In the rolling hills of the Akuapem Ridge in Ghana, a quiet revolution is underway, led by John Nana Addo Francois and his company, Asili Coffee. Asili Coffee is spearheading a movement to boost national coffee production and consumption, reshaping rural development in a country traditionally known for its cocoa.
John’s efforts are part of the ACP Business-Friendly programme, funded by the European Union and the Organisation of African, Caribbean, and Pacific (ACP) States. The initiative, implemented by the International Trade Centre (ITC) through its Alliances for Action, aims to strengthen Ghana’s coffee industry, with the Akuapem Ridge positioned to become the nation’s coffee hub.
The Pilot Coffee Incubator Programme, launched in Akropong, is a key project in this effort. Spearheaded by Asili Coffee Purveyors Limited, the incubator provides free seedlings, training, and access to markets for farmers, reducing the risks associated with coffee production. Partners such as the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD), German development agency GIZ, and ITC are instrumental in supporting the programme.
John sees a long-term future for coffee in Ghana, with the potential to generate $100 million in income annually if the region’s full coffee production capacity is realized. The first cohort of farmers, who joined in 2019, are already selling their coffee yields to Asili Coffee.
The collaborative effort includes GIZ’s Agribizz contract farming agreement, ensuring fair pricing and guaranteed buyers for farmers. Meanwhile, the Coffee Consumption Initiative, funded by a $25,000 grant from the Inter-African Coffee Organization, aims to boost domestic coffee consumption by establishing model coffee shops across the country.
Asili Coffee is leading the way in creating lasting change, helping Ghana’s coffee industry flourish and promoting a sustainable coffee culture in the region.
