The Ghanaian coffee industry is entering a transformative phase with the introduction of Ghana Coffee Week, a celebration aimed at promoting domestic coffee consumption and fostering stakeholder engagement. Scheduled to commence on October 21, 2024, this inaugural event is masterminded by the International Trade Center (ITC) Ghana, in association with the Ghana Federation of Coffee and Ghana Cocoa Board. The festival serves as a platform to articulate the potential of Ghana’s coffee sector, which has been historically underappreciated despite its significant value and contribution to local economies. By showcasing the diversity and richness of Ghanaian coffee, the celebration seeks to nurture a culturally significant coffee-drinking culture that can stimulate local demand and elevate the industry’s profile on both domestic and international stages.
The revitalization of Ghana’s coffee industry can be largely attributed to the ACP Coffee Project, which is largely funded by the European Union and the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States. This project, executed at the value chain level in collaboration with ITC’s Alliances for Action and the Ghana Cocoa Board, places emphasis on sustainable agricultural practices. One of its central objectives is to educate and train local farmers—including a significant focus on youth—on modern coffee cultivation techniques. This initiative has not only enhanced production quality but also inspired the younger generation to enter the coffee farming, processing, and marketing sectors, ultimately shaping the landscape of Ghana’s coffee industry for the future.
Prominent local brands like Asila Coffee and Kawa Moka are now at the forefront of stimulating consumer interest and fostering a burgeoning coffee culture throughout Ghana. These companies have emerged as exemplars of local enterprise development, significantly contributing to both economic growth and job creation within the country. Coffee has transformed into a vital element of Ghanaian hospitality, leading to an increase in coffee shops in major urban centers. The geographical diversity of coffee cultivation in Ghana, particularly in areas such as the Volta Region and Kwahu, serves as an additional impetus to the growth in consumer appreciation for locally sourced and roasted coffee.
Ghanaian coffee farmers are expressing gratitude for the support provided by ITC and its partners. During the launch of Ghana Coffee Week, farmers praised the technical and logistical assistance received, which has facilitated improvements in their yields and incomes. Farmers are now able to make more sustainable livelihoods through enhanced productivity driven by proper training and access to resources. Mr. Larry Attipoe, National Coordinator for ITC’s Alliances for Action program, highlighted the promising growth trajectory of the coffee sector, estimating an annual growth rate of 5.7%. This statistical forecast reflects the combined efforts and investments aimed at elevating the industry’s potential.
Moreover, Dr. Ebenezer Owusu, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Cocoa Board, acknowledged the existing challenges within the coffee sector while underscoring the opportunities for development. He stressed the board’s commitment to promoting coffee production, ensuring value addition, and fostering investor interest. The design of Ghana Coffee Week includes targeted events that will engage various demographics, especially youth and women, aimed at igniting interest in coffee farming and cultivation. This dedication to inclusivity marks a progressive step towards a robust, diversified agricultural economy that actively involves its entire populace.
Culminating in the Ghana Coffee Fair and Exhibition at Nyaniba Market, Osu, on October 26, 2024, Ghana Coffee Week promises an array of engaging activities, including coffee tastings, interactive games, and live entertainment catering to both adults and children. This festival celebrates not just the economic potential of coffee production but also its cultural significance, thereby creating a community-centered focus on Ghana’s unique coffee heritage. As the coffee sector continues to develop, the Ghana Coffee Week celebration stands as a milestone, signaling a commitment to sustainable agricultural practices, youth engagement, and economic empowerment, all while fostering a proud coffee culture that can flourish in the years to come.
