Water Shortage Hits Kumasi Industries

Most industries, particularly the breweries in Kumasi, are likely to collapse for lack of water and electricity.

The situation has affected production and profit margins of these companies. Guinness Ghana Limited, for instance, records a loss of ?4 billion a month as a result of inadequate supply of water.

Mr. Francis Wussar-Narh, Deputy Managing Director of Guinness Ghana Limited, made these disclosures when the business community met with the new Regional Minister, Mr. S. K. Boafo, to discuss issues of mutual interest. He said the operations of these industries are rendered ineffective because of inadequate raw materials. According to him the depreciation of the cedi had also affected the procurement of raw materials because of price increases.

Wussar-Narh suggested the privatisation of such companies for smooth running and to maximise profit for the development of the region and Ghana as a whole. The chairman of the Ghana National Chamber of Commerce, Mr. Philip Y. Amakye raised concern about the Inland Port project at Fumesua, the Kumasi airport and the establishment of a Trade Fair in Kumasi.

He observed that it was high time potentials of the region were showcased locally. Mr. S. K. Boafo on his part frowned on the attitude of Ghanaians to rely on foreign goods. "It is imperative to adopt policies to create more job avenues by opening more factories".