Aframomum melegueta, the source of the peppery spice, melegueta, is shown to be a cultivated plant in Ghana. It is grown in temporary clearings in forest, mixed with other crops. The cultivation, economy, and biology of the crop are described. The plant appears to have been cultivated for many years, but has declined from its former importance firstly because of competition from cocoa, and secondly because of export restrictions during World War I. Other species of Aframomum, which have either been confused with A. melegueta, or which are used elsewhere in Africa, are described. Some suggestions for crop improvement are made.