Ghana Firm Converts Waste to Charcoal, Reduces Emissions and Costs

Bidigreen Ghana Limited is turning agricultural waste into clean charcoal. This helps reduce deforestation and manage waste. The company processes about three tonnes of waste daily.

Traditional charcoal use is widespread in Ghana. The Ghana Statistical Service states 76% of households cook with firewood or charcoal. Burning traditional charcoal releases carbon dioxide into the air. This adds to climate change.

Clean charcoal is made from crop waste. Examples include coconut husks and corn cobs. This process prevents waste from being burned, which releases harmful gases. Clean charcoal is smokeless. It protects health and can be used indoors.

Clean charcoal also lasts longer. A bag of traditional charcoal might last one day. A clean charcoal bag can last three days. This means users save money over time. A bag of traditional charcoal costs between GHS100 and GHS150. Clean charcoal costs GHS200. But it lasts longer, making it more cost-effective.

Bidigreen Ghana produces 20 to 25 tonnes of clean charcoal monthly. Demand for this product is growing. The production process involves less burning. This means less smoke is released into the environment.

This initiative helps Ghana's climate future. Each tree saved helps remove carbon dioxide. Using waste stops harmful methane gas emissions. This is important for climate action.