Kpone: President John Dramani Mahama has commissioned the OLAM Agri Pasta Processing Plant in Kpone, near Tema. The facility is expected to reduce Ghana's reliance on imported pasta by utilizing locally milled wheat flour, create new jobs, and enhance local food security.
According to Ghana News Agency, President Mahama emphasized that the commissioning of the plant marks a significant shift from reliance on imports to local production, fostering sustainable job creation and economic development. He highlighted the importance of addressing food production issues that directly impact citizens' daily lives, noting that Ghana has historically depended on imported processed food products despite the potential for local production to meet demand.
The President praised companies like OLAM Agri Limited for their investments in local food processing, which are crucial for boosting national production capacity and creating employment opportunities for young Ghanaians. He expressed gratitude to Mr. Sunny Verghese, the Co-founder and Group CEO of OLAM Agri Limited, for the company's commitment to Ghana's agriculture and food processing sectors. President Mahama recounted his meeting with OLAM's management in Singapore, where they pledged to commission the plant by mid-2026, a target that has been met ahead of schedule.
OLAM Agri has operated in Ghana for 32 years, expanding its activities from commodity trading to agro-processing and food manufacturing. Its operations in the country encompass cocoa, cashew, grains, wheat milling, biscuit manufacturing, tomato processing, and other food products that are familiar to many Ghanaian households. The company currently employs over 4,500 Ghanaians, both directly and indirectly, showcasing its long-term commitment to the Ghanaian economy.
The President announced that the new factory will operate a shift system and qualify under Ghana's 24-hour economy initiative, which has recently become operational following the passage of the 24-hour economy authority bill. OLAM is expected to be among the first industries to register under this initiative, benefiting from incentives such as duty-free equipment imports for factory expansion.
President Mahama highlighted that the facility exemplifies what can be achieved when private investment aligns with national development priorities. He expressed optimism that projects like this will inspire confidence among local entrepreneurs, farmers, and investors considering Ghana as a viable location for production and expansion.