Accra, Nov. 29, GNA-Vice President, Dr. Alhaji Mahamudu Bawumia, has commissioned a State-of-the-art Watermelon Processing and Bottling Factory at Logri, Walewale in the North-East Region of Ghana.
Addressing a durbar of indigenes at Logri, Walewale before the commissioning, Dr. Bawumia said the construction of the factory, which falls in line with Government’s One-District, One-Factory agenda was fully financed by the Ghana Export and Import Bank (GEXIM).
He said it aimed at addressing the perennial post-harvest losses challenge watermelon farmers are faced within the Walewale and its enclave.
“The Walewale area is renowned for its watermelon cultivation, but unfortunately, the region has long struggled with cyclical post-harvest losses. To address this challenge, our factory has been strategically established to leverage the abundant local raw material for juice production.
This initiative aims to optimize the utilization of watermelons, minimize post-harvest losses and create a more sustainable and efficient value chain,” he said.
He commended the Board, Management, and staff of Ghana Exim Bank for collaborating with the promoters of the factory (Champion Foods and Beverages Limited) by making funds available on time in ensuring a successful construction and completion of the factory.
The Chief Executive Officer of Ghana Export and Import Bank (GEXIM), Mr. Lawrence Agyinsam in his address expressed appreciation to Government for the confidence reposed in the Ghana Exim Bank and consequently the opportunity for the Bank to finance the construction of the factory.
He explained that in December 2019, after the Vice President tasked Ghana Exim Bank to provide funds for the construction of the factory, his outfit did not rest on its oars but rather collaborated with the promoters (Champion Foods and Beverages Limited) to work at a faster pace to ensure timely delivery.
He said without any hesitation that in less than one year after the sod cutting, Ghana Exim Bank had collaborated with Champion Foods and Beverages Limited in providing funds to ensure that 80% of the work was completed.
Mr. Agyinsam further explained that, Ghana Exim Bank has invested a total amount of GHC 50 million into the construction of the factory to support Government’s industrialization agenda, explaining that the factory will operate to provide 800 direct jobs as well as 1000 indirect jobs to the people and also provide ready market for peasant farmers to boost Agriculture and productivity and improve their livelihoods.
He called on the indigenes and everyone present to employ good maintenance culture of the factory to keep good it in shape and also serve the purpose for which it was constructed.
GNA