By Nana Anfreh Damanata, GNA
Wenchi (Bono), Nov. 12, GNA – Osagyefo Ampem Anye Amoampong Tabrako III, the Paramount Chief of the Wenchi Traditional Area in the Bono Region, has called on the government to revive the defunct Wenchi Tomato Processing factory (Tomacan).
He said this would help in creating employment opportunities for the youth.
He worried that since the factory was shut down in 1987, consistent appeals had been made to successive governments to revive it but to no avail.
In an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA) at Wenchi, Osagyefo Tabrako said the factory was shut down because of lack of raw materials to feed it, saying that revamping it could create thousands of employment opportunities for the youth.
He explained that at its peak in the 60s, the factory offered direct employment to more than 1000 people, besides tomato growers in the area.
The Paramount Chief said he had officially made the appeal when the National House of Chiefs met Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, the Minister of Finance at Kumasi on Monday November 9, 2026, and hoped that the government would revive the factory.
Osagyefo Tabrako reviving the factory would empower the nation to cut the importation and add value to raw tomatoes.
He said the defunct factory had the capacity to process and package not only tomatoes, but also garden eggs, okro and fruits.
Osagyefo Tabrako added that the factory used to be the economic backbone of Wenchi and its adjoining communities in the 1960s.
He also called on the government to modernise the Wenchi animal husbandry station, saying that revitalising the facility would boost local livestock production and provide practical training for youth.
GNA
Edited by Dennis Peprah/ Christabel Addo