My childhood was marked by a sense of freedom, particularly the liberty to explore the natural world around me. One vivid memory from 1990 involves the area near the present-day Ecobank and Melcom branches at Kissehman, Christian Village Junction. This then-quiet farmland was the backdrop for one of my youthful explorations. During one such adventure, a childhood friend offered me a piece of a fallen fruit with a golden pulp. Although the taste wasn’t particularly memorable, the tree itself fascinated me. Resembling a palm, it bore fruit that looked like golden coconuts. This distinct image remained etched in my memory for years, though I never revisited the specific location.
Fifteen years later, during my national service in Tamale and subsequent volunteer work in Salaga, the mystery tree reappeared. On my frequent bus journeys between Accra, Tamale, and Salaga, I’d see these palm-like trees laden with golden fruits along the route, particularly between Techiman and Kintampo. Their seeming lack of value perplexed me. Why were these abundant fruits, so visually appealing, not utilized or sold in markets? This unanswered question lingered in my mind.
Years passed, and in 2023, my work took me to the Volta Region, specifically the Ketu South Municipality. Although my roots lie in the Greater Accra and Volta regions, I was born in the Eastern Region. Circumstances, driven by workplace politics and prejudice, led to my transfer to the Volta Region. It was here, while traveling between Aflao and Ho, that I encountered the enigmatic tree once more, reigniting my curiosity. Seeing the trees in Agortime-Ziope sparked a renewed desire to uncover the fruit’s identity.
I had learned the Ewe name for the fruit, "Agor," during my childhood encounter, a name that resonated with the town of Agortime, meaning "Agor forest." To determine the English name, I reached out to Wisdom Asase, an agricultural officer at the Ketu South Municipal Assembly. He identified the tree as the Palmyra Palm, scientifically known as Borassus flabellifer. This confirmed the connection between Agortime and the local name of the palm.
Research revealed that the Palmyra Palm is a tropical tree bearing fibrous fruit with a sweet, golden pulp, typically containing three seeds. In India, the young seeds are utilized in desserts and milkshakes, while the golden pulp is extracted, usually by hand. However, I hadn’t observed any local uses for the pulp, prompting my investigation. Observing the golden fruits on the palms during my trips to Ho, I enlisted the help of Richard Mawusi, an assistant HR manager at the Agortime Ziope District Assembly, to obtain some of the fruit. He connected me with a local who assisted with the harvest, demonstrating the use of a scythe knife and bamboo stick.
The ripe fruits on the tree, while appearing golden, require about two weeks of ripening after harvest to soften. While ripe fruits can fall naturally, the sturdy branches make this an unreliable method for gathering a significant quantity. Harvesting and subsequent ripening is the preferred approach. The fruits turn a golden-brown after softening. My aim was to produce juice from the fruits. After peeling away the slightly bitter outer layer, I accessed the fibrous interior containing the golden pulp. Extracting the pulp proved challenging, even with a blender, due to the tough fiber. I resorted to a manual method, inspired by an Indian woman’s technique, squeezing the pulp from each seed after separating them.
This process yielded a jelly-like pulp. Water is essential during extraction to facilitate the process. Unlike mango juice, the palmyra juice requires a sweetener, such as dates, brown sugar, honey, or white sugar. After sweetening and straining, the juice is ready for bottling and refrigeration. The resulting juice was a vibrant golden color and refreshingly delicious. This experiment demonstrated the palmyra fruit’s potential for juice production and market viability.
The immature seeds can be consumed raw or used in desserts, but this sacrifices the pulp obtained from ripe fruits. The mature seeds are hard and difficult to crack, discouraging experimentation with their use. Further inquiries revealed that the palmyra palm is also valued for its timber, leading to a decline in its numbers in Agortime-Ziope. However, on alternate routes from Ho, I observed a significant number of palmyra palms in Adaklu, suggesting a potential source for commercial fruit production.
Based on my observations, Adaklu and potentially Kintampo could provide sufficient fruit for commercial-scale palmyra juice production. The fruit’s robust nature makes it suitable for long-distance transportation, allowing processing facilities to be located further afield. The seeds and fiber also hold potential for product development, making the ripe fruit a more economical choice than the immature seeds. Commercialization could incentivize palmyra palm plantations, further benefiting from the tree’s ability to support mixed cropping due to its minimal shade. The palmyra palm’s drought resistance adds to its suitability for cultivation.
Research highlights the nutritional and health benefits of the palmyra fruit. Studies indicate its effectiveness in treating skin inflammation, nausea, vomiting, and worm infestation. It’s also used as an expectorant and liver tonic. Rich in vitamins B and C, minerals like iron, zinc, potassium, and calcium, it’s a healthy option for those with dietary restrictions or diabetes. Its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties are attributed to its high flavonoid, saponin, and phenolic compound content.
Despite Ghana’s abundant natural resources, we often rely on external actors to add value. As Zimmerman (1950) posited, "Resources are not, they become." It’s up to Ghanaians to unlock the potential of our resources. The prevalence of imported, chemically-laden drinks raises health concerns, highlighting the need to embrace and develop our own natural resources. I urge the government and businesses to explore the commercial production of palmyra palm juice, creating a healthy and refreshing beverage for domestic consumption and export. This initiative would not only contribute to economic growth but also promote sustainable utilization of Ghana’s natural resources. This is a call to action, to build Ghana and leave a positive legacy for future generations.
