Palm oil production in Ghana is dominated by informal small-scale mills that produces about 80% of the national production. These mills have been noted for violating environmental regulations.
What is the extraction rate of palm oil in Ghana?
The results of oil and grease obtained in this study confirms the low oil extraction rate of 12–13% reported for small-scale palm oil processers in Ghana (MASDAR 2011 ). The peak production seasons coincide with the rainy seasons in Ghana.
Are small-scale palm oil processing mills causing environmental problems in Ghana?
The environmental impact of small-scale palm oil processing mills in Ghana has come under serious questioning, especially the disposal of wastewater generated from their operations.
How many palm oil processing units are there in Ghana?
Available data indicates that there are more than 400 small-scale palm oil processing units in Ghana (Fold and Whitfield 2012) most of which are sited in small towns and rural communities.
How can Ghana’s palm oil industry be sustainable?
The sustainable production of palm oil in Ghana is being spearheaded by MOFA and regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) through the issuance of Environmental Permits.
How is palm kernel oil extracted from the kernels?
Palm kernel oil is extracted from cleaned Palm Kernel, which contains oil from 43% to 48%. Approximately 28 – 30% of this oil is extracted initially, while the remaining 15 – 18% is extracted using a solvent extraction process. The balance oil is left in the de oiled cake, resulting in 1% oil remaining.