As the world marks World Water Day on March 22, Kosmos Innovation Center (KIC) has highlighted the remarkable work of Velho Carbons Ltd., a KIC-supported business that is redefining sustainable water purification for agriculture in Ghana.

Through KIC’s partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, many young entrepreneurs like Velho Carbons receive training and capacity building in entrepreneurship within the agricultural and agri-adjacent sectors.

Innovative Water Purification for Sustainable Farming

Water quality plays a crucial role in sustainable agriculture, impacting soil health, crop productivity, and overall food security.

Many farmers in Ghana face the challenge of accessing clean water for irrigation due to industrial runoff, chemical residues, and microbial contamination.

These pollutants degrade soil fertility, reduce yields, and threaten long-term agricultural sustainability.

Velho Carbons Ltd. is addressing this pressing issue through innovative and eco-friendly filtration solutions.

By repurposing organic waste—primarily coconut husks—into high-quality activated carbon, the company provides natural and cost-effective filtration systems that remove impurities, contaminants, and toxins from water sources.

This initiative is not only improving irrigation water quality but also promoting healthier crops and sustainable farming practices.

A Circular Economy Approach

Beyond filtration, Velho Carbons Ltd. embraces the principles of the circular economy, ensuring that agricultural waste is transformed into valuable resources.

By converting coconut husks into activated carbon, the company is reducing waste while contributing to environmental conservation and climate resilience.

Their technology mitigates the impact of waterborne pollutants on ecosystems, reinforcing the urgent need for sustainable water management in agriculture.

Empowering Farmers and Communities

“At Velho Carbons Ltd., the mission is clear: to empower farmers, agribusinesses, and communities with access to clean water for irrigation, ensuring food security and environmental preservation,” Dr Erastus Mak-Mensah, Co-Founder of Velho Carbons Ltd.

Through their groundbreaking work, they are driving awareness of responsible water use while equipping the agricultural sector with the tools needed to thrive in the face of climate change.

A Call for Action on World Water Day

On this World Water Day, Velho Carbons Ltd. and Kosmos Innovation Center reaffirm their commitment to sustainable water solutions.

Access to clean water should not be a luxury, it must be a fundamental right. Through continued innovation and collaboration, we can create a future where every farmer has the resources they need to cultivate a greener, more sustainable world.

“Sustainable water management is not just about conservation—it’s about securing the future of agriculture, empowering communities, and building climate resilience,” – Velho Carbons Ltd.

Speaking about the importance of sustainable practices and environmental stewardship within the agricultural sector, Benjamin Gyan-Kesse, Executive Director for Kosmos Innovation Center, has highlighted the contributions that start-ups supported by KIC in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation are making towards ensuring a sustainable world.

“Kosmos Innovation Center is committed to creating a sustainable future by empowering youth start-ups and promoting agribusiness innovation in line with its purpose of Powering Innovation, Transforming Communities and Impacting Lives,” he said.

Join us in celebrating businesses like Velho Carbons Ltd., whose dedication to sustainability is shaping the future of agriculture in Ghana and beyond.