By Samuel Owusu-Aduomi
James Town, a historic suburb of Accra, is a vibrant coastal community where the sea is the lifeblood of the local economy. Fishing has been the mainstay of livelihood for generations, with men heading out to sea at dawn and women engaged in processing and selling the catch. The air is often filled with the scent of smoked fish, a delicacy that is integral to Ghanaian cuisine and a key commodity in the market.
On January 18, 2025, the Nurture Nature Foundation, an NGO committed to promoting environmental sustainability and empowering communities, visited James Town. The goal of the visit was to engage with fish-smoking practitioners and explore ways to blend traditional practices with sustainable alternatives. The visit was part of the Foundation’s broader mission to support environmentally friendly practices in coastal communities across Ghana.
Traditional Fish Smoking Methods: A Deep-Rooted Craft
The fish-smoking tradition in James Town is a time-honored craft, passed down from generation to generation. After the fresh catch is brought ashore, the fish are cleaned, salted, and arranged on smoking racks over open flames. Firewood is the fuel of choice, carefully managed to produce the smoky flavor that is highly prized by consumers.
The process is labor-intensive and requires a deep understanding of timing, temperature, and technique. As one observer noted, “Every step is an art, from the preparation of the fish to the stacking of firewood.” The resulting product—a richly flavored smoked fish—is not only a staple in the local diet but also a significant source of income for the community.
For the women and men who practice this craft, firewood is not just a fuel; it is a key ingredient. The smoky aroma and taste it imparts are central to the product’s appeal in the market. As a result, any shift away from firewood is met with caution, as it directly affects the essence of their livelihood.
Engagement with the Community: Voices from James Town
During their visit, the Nurture Nature Foundation team had the opportunity to sit down with several community members to hear their thoughts on the fish-smoking process and the possibility of adopting cleaner energy alternatives. Their insights painted a vivid picture of the challenges and values that shape their choices.
Naa Amole, a seasoned fish smoker, expressed her apprehension about replacing firewood with gas. “The taste is everything,” she said. “Our customers love the smoky flavor, and gas cannot give us that. It will be bad for business.”
Similarly, Afoley Maame, another fish-smoking practitioner, highlighted the tradition’s deep roots. “This is how my mother and grandmother smoked fish. It’s not just about the taste—it’s about keeping the tradition alive,” she noted.
Jacob Martey, a local fisherman, added a practical perspective, explaining that firewood is readily available and relatively inexpensive. “Switching to gas would be costly, and we are not sure it would work the same way,” he said.
However, not all responses were resistant to change. Winefred Allotey, a younger member of the community, was open to exploring sustainable alternatives that could preserve the flavor while addressing environmental concerns. “If there’s a way to keep the taste and save the environment, I think it’s worth trying,” she remarked.
These conversations highlighted the need to balance tradition with innovation. The community’s attachment to firewood stems from both cultural and practical reasons, emphasizing the importance of considering these factors when proposing alternatives.
Exploring Sustainable Alternatives: The Case for Charcoal Briquettes
In response to the environmental challenges posed by firewood consumption, the Nurture Nature Foundation introduced the concept of using charcoal briquettes made from coconut shells as an alternative fuel for fish smoking. Coconut shells, which are abundant in coastal regions like James Town, are often discarded as waste. By transforming this waste into a viable fuel source, the Foundation aims to tackle two problems simultaneously: reducing deforestation caused by excessive firewood harvesting and addressing the environmental burden of coconut shell waste.
Charcoal briquettes offer several advantages. They burn cleaner than firewood, producing less smoke and fewer harmful emissions, which improves air quality for the fish-smoking practitioners. Additionally, they have a longer burn time, meaning less fuel is required to achieve the same results. Economically, the use of briquettes could reduce the cost of purchasing firewood, as the briquettes are made from locally sourced waste materials.
However, the introduction of charcoal briquettes is not without challenges. One key concern raised by the community is whether the flavor imparted by the smoke from coconut shell briquettes can match the distinctive taste produced by firewood. To address this, the Nurture Nature Foundation has initiated trials to assess the sensory qualities of fish smoked using coconut shell briquettes, involving both community members and potential consumers in the process.
By emphasizing the dual benefits of environmental conservation and cost efficiency, the Foundation hopes to encourage the community to embrace this sustainable alternative, ensuring that both tradition and progress are preserved.
The Way Forward: Nurture Nature’s Role in Supporting Change
The Nurture Nature Foundation is committed to a long-term partnership with James Town and other coastal communities to ensure a smooth transition to more sustainable practices. As part of this commitment, the Foundation plans to provide technical training on the production and use of coconut shell briquettes. This initiative aims to empower community members to take ownership of the process, turning waste into a valuable resource.
In addition to training, the Foundation is collaborating with local and national stakeholders to establish a steady supply chain for coconut shell briquettes. This involves sourcing coconut shells, setting up processing facilities, and creating distribution networks to ensure accessibility and affordability for the fish-smoking practitioners.
The potential impact of these efforts extends beyond James Town. If successful, the adoption of coconut shell briquettes could transform fish-smoking practices across Ghana’s coastal regions. By reducing the reliance on firewood, the initiative could help mitigate deforestation and promote healthier working conditions for practitioners. Moreover, the economic benefits of utilizing a waste material could contribute to improved livelihoods and a more sustainable local economy.
Peter Asiedu, Executive Director and Founder of the Nurture Nature Foundation, emphasized the urgency of this mission, stating:
“The heart of our work is finding harmony between tradition and sustainability. We believe that by introducing innovative solutions like coconut shell briquettes, we can protect the livelihoods of communities like James Town while safeguarding our environment for generations to come.”
We invite you to collaborate with us in this transformative journey. Your support can help us:
- Scale Up Production: Establish efficient systems for producing coconut shell briquettes to provide a sustainable and affordable alternative to firewood.
- Enhance Community Training: Equip local practitioners with the knowledge and skills to adopt and benefit from sustainable fuel options.
- Expand Awareness: Amplify the importance of blending traditional practices with environmentally responsible solutions through global campaigns and advocacy.
- Support Research and Development: Innovate and refine alternatives to ensure they meet the community’s cultural and practical needs, such as preserving the unique smoky flavor of fish.
- Promote Environmental Sustainability: Address deforestation and waste management challenges by reducing firewood consumption and repurposing coconut shell waste.
Your partnership can make a tangible impact not only in James Town but across Ghana’s coastal regions and beyond. Together, we can create a blueprint for sustainable practices that preserve cultural heritage while protecting our planet.
How You Can Help:
- Provide Funding: Help us scale up our briquette initiative and extend its reach to other communities.
- Offer Expertise: Share technical knowledge, resources, and innovative solutions to enhance our project’s success.
- Collaborate on Advocacy: Join us in raising awareness about sustainable practices and the urgent need for eco-friendly alternatives.
Let’s make a lasting impact—one that honors tradition while safeguarding our environment for future generations.
To partner with us or learn more about our initiatives, contact the Nurture Nature Foundation here.
Together, we can nurture nature and empower communities for a better tomorrow.