Accra, April 11, GNA – Dr Mary Awusi, Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Free Zones Authority, has expressed the hope that Olam Cocoa Processing (OCP) Ghana Limited will expand and thrive under the Presidential Special Initiative on Agribusiness.
She said Olam Cocoa Processing Ghana Limited and Olam food Ingredients Ghana Limited were stakeholders that had made strategic investments in the economy of Ghana and the growth of the agribusiness sector.
Dr Awusi made these comments when she paid a courtesy call on the Management of Olam Cocoa Processing Ghana Limited.
The visit was part of her two-day working familiarisation tour of selected Free Zones companies in the Ashanti Region.
The visit by Dr. Awusi, who assumed office two months ago, was to appreciate firsthand the companies operating under the Authority, introduce herself, and gain insight into their operations.
It was also an opportunity to note the challenges encountered and how her leadership could best aid a positive transformation of the sector.
Dr. Awusi was accompanied by the Deputy Chief Executive Officer for Operations, Mr Apau Wiredu, the Director of Administration, Mr Alhassan Ziblim, the Director of Enclaves & Zones, Mr Kwame Nsiah Asante and others.
She commended the team’s professionalism and encouraged open discussions around key issues affecting operations.
Dr. Awusi acknowledged the significance of the concerns raised and affirmed that cocoa-related challenges required strong, practical policy direction.
She referenced the government’s current manifesto, noting that agribusiness was a key priority.
Mr Prince Acheampong, the General Manager and his leadership team, received the delegation at the processing facility.
The engagement began with departmental introductions, followed by a comprehensive presentation on Olam Cocoa Processing operations by the Production Manager, Brian Owusu-Bempah.
He took the delegation through the company’s history, strict safety standards, and cocoa liquor production processes.
Mr Acheampong said it was important to prioritise cocoa sector challenges to ensure sustainable growth.
He said as players in the cocoa value chain, “we are hopeful that with her leadership, longstanding issues within the sector, particularly those related to cocoa supply, will receive the needed attention.”
The General Manager said the visit emphasised the Free Zones Authority’s renewed commitment to building stronger ties with industry players and addressing core sectoral challenges through policy, engagement, and strategic support.
“With Dr. Awusi’s assurance that the government will focus on agribusiness and cocoa under the new ministerial direction, Olam Cocoa Processing Ghana and similar companies can look forward to a more enabling environment for sustainable growth and expansion,” he added.
Mr Brian Owusu-Bempah, Production Manager, Olam Cocoa Processing Ghana, said the factory was SMETA certified for responsible social practices, FSSC 22000 certified for food safety, UTZ and Fairtrade certified for sustainable liquor production, and produced Halal and Kosher products.
He said under the Unicao brand, the factory produced a variety of liquors ranging from mild roast to full-bodied roasted nibs.
The Production Manager said this allowed the company to offer cocoa products from a single-source origin for multiple cocoa applications.
GNA
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