Ghanaian women are the silent force in the palm oil industry

The palm oil industry in Ghana is one of the country's fastest growing agricultural sectors, supplying both local consumption and exports to neighbouring countries. But behind the rosy statistics and economic value lies the untold story of women whose hard labour sustains the fields.

On the vast plantations of PSG Estate, hundreds of women get up before sunrise to work under the scorching sun, weeding and moving heavy fruit bunches. These are eventually processed into palm oil that is sold in markets across Ghana. Their work is hard, but their determination is strong.

Among them is 40-year-old Regina Kudjo, who works as an Empty Fruit Bunch (EFB) processor, locally known as 'Bonkete'. She used to be a housewife, but when her family's financial situation deteriorated seven years ago, she joined PSG Plantations. "At first, I was weeding," she recalled, "but after I had surgery for fibroids, they transferred me to processing the bunches because of my health. I've been here ever since."

Wages increased

Regina's working day starts at 8 a.m. and ends at 1.30 p.m., but she doesn't get home by bus until around 2.30 p.m. What seems like a short day is filled with heavy physical work and strict quotas. "We get very tired," she said. "Everyone has to meet a target of 80 bunches before closing time. If you don't make it, your name is not recorded for payment. There is no rest until the work is done." The management disputes this, and says that PSG employees are allowed to eat, drink and rest whenever they want. Over the years, wages have indeed increased, but according to the women, the work takes its toll. Many suffer from constant pain and rely on painkillers or doctor's visits to cope.

Still, Regina says she cannot afford to quit. "My income feeds my family and pays the school fees for my two children. Even when I'm not feeling well, I still come to work," she admitted. "Every job is a job. I am grateful that I can at least take care of my family."

Heavy burden

For 24-year-old Mary Addo, working on the plantation is both a means of survival and a stepping stone to her dream. Mary, who left secondary school early, says she started working at PSG after hearing about job vacancies in her community. "I wasn't interested in school," she explained. "I wanted to be a hairdresser, so I decided to work and save money for that." Four years later, Mary's enthusiasm has been confronted with the reality of hard work. Her daily quota is 150 bunches and she works until 4 p.m. “The work is hard,” she said. “After a few minutes’ rest, we go back into the field. We have complained to management that it is too much.”

Mary's biggest concern, shared by many women, is that she has to push heavy palm oil fruits, which she says causes stomach pain. "I haven't given birth yet, so I've stopped pushing the kernels." She appreciates the company's efforts to protect female workers. "We have a good policy for women, and I'm happy about that," she added.

Equal treatment and protection

Elizabeth Gyan, the supervisor and gender representative at PSG Estate 2, is central to these women’s concerns. She ensures that the company's gender policy is adhered to and that every employee, regardless of their position, is treated fairly. "We do not allow anyone to intimidate or harass another person on the basis of their position," Elizabeth explained. "If someone is found guilty of sexual harassment or violence, they will be dealt with by management."

Elizabeth recounts a case in which a woman reported persistent menstruation after repeatedly lifting heavy fruit. "When I reported this, management took immediate action. She was transferred to lighter work in the harvest field," said Elizabeth. "We are working to ensure that women no longer have to carry fruit at all."

Risky work

In addition to the heavy workload, the plantation also poses risks. Christiana Nketia, who spreads fertilizer over some parts of the plantation, described the dangers workers face every day. "Sometimes we encounter snakes and other dangerous insects," she said. "Other times we fall into holes covered with weeds. It's risky work, but our managers support us when we share our concerns.” Despite the difficulties, she remains hopeful. "All we ask is that management continues to increase our salaries and improve our working conditions. We love our work, but it has to be safe."

Wilson Amoah, the estate manager of Estate 2, emphasizes the strict workplace policy to protect women from harassment. "We do not tolerate any form of sexual harassment. Regardless of your position, you will be dismissed if found guilty," he said. Pregnant employees also receive medical assistance to protect their health.

Quiet pride

These women are the invisible backbone of Ghana's palm oil industry. Their labour keeps production running, stimulates the economy and supports thousands of families. They get up before sunrise, work through pain and exhaustion, and then go home to cook, clean and care for their children. Yet they carry their resilience with quiet pride.

As Regina said, "Yes, it's hard, but when I see my children going to school, I know that all this work is worth it." Their stories remind us that behind every bottle of palm oil lies the sweat and strength of women whose sacrifices enable the country's growth.

Text: Rosemond Akuorkor Adjetey