Kumasi: In a major boost to Ghana's agricultural sector, the Akenten Appiah-Menka University of Skills Training and Entrepreneurial Development (AAMUSTED) has trained 800 fruit and vegetable farmers in the Ashanti Region on cost-effective, modern storage technologies to address post-harvest losses. The three-day training, held at AAMUSTED's Mampong campus, introduced participants to the Cool Bot Technology, Charcoal Fridge, and Zero Energy Cooling Chamber (ZECC)-solutions designed to extend the shelf life of perishable produce and prevent spoilage.
According to Ghana News Agency, farmers from 18 communities in the Mampong Municipality, including Nsuta, Benim, Nkwanta, and Adidwan, took part in the training. These communities were selected due to their active involvement in fruit and vegetable farming-a sector vital to the local economy but highly susceptible to post-harvest losses. Ghana loses an estimated 30 to 50 percent of its agricultural output after harvest, severely affecting farmer incomes and national food security. Traditional storage methods often fail to preserve the quality of fresh produce, leading to waste and reduced marketability.
Professor Emmanuel Dartey, Project Director, explained the motivation behind the initiative: 'The rationale for this project stems from the recurring post-harvest losses faced by our university farms and surrounding smallholder farmers. Maintaining optimal temperatures through cooling is essential to preserving quality from harvest to consumption.' He described the Cool Bot system as a micro-controller that converts standard air conditioners into efficient cooling units for crop storage. The Charcoal Fridge, he said, is an energy-free, evaporative cooling system suitable for rural farmers. The ZECC is a low-cost, electricity-free structure designed to keep temperatures down and preserve produce.
The training was supported by private sector partners, including Agrigrowth Africa Association (AAA) and the Center for Agribusiness and Small Enterprise Development (CASMED). AAA focused on constructing and maintaining storage systems, while CASMED trained farmers in post-harvest handling techniques such as sorting, grading, and packaging. Professor Isaac Abunyuwah, Principal of AAMUSTED's Mampong campus, emphasized the university's commitment to practical, skill-based empowerment: 'Our mandate is to bridge the gap between academia and practical solutions. This project aligns with our mission to enhance food security and improve livelihoods.'
The initiative was funded by the Ghana Skills Development Fund (GSDF), reflecting the critical role of public-private partnerships in driving agricultural innovation. 'I've learned how to organize my fruits and vegetables in my kitchen and storeroom so they last longer. This knowledge will transform my farming business,' said Madam Florence Adwoa Manu. 'God bless AAMUSTED! We finally have a solution to our post-harvest losses. I'm going home to build a charcoal fridge immediately,' added Mr. Simon Owusu.
Dr. Benjamin Sarfo, Assistant Project Coordinator, told GNA the ripple effects of the training would be far-reaching. 'By adopting these storage solutions, farmers can access higher-value markets, avoid selling produce at low prices, and ultimately improve household incomes and community food security.' He noted the initiative as a critical step toward modernizing Ghana's agriculture and empowering farmers to succeed in a competitive market. The event also saw the participation of Professor Ebenezer Agyeman-Badu, Project Coordinator; Dr. Benjamin Aboagye Danso, Technical Team Member; and representatives from AAA and CASMED Consultancy Limited.
