6000 farmers received empowerment from Buffer Stock Company

The Artisanal Palm Oil Millers and Outgrowers Association of Ghana has officially launched its one million Outgrower seedling project under the theme: "Promoting a sustainable Oil Palm Industry."

The colourful event took place at Akyem – Asuom in the Kwaebibirim Municipal of the Eastern Region over the weekend.

The Guest of Honour, Mr. Hanan Abdul-Wahab, Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Buffer Stock Company Limited in his address expressed, "I am very optimistic we will go international very soon because, a lot of African countries are here to learn from us on the Free Senior High School and the feeding component in it."

According to him, after witnessing the production and processing of the palm oil, adding that "I have no single regret for giving this region the opportunity to supply palm oil nationwide.

He further admonished the Artisanal group for demonstrating a gross export potential.

He also injected hope to the six thousand (6,000) registered members of the association by means of contracting the Artisanal Palm Oil Millers and Outgrowers Association of Ghana to be the major suppliers of palm oil to the various Senior High Schools across the country as a means sustaining the Free Senior High School initiative.

The enthused members of the association together with the leadership were also charged to ensure high safety and security features in the production process and to also increase their supply rate.

Mr. Hanan Abdul-Wahab added that the Government is willing to support in the marketing of their product since it is their responsibility to help processors find a market for their products and the only reliable market the government has identified is the Free Senior High school of which the president is very impressed.

Mr. Hanan Abdul-Wahab also recounted how the Executive Secretary of the Artisanal Palm Oil Millers and Outgrowers Association of Ghana, Paul Kwabena Amaning aided the Free Senior Senior initiative in challenging times, by producing quality and a large quantity of palm oil during the early stages of the initiative.

Paul Amaning, the Executive Secretary of the Artisanal Palm Oil Millers and Outgrowers Association on his side assured the general public of a double up of their rate of supply to 1950 metric tonnes per annum by the year 2020 to the various Senior High Schools, compared to their current consumption of 1,500 metric tonnes per annum.

He explained that their motive as an association is to make palm oil one of the leading commodities in Ghana and for them to make the vision a reality, they have decided to assist all the sectors including the farmers to supply them with seedlings.

He further called for the intervention of government and other stakeholders to assist them with the right technology.

The Asuomhene, Osabarima Ofosushene Appenteng II on his side urged the people of his community and extensively, the general Ghanaian society to embrace the project and vision of the association.