Charcoal is an important source of energy in Ghana and constitutes a major source of livelihood for people in areas endowed with woodlands suitable for charcoal production. It is used by 80% of Ghanaian households as prima-ry or secondary source of energy for cooking and heating. An estimated 20 million cubic meters of biomass are used annually in Ghana as wood fuel. However, according to the Food and Agricultural Organization, 90% of harvested forests are not replanted.

Ho, which is the capital city of the Volta Region of Ghana, with a population of over 100,000 has a land size of 912 square miles. Majority of the people in Ho indulge in agriculture and the sale of goods and services to maintain their economic livelihood. Charcoal production in and around Ho is not a rare economic activity as charcoal is the main source of cooking fuel in the city, according to the Ghana Statistical Service. In fact, the trees cut down for the production of charcoal are not replanted, which has led to deforestation and the degradation of the landscape. Currently, the city is facing issues of flooding and falling of rocks and mud from the highlands as the vegetative cover is being depleted rapidly.

This year, the government banned the production of charcoal from certain tree species, which is considered to be nearing extinction. This caused loss of jobs and price hikes in charcoal, making life difficult for the low-income class that depend on charcoal for their livelihood.

Goals

Solution

The smokeless charcoal is produced by pyrolyzing the coconut husk, crushing the biomass and molding it with starch to create briquettes that serve as charcoal. This type of charcoal has a longer burning time and reduces indoor air pollution.

Impacts:

1. People: Smoke-free nature of the eco-charcoal prevents respiratory complications.

2. Planet: Dependence on crop waste limit the cutting down of trees and hence prevents deforestation. Relying on coconut husk as raw material will be a good avenue for waste management.

3. Profit: Production of clean smokeless charcoal with long burning time help consumers save money.

4. The sale of smokeless charcoal brings the producers profit and the establishment of the eco-charcoal production hub gives traditional charcoal producers value-for-money.

https://www.globalshapers.org/hubs/ho-hub