By Ernest Nutsugah
Accra, March 30, GNA – Microcredit has boosted Jireh Aidoo Limited, a Ghanaian rice packaging enterprise founded by Ms Sarah Aidoo, transforming modest beginnings into a growing local rice brand.
Ms Aidoo, Chief Executive Officer of the company, shared her entrepreneurial journey in an interview with the Ghana News Agency, recounting her transition from unemployment to establishing Kyidom Long Grain Rice in 2019.
She began retailing rice from her parents’ living room during the COVID‑19 pandemic, sourcing supplies from local farmers in Hohoe, Asutuare and Akatsi.
A large order from a church member prompted her to improve packaging and formally register the business.
Her early attempt at rice farming in Winneba was cut short by flooding, leading her to focus on sourcing and packaging.
By 2023, she had partnered with a milling company in Techiman, Bono East Region, to handle processing.
A turning point came with a GHS100,000 microcredit facility under the Post‑COVID Skills Development and Productivity Enhancement Project (PSDPEP).
The support enabled her to acquire equipment, procure 11,000 packaging pouches, and strengthen partnerships.
“Recently we started supplying a shop in Accra and, in two weeks, everything was sold out…I believe it is because of the improved packaging,” she said.
Currently employing four temporary workers, Ms Aidoo aims to establish a processing factory within five years to control the production value chain and expand supply nationwide.
Ms Aidoo participates in exhibitions and trade fairs to increase visibility, while promoting local rice as nutritious and competitive with imported brands.
She urged young people to explore opportunities in the rice value chain, advising them to start small and use available channels to promote their brands.
Ms Aidoo also appealed to policymakers to invest in local rice production, provide storage facilities, engage youth in farming, and support research into improved varieties.
The PSDPEP, funded by the African Development Bank with support from the Government of Ghana, is a five‑year initiative expected to end in 2027.
It seeks to support socio‑economic recovery from the COVID‑19 pandemic by building human capital, restoring livelihoods, enhancing productivity, and promoting private sector growth.
The Social Investment Fund (SIF) is implementing aspects of the project together with partner institutions.
GNA
Edited by Kenneth Sackey