ideal climate for coffee cultivation, has been identified as a potential coffee hub, echoing the success Ghana has previously achieved with cocoa.
John Nana Addo Francois, the founder of Asili Coffee, leads this transformative movement.
His efforts are designed to foster a coffee culture in a country traditionally known for its cocoa while simultaneously driving rural development and socio-economic change.
Asili Coffee is working to create new opportunities for farmers and establish a robust regional coffee industry.
One key component of this initiative is the Pilot Coffee Incubator Programme, launched in Akropong in Ghana’s Eastern Region.
This program aims to mitigate the risks associated with coffee farming and facilitate entry into the industry for young people.
The incubator, supported by partners such as Ghana’s Cocoa Board (COCOBOD), the German development agency GIZ, and ITC’s Alliances for Action, provides aspiring coffee growers with free seedlings, training, and market access.
“The incubator is crucial for positioning Ghana as a coffee-producing nation,” said John. “However, this is a long-term community project with a 10-20 year timeline.”
Akuapem Ridge’s potential is significant. With over 100,000 acres of suitable land and a population of 250,000—65% of whom are young—the region is well-positioned for large-scale coffee production.
If fully realized, the economic impact could be substantial. Each acre of land could potentially generate $1,000 annually, translating to an estimated $100 million in income for the area.
The incubator’s early success is evident, with the first cohort of farmers, who joined in 2019, now successfully selling their coffee yields to Asili Coffee.
Beyond production, the incubator functions as a comprehensive support system for farmers, offering seedlings, training, and research and development while serving as an off-take point for their produce.
John emphasizes the importance of expanding coffee cultivation and promoting local consumption to build a sustainable coffee culture in Ghana. “We need to learn to consume our produce,” he stated.
“This allows us to control our destiny regarding raw materials.”
A collaborative approach underpins the initiative’s success. ITC and COCOBOD are instrumental in providing training, capacity building, and quality control, while GIZ’s Agribizz contract farming agreement ensures fair pricing and reliable buyers for farmers.
The Coffee Consumption Initiative, supported by a $25,000 grant from the Inter-African Coffee Organization, aims to boost domestic coffee consumption by establishing model coffee shops across Ghana.
This effort will raise awareness of Ghanaian coffee and create new employment opportunities for youth.
Asili Coffee’s efforts mark a significant step towards transforming Ghana’s coffee industry and fostering a new culture.
