Tumu: Mr Charles Lwanga Puozuing, the Upper West Regional Minister, has launched new maize-based food and poultry feed products by indigenous agribusiness firm Kedan Limited at Tumu in the Sissala East Municipality. The launch featured products such as Ked Maize flour, Ked granule, and chicken feed, available in various sizes and prices to accommodate different households.
According to Ghana News Agency, the event attracted government officials, traditional leaders, development partners, security agencies, farmers, and youth groups. It marked a significant milestone in Kedan's efforts to boost agro-processing development and enhance food security in northern Ghana. Mr Puozuing highlighted agriculture as the backbone of the local economy and commended Kedan for adding value to locally produced maize and creating jobs for the youth.
Kedan Limited, established in 2013, is known for processing maize into human food products and high-quality poultry feed. The company also supports over 2,000 smallholder farmers in the Sissala East and West areas by providing input credit, tractor services, extension support, and market linkages. The new offerings include maize flour for both household and institutional use, as well as poultry feeds for chicks, broilers, and layers.
Mr Puozuing emphasized that food security is a matter of national security. In a time when the demand for safe, affordable, and nutritious food is critical, Kedan's new products are poised to transform local consumption and cross-border trade. He encouraged farmers, financial institutions, and the youth to support the region's agribusiness-led growth and to seize the opportunities in the modern agricultural landscape.
Mr Issa Mohammed Bagalia, the Member of Parliament for the area, praised Kedan for tackling unemployment and reducing post-harvest losses through local processing. He urged government institutions, schools, and feeding programs to support these products, aligning with Ghana's industrialization agenda and the African Continental Free Trade Area.
Mr Eric Kissi Dankwah, the Managing Director of Kedan, appealed for government support following the introduction of the new products. He requested funding in the form of a loan from the Agricultural Development Bank to expand production capacity from 50 metric tonnes per day to 250 metric tonnes per day. Mr Dankwah noted that a partnership with the government could create employment for the youth and provide sustainable income for maize farmers and other stakeholders in the agricultural value chain.