Revered for its versatility and nutritional value, it plays a vital role in the survival and well-being of communities across Ghana and beyond.
Known as ‘dzomi’, ‘zomi’, or ‘amidze’ among the Ewe people of Ghana—depending on dialect—palm oil is a staple found in nearly every household.
Other ethnic groups, including the Ashantis, also have local names for it and use it in a variety of dishes, underscoring its central role in Ghanaian nutrition.
Derived from the fruit of the oil palm tree (Elaeis guineensis), dzomi is more than just a cooking ingredient.
It is a source of energy, nourishment, and economic livelihood.
Rich in vitamins and dietary value, it sustains countless households, especially in rural communities.
Beyond its biological benefits, palm oil carries cultural significance, serving as an indispensable part of traditional meals, rituals, and festivals. It embodies survival, tradition, and continuity in everyday life.
Meals that pair harmoniously with palm oil include ‘akpledze’, ‘gobe’, ‘kontomire stew’, and yam or cocoyam porridge—dishes that are both delicious and nutrient-rich.
Consumption and caution
Dr. John Afedzi, a nutritionist with Live Pure Health Company in Accra, describes palm oil as one of Ghana’s most beneficial oils, packed with vitamins that support organ development.
However, he cautions that consumption should be moderate due to its high saturated fat content, which can raise LDL (low-density lipoprotein) levels and increase the risk of heart disease.
He also warns consumers to be vigilant when purchasing palm oil, as some vendors add artificial colorants or dilute it to increase quantity, compromising its health benefits.
Despite these concerns, palm oil’s antioxidant properties help the body ward off various diseases.
Palm oil production
Palm oil production in Ghana remains largely subsistence-based.
The lack of modern machinery and technology has limited progress, despite the formation of cooperatives.
However, the establishment of the Wise Oil Palm Plantation in Fodome Agbesia, Hohoe Municipality, Volta Region, marks a significant step forward.
Founded by Mr. Wise Vlence Ametefe, the facility produces natural, nourishing palm oil.
With adequate funding and support, the factory aims to expand into palm kernel oil production. A tour by the Ghana News Agency (GNA) revealed a range of machines and processes dedicated to palm oil extraction.
The factory’s market reach extends beyond local consumers to households, restaurants, canteens, Ghanaian and African communities abroad, and small-scale businesses that use palm oil by-products in cottage industries.
Operations
Mr. Foster Dibua, the facility’s manager, explained that palm fruits are sourced from the factory’s own farm and supplemented by purchases from other farmers. Upon arrival, the fruits are stored for three to four days before processing begins.
The production process involves stripping the nuts, boiling them in ‘boiler 1’, and transferring them via conveyors to a digester for pounding.
Additional boilers are used for heating the oil and supplying hot water.
During peak seasons, the factory produces up to one tonne (1,000 kilos) of palm oil, operating four times a week.
Cost of Production and Challenges
Production is hampered by limited funding. Each processing cycle consumes 25 litres of diesel, totaling 100 litres weekly.
The lack of a permanent power supply forces reliance on generators, which restricts operations.
Firewood is also used to supplement energy needs, adding to costs.
Mr. Dibua noted that demand far exceeds current production capacity. Palm oil is a daily necessity, and the factory struggles to meet market needs due to fuel and farm maintenance expenses.
Farm and Workforce
The factory relies on a 200-acre palm plantation for raw materials. It employs five permanent staff and engages casual workers based on raw material availability.
The farm team includes two tractor operators, a supervisor, a manager, and seasonal harvesters.
Call for support and benefits
Mr. Dibua is calling for sponsorship and support to expand operations and meet market demand. With adequate resources, the factory could operate continuously, create more jobs, and supply raw materials to local soap manufacturers. It also serves as an internship hub for students, and expansion could turn it into a practical academic center.
Public-Private Partnership
During a visit to the factory, Mr. Prosper Kumi, Hohoe Municipal Chief Executive, Mr. James Gunu, Volta Regional Minister, and Mr. Thomas Worlanyo Tsekpo, Hohoe MP, expressed interest in supporting private enterprises that promote employment.
Mr. Kumi emphasized the importance of linking such ventures with institutions like the Ghana Export-Import Bank and the ‘Adwumawura’ initiative to facilitate growth and job creation.
Hope for Employment
Ms Amenyo Marceline Eyram, Assembly Member for Fodome Helu Electoral Area, believes government investment in the factory could reduce unemployment, lower travel costs, and stimulate economic growth. She highlighted its potential to empower youth and women, promote industrial development, and attract investors.
She added that increased support would boost local agriculture, enhance regional revenue through taxes and levies, and improve workforce skills through training in modern processing, packaging, and management techniques.
Conclusion
Established in 2021 for test production, the factory currently produces crude palm oil. Although plans were in place to begin producing palm kernel oil, cake, and shells by early 2023, that goal remains unrealized as of the third quarter of 2025.
GNA
