Pioneering Mobile Cold Storage: AkoFresh Unveils Solar-Powered Cooling Tricycle in Ghana

In a groundbreaking step toward tackling post-harvest losses and strengthening food systems in Ghana, AkoFresh has officially launched its solar-powered cooling tricycle under the Cold Chain for Horticulture Project, funded by the Netherlands Embassy in Accra.

The unveiling took place during the Farmer Field Day in Sogakope in May 2025, an event organized by the Netherlands Embassy in partnership with the Ghana Netherlands Business and Culture Council (GNBCC) and Holland GreenTech Ghana. The exhibition attracted a wide range of farmers, agribusinesses, and key stakeholders in the agricultural sector.

Among the dignitaries present was Mr. Marten Van den Berg, Director-General at the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security, and Nature of the Netherlands, who joined farmers and stakeholders in experiencing the cooling tricycle firsthand. The excitement was palpable as participants saw the potential of this innovation to transform smallholder farming by providing affordable, mobile, and sustainable cold storage.

The solar-powered cooling tricycle is designed to extend the shelf life of fresh produce by up to 21 days, helping farmers reduce food losses, increase income, and access markets more efficiently. Unlike traditional cold storage solutions that rely on grid electricity, this innovation is fully off-grid and mobile, making it especially suitable for last-mile farmers who often face challenges in accessing reliable energy and market infrastructure.

The project’s pilot phase focuses on post-harvest management and cold chain solutions for smallholder farmers in Ghana, ensuring that crops move efficiently from farm to fork while maintaining quality and freshness. This initiative is delivered in partnership with Holland GreenTech Ghana and Eden Tree Ltd, coordinated by Ghana Netherlands Business and Culture Council (GNBCC), bringing together expertise in agricultural technology, distribution, and market systems.

By bridging gaps in storage and transportation, the cooling tricycle is more than just a technology, it is a game-changing solution that strengthens resilience, enhances food security, and empowers farmers at the grassroots level.

AkoFresh is proud to champion this innovation and looks forward to scaling its impact across Ghana and beyond, ensuring that no farmer’s hard work goes to waste and that communities benefit from healthier, fresher, and more sustainable food systems.