Palm oil: Ghana’s staple resource and the struggle for modern production

Among Ghana’s many natural resources, palm oil—known locally as dzomi, zomi, or amidze—remains one of the most essential providers of nutrients, livelihoods, and cultural continuity. Revered for its versatility, it is found in nearly every household and used across diverse ethnic cuisines, from the Ewes to the Ashantis.

Extracted from the fruit of the oil palm tree (Elaeis guineensis), palm oil is more than a cooking ingredient. It is a source of nourishment, energy, and economic survival. Dishes such as akpledze, gobe, kontomire stew, and yam porridge would be incomplete without it, underscoring its central place in Ghanaian life.

Nutritional Value and Health Concerns

Dr. John Afedzi, a nutritionist with Live Pure Health Company in Accra, describes palm oil as one of the country’s most beneficial oils, packed with vitamins that support organ development. Yet, he cautions against excessive consumption due to its high saturated fat content, which raises the risk of heart disease.
He also warned of adulterated products on the market, where vendors dilute oil or add artificial colourants, reducing its health value. Still, palm oil’s natural antioxidants make it a powerful disease-fighting food.

Local Production and the Wise Oil Palm Plantation

Despite its importance, palm oil production in Ghana remains largely subsistence-based, hampered by a lack of modern machinery and funding. The establishment of the Wise Oil Palm Plantation in Fodome Agbesia, Hohoe Municipality, Volta Region, marks a significant step toward modernisation.
Founded in 2021 by Mr. Wise Vlence Ametefe, the factory processes palm fruits into crude oil, with ambitions to expand into palm kernel oil production. A Ghana News Agency tour revealed advanced machines for stripping, boiling, digesting, and heating palm fruits, with operations capable of producing up to one tonne of oil weekly during peak seasons.

Challenges Facing the Factory

According to Mr. Foster Dibua, the facility’s manager, operations are hindered by lack of stable electricity, forcing reliance on diesel generators. Each cycle consumes about 25 litres of diesel, or 100 litres weekly, significantly raising production costs. Firewood is also used to supplement energy needs.
Demand, however, far outstrips supply. “Palm oil is a daily necessity, but fuel costs and farm maintenance limit our production,” Mr. Dibua explained.

Employment and Market Reach

The factory sources fruits from its 200-acre farm and local farmers, employing five permanent staff and several casual workers. Its products serve households, restaurants, canteens, Ghanaian and African communities abroad, and cottage industries such as soap-making. It also provides internship opportunities for students, with the potential to expand into a full academic training hub.

Calls for Support and Public-Private Partnerships

Local leaders have pledged support. During a visit, Hohoe Municipal Chief Executive Mr. Prosper Kumi, Volta Regional Minister Mr. James Gunu, and Hohoe MP Mr. Thomas Worlanyo Tsekpo emphasised linking the plantation with government initiatives such as the Ghana Export-Import Bank and Adwumawura programme to boost growth.
Assembly Member Ms. Amenyo Marceline Eyram also called for government investment, stressing that the factory could reduce unemployment, empower women and youth, and stimulate local economic growth.

The Road Ahead

Though initially projected to diversify into palm kernel oil and by-products by early 2023, these plans remain unrealized as of the third quarter of 2025. With stronger financial backing, however, the Wise Oil Palm Plantation could scale operations, create jobs, and strengthen Ghana’s place in the global palm oil market.