The Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Hon. Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, has reaffirmed government’s commitment to strengthening Ghana’s agro-processing sector following a working visit to the Ekumfi Juice Factory, a growing local enterprise at the heart of value addition and rural industrialization.
The visit, which took place on Friday, December 19, 2025, forms part of government’s broader push to accelerate industrial growth under the 24-Hour Economy policy and to position agro-processing companies as key drivers of job creation, food security, and economic resilience.
Addressing the media during the tour, Hon. Ofosu-Adjare described local agro-processing firms as critical national assets, noting that their expansion is essential to reducing post-harvest losses, improving incomes for farmers, and promoting sustainable economic growth.
She emphasized that the 24-Hour Economy initiative presents significant opportunities for companies such as Ekumfi Juice Factory to scale up production, improve operational efficiency, and access wider domestic and export markets, particularly within the framework of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
The Operations Manager of Ekumfi Juice Factory, Mr. Frederick Kobbyna Acquaah, briefed the Minister on the company’s production processes, current capacity, and operational challenges. He highlighted key constraints including access to affordable financing, reliable power supply, and consistent sourcing of raw materials, while expressing optimism that targeted government support could unlock the factory’s full growth potential.
Mr. Acquaah commended government for prioritizing agribusiness and local manufacturing, noting that deliberate policy interventions would enable the factory to expand operations, create more jobs for young people, and deepen its contribution to the local and national economy.
As part of the visit, the Minister and members of the press toured the factory’s farms, where fruits such as oranges, guava, and passion fruit are cultivated in large quantities to support juice production. Management also disclosed plans to establish a new fruit juice processing plant in the Central Region in 2026, a move expected to further strengthen the region’s agro-industrial base.
Hon. Ofosu-Adjare assured the company of the Ministry’s readiness to collaborate with relevant agencies to address its challenges and create an enabling environment for agro-industrial firms to thrive.
The visit underscores government’s commitment to inclusive industrial development, where local enterprises are empowered to grow, create decent jobs, and add value to Ghana’s agricultural produce as part of the country’s broader economic transformation agenda.
neoreportgh@gmail.com
Copyright © 1994 - 2025 GhanaWeb. All rights reserved.
