Accra, Golden Exotics Limited (GEL) has called on the Ghanaian government to focus on the development of roads and basic amenities in the Shai-Osudoku District Assembly, emphasizing the economic challenges caused by poor infrastructure.
According to Ghana News Agency, During the inauguration of educational and residential projects in the district, Mr. Benedict John Rich, Managing Director of GEL, highlighted the company’s investment of around GHC1.8m this year in road repairs to improve mobility in the area. However, he noted that despite these efforts, the poor state of roads continued to hamper economic activities, necessitating government intervention. The projects inaugurated, financed by GEL’s Banana Farm Fairtrade Premium Committee, and included a Six-Unit Classroom Block at the Lubuse Roman Catholic Basic School and 120 Residential Units for teachers and nurses in Duffor and Adakorpe, focusing on education, healthcare, water, and sanitation.
Mr. Rich remarked that funds spent on road repairs could have been allocated to other corporate social responsibility initiatives. GEL, celebrating its 20th anniversary in Ghana and 10th as a Fairtrade-certified company, has been committed to making a positive impact in the community. This includes the completion of a workshop for the Vocational Training Centre at Osuwen, with the first batch of students expected in early 2024. Additionally, GEL has refurbished educational and health facilities in the Assembly, including a 14-Unit Classroom Block and the Osudoku Health Centre’s maternal health department, set to be furnished with state-of-the-art medical equipment.
Dr. Ebenezer Asiamah, District Director of Health, noted the importance of these developments in achieving universal health coverage and retaining healthcare professionals in the district. The establishment of nurses’ bungalows is expected to attract more nurses and support new health service initiatives. Ms. Harriet Lomotey, District Director of Education, expressed gratitude for the teacher’s bungalow, emphasizing its significance in enhancing education in the district. Mr. Fred Offei, District Chief Executive, commended GEL for its contributions to the Shai-Osudoku environs, underscoring the importance of such projects in improving the district’s daily activities.