These truths disclose why these towns in the Volta Region have high number of coconut trees

Moving from region to region and even looking through the maps, it's quite obvious certain locations in Ghana without doubt have more coconut trees than others. It is not a mere coincidence but intentionally tailored efforts and actions to making that happen.

If you can follow me through this writing, you will uncover some underlying facts and truths that directly or indirectly influence this situation which holds many benefits to the inhabitants of those locations and beyond.

Photo by Zdeněk Macháček on Unsplash

• Locations in Ghana with high number of coconut trees

Agbozume 

Located in the Ketu South District of the Volta Region, Agbozume stands as a town with quite huge numbers of these significant trees. 

The value derived from the coconut trees goes a very long way to provide livelihood to thousands of people. Coconut trees mature after about 5 years and after that, they  bear fruit till they are cut when they become too tall. This means years of value derivation for many who depend on this very important plant. Our fathers of fathers never got tired of planting coconut trees when they have access to any piece of land. They see into the future and plant, waiting for years to reap the benefits.

These are some of the values from coconut trees in Agbozume among other towns:

Coconut oil

Made from the dry coconuts and has an amazing aroma. It's a special kind of cooking oil and even expensive at times mostly during the lean season of coconut. Some also talk about its healthy benefits beyond just a cooking or household oil.

Main ingredient for Ewe biscuit 

These biscuits known in the local dialect as "starch kpɔnɔ" is made using two basic ingredients: cassava starch and coconut. 

More about Ewe biscuits here

Coconut candy

Coconut candies though not so popular in the communities are also one of the man things made using dry coconuts. More about coconut toffee.

Fencing 

Coconut shell as fuel

After removing the nuts from the shells, the shells aren't left to waste. They are sold as fuel for domestic cooking.

Fresh coconut fruits 

Coconut fruits hold a good store of refreshing and even medicinal effects. For these reasons, the fresh coconuts are even transported to other distant towns in the country. 

Other locations include:

Aflao & Denu

Also located some kilometres away from Agbozume have significan number of coconut trees.

Klikor

This land directly opposite Agbozume is a farming community. One major crop is cassava which is used largely for gari and cassava dough production.

Penyi

Adina 

Close to the coast and lagoon. Coconut trees are quite plenty in these areas too and some also along the beach serving as wind breaks.

Keta, Anloga

These towns also along the coast boast of very good numbers of coconut trees. The uses and applications of the trees are even more than some of the ones enumerated here.

To plant coconut, a a mature and dry coconut would have to fall by its own and then it is picked up and nursed for some days. After it has developed root and a shoot, it is left for a few more days before uprooted and planted in the farm or wherever. Care is taking to water for some time until it seems to become  solely dependent on soil water. 

However the area around it must not be bushy but clear to facilitate proper aeration for healthy growth.