What is the history and context of the banana industry in Ghana?
The banana industry in Ghana started off as small organic plantations. Most of the land that is being used for the big Golden Exotic plantation used to be a sugar plantation that was government owned,but the sugar production and infrastructure closed down so the land was left unused. The company then acquired the land from the government and local chief. Much of the land has also been sold or is being leased to the companies by the chiefs of the local communities. In return the companies support the local communities with basic amenities but there are still real problems in terms of the social impacts on the banana production in the area. As most of the land is now leased or sold to the banana companies there are very few options for local people other than to work on the plantations. Nearly all agriculture in the area has been replaced by banana production and many people have had their land taken away so it can be used by banana companies. These people have very few opportunities and
