‘Job-creation to centre on natural resources’

President John Dramani Mahama on Monday gave the assurance that his administration's bid to create more jobs for the teeming youth in the country will be centred on harnessing natural resources.

He said: " Recently in my address at the United Nations, I stated that Ghana's bid to create more jobs will only succeed if we make maximum use of the natural resources available, of which cocoa is one."

President Mahama said this when he addressed workers of Cargill Ghana Limited, a cocoa processing company, during their 5th anniversary celebrations in Tema in the Greater Accra Region.

Cargill Ghana limited was established in 1865 and started operations in Ghana 40 years ago, but began the processing of cocoa beans only five years ago. It operates in 63 countries.

President Mahama said apart from ensuring that companies such as Cargill Ghana Limited make maximum use of the commodity, the government is also in talks with Cocobod to make available more cocoa beans for domestic production and consumption in the coming years.

He said Cargil's decision to invest in cocoa processing in Ghana is a demonstration of investor confidence in Ghana, and called on other organisations to invest without fear as the economy is congenial enough for business.

President Mahama said companies such as Cargill have the potential of creating an enabling business environment for others to follow and to make Ghana the hub of domestic processing in the continent and beyond.

The President said the government will continue to commit consistent support to farmers to come out with the best beans for domestic production and for export by providing the necessary subsidies that will facilitate and increase production.

Mr. Jos De Loor, Cargill Cocoa and Chocolate Business Unit Leader, commended the government of Ghana for supporting them to achieve some of their business goals in the country.

He gave the assurance that their core business will continue to centre on supporting cocoa farmers to come out with the best cocoa beans for both domestic consumption and export.

He commended former President Kufuor and President Mahama for their tremendous support towards the development and growth of the company to its current level.