BEYOND THE COCONUT FRUIT: TRANSFORMING WASTE INTO ENERGY

Waste generated from coconut is being transformed into fuel, providing a sustainable solution that addresses environmental problems. 

Coconut briquettes are dried in a greenhouse after production

This cutting-edge approach not only reduces waste but also provides an alternative to traditional fuel sources and promotes cleaner energy consumption.

In Ghana, the vibrant sight of coconut vendors on nearly every street corner is a common and refreshing experience. Coconut water, cherished for its hydrating properties, is a go-to drink for many Ghanaians, especially on hot, sunny days.

A patron enjoying coconut at a coconut vending point in Accra Central

However, despite its popularity as a fruit, coconut vendors often face challenges in disposing of heaps of shells collected at the end of each day.  A 2022 study conducted by the Coconut Waste Project found that vendors buy 64 tonnes of coconuts daily, creating 34 tonnes of waste. 

The indiscriminate disposal of coconut husks, including dumping them by roadsides and gutters, causes significant harm to the environment.  According to the Environmental Protection Agency, as these husks decompose, they emit harmful chemicals such as methane gas, contributing to environmental pollution and posing risks to public health.

Heaps of coconut husk at a Dump site located at Kokomlemle, a suburb in Accra.

However, Ernest Twum Barimah, the C.E.O of Adepafie Company Limited, is a young Ghanaian entrepreneur who has found a means of transforming coconut waste into a valuable resource.

According to Ernest Twum Barimah, he initially founded his company as a waste management business, but soon discovered that a significant portion of the daily waste collected in the garbage trucks consisted of coconut husks, prompting a shift in his business model.

“I took it upon myself that, what can I use the coconut waste for? I then came out with charcoal briquettes.”

Ernest Twum Barimah, (second from right) C.E.O of Adepafie Company Limited with his workers fabricating briquettes

Briquettes are produced from coconut shells that are set on fire to eliminate moisture and unstable components. The resulting charcoal is then crushed into powder to create briquettes of diverse shapes and sizes.

A worker of Adepafie Company collecting dried coconut husk to be burned for the production of briquettes

A worker of Adepafie burning coconut husk in a barrel for the production of briquettes

Workers drying burnt husk under the sun

Coconut briquettes are moulded into various shapes

Isaac Kwabena Danso, the Assistant Product Officer of Climate Change Unit at the Environmental Protection Agency in an interview explains how the production of briquettes helps in the protection of the environment.

He continues to explain that the EPA has instituted some guidelines for the production of coconut briquettes in the country.

“Before you come up with such a venture, you go through what is called environmental impact assessment, from the start of your facility to its operation, we look at how you are going to mitigate some of the challenges and environmental problems you will be contributing to and how you will dispose of waste in order not to cause harm to the environment.”

Clara Aboagyewaa is a coconut briquette user

Coconut briquettes are used by individuals and industries seeking an efficient alternative to traditional fuels.

Clara Aboagyewaa, a coconut briquette user shared her experience.

 “With the normal charcoal it does not last long but with the coconut briquettes even with five kilos it lasts for a long time.”

A coal pot lit with briquettes for cooking

The conversion of coconut waste into briquettes not only offers a sustainable resolution to a persistent problem but also generates new economic prospects for entrepreneurs and communities. This advancement ensures a cleaner environment and a more promising future for Ghana.

A LEVEL 400 FINAL YEAR PRODUCTION BY EYRAM YORGBE.