During the Harmattan season, coconut sales in Ghana surprisingly soar to record highs

Coconut sellers are seeing a spike in demand for their refreshing and versatile products as the harmattan season rolls through Ghana, bringing with it dry, dusty winds.

This seasonal change has been a big win many entrepreneurs, as they’re now tapping into the growing demand for coconut-based products.

During a visit to popular spots for coconut sellers in Madina and the Agbogboloshie market, Accra Street Journal learned from several vendors and shops that they’ve seen a boost in sales in recent months due to the harmattan.

Samuel Okotey, a coconut seller from the Asante region, told Accra Street Journal he’s been in the business for fifteen years and has noticed that sales spike during the dry season compared to the rest of the year.

“Unless I get orders from event organizers, I don’t make much profit from selling after the dry season,” he added.

Mr Okotey said because of the nutritional value of coconut, some healthcare workers do buy more coconut during this time, despite other ordinary people buying it for refreshment.

He explained that he uses part of the profit to cater for himself and his family.

Kofi Kyei, a young coconut seller, told the Accra Street Journal that he mostly sells during this period because of the country’s drought. “If you keep selling after the harmattan season, you won’t make much profit,” he explained.

He also explained that, he has sold about five to four wheelbarrows of coconut just in two days, signifying that there has been a boom in sales for him.

“I encourage everyone to drink coconut because it’s a natural drink from God and also it’s good for men’s vitality”, he said. He explained that, in as much as he doesn’t sell throughout the whole year, he capitalizes on this period, to save for the rest of the year, and uses some of the money for his upkeep.

Meanwhile, he added that he also has a part-time job as a bus conductor (Mate) to feed himself.

The coca sellers maintained that apart from making more income from the business, they were also contributing to the local economy and the health of the people by providing a much-needed nutritious product during this time of year.

Currently, a coconut sells from GH¢5 to GH¢8 depending on the size and where a consumer finds him or herself. This, however, has made some citizens lament the high price of coconut, making it difficult for ordinary Ghanaians to buy coconut daily.

It was revealed that the pricing structure of coconuts is primarily influenced by transportation costs and storage facilities. They, therefore, called on the government and related institutions to provide incentives for the coconut industry.

The coconut industry in Ghana has become a significant contributor to the local economy, the increased demand during the harmattan season has provided many sellers with an opportunity to expand their businesses and boost their incomes.

Kofi Asante, who runs a coconut processing business, shared that the harmattan season has allowed them to hire more workers to meet the rising demand. For him, it’s not just about selling coconuts—it’s about creating jobs and supporting families.

In addition to selling fresh coconuts, many vendors have diversified their offerings to include coconut oil, coconut milk, and even coconut-based snacks. These products are not only sought after for their hydrating properties but also for their numerous health benefits.

Serwaa Bobi, a small-scale coconut oil producer in Accra, for instance, told Accra Street Journal that coconut oil is a popular remedy for dry skin during harmattan. “I’ve seen a 30% increase in sales since the beginning of the year.”

Source: Accra Street Journal