The Minister of Trade and Industry, Mr Kobina Tahir Hammond, has inaugurated a 10 million dollar state-of-the-art, environmentally sustainable factory in Akim Achiase in the Eastern Region of Ghana.
The factory is to process cocoa pulp into fruit juice for export. According to the Minister, the project would enable Ghana to convert cocoa pulp into products of higher quality.
The Minister said the new factory would boost the country’s cocoa industry, adding that the factory would produce and export environmentally friendly juices and cocoa products.
“It will also generate 250 new jobs, help cocoa farmers reduce on-farm food waste and generate additional income for cocoa farmers,” he disclosed.
The Minister applauded KOA Impact Ghana Limited for integrating technology into its operations and business engagements, especially in an otherwise conservative traditional environment.
He reiterated the government’s belief that prosperity can be achieved through an industrial transformation that is inclusive, sustainable and ensures the highest standards of food safety.
He said the birthing of KOA Impact Ghana Limited had come at a time when the practical implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) in respect of commercially viable trading is gaining some traction.
“I hope that more businesses would take up the challenge to harness the opportunities under the AfCFTA,” he said.