Day: November 12, 2023

Gov’t aligning education to leverage Fourth Industrial Revolution demands – Dr Adutwum


Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum, the Minister of Education, says the Government is pursuing several policies and programmes to align Ghana’s education sector to the demands of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

These include the review of the curriculum from the objective-based to a standards-based one at the pre-tertiary level.

Dr Adutwum said this in an address read for him by Dr Eric Nkansah, the Director-General of the Ghana Education Service (GES), at the 70th Anniversary of the Kpando Secondary School (KPASEC), on the theme: ‘Quality Education: A Collective Responsibility.’

He said improving science enrollment and quality of instruction at the senior high school (SHS) level, building more science laboratories, and expanding and retooling existing ones were all being implemented.

He said the Government was operationalising Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) in SHSs with five out of 10 of the schools being in full operation since 2021.

Twenty Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathem
atics (STEAM) centres are at various stages of completion with the first operationalised at the Accra High School.

The centres, designed to train learners from the basic schools to SHS in robotics, 3D printing, coding, nanotechnology, Artificial Intelligence and the Internet of Things, would serve as resource centres for multiple institutions.

The Government had also introduced a Pre-Engineering programme for non-science SHS graduates who desired to pursue engineering at the tertiary level.

‘These programmes and policies demonstrate the government’s commitment to aligning the education landscape to global trends and to equip learners to succeed in the 21st century and become responsible global citizens,’ he said.

Dr Adutwum encouraged the students to take advantage of all the programmes to realise their full potential and commended KPASEC for the successes chalked, over the years.

Mr Charles Evans Apreku, the Headmaster of the School, said KPASEC had 3,498 students, 147 teaching and 64 non-teaching staff
, 10 National Service Personnel and 14 casual staff.

The school was not relenting in its efforts at maintaining discipline, he said, while lauding the academic performances of the school over the period.

Mr Apreku said the School’s performance in sports and agriculture had been outstanding and had been approved as a Satellite Learning Centre of the University of Education, Winneba.

Urgent needs of the school ranged from a classroom block, headmaster’s residential accommodation, furniture, dormitories, an assembly hall, a vehicle and an ICT laboratory.

Mr Apreku said with well-disciplined students, committed staff, a cooperative PTA, a vibrant Old Students Association and a friendly Board of Governors, ‘we hope to push the school to the highest pedestal.’

Dr Archibald Yao Letsa, the Volta Regional Minister, said the country’s socio-economic development hinged on quality education to produce the human resource with the requisite knowledge, skills and values needed for development in the 21st Century.

He s
aid KPASEC had not compromised on its academic excellence and gradually gained recognition as one of the best boarding senior high schools in the Volta Region and beyond.

He commended the authorities for inculcating high moral standards amongst students as well as thought-through programmes to unearth the innate talents of students, especially in sports, arts and entertainment.

Mr Letsa called on all Old Students of Kpando Senior High School (KOSA) to continue to visit their alma mater and support efforts to bring development to the school.

100 young women empowered with skills in data analytics


Dr Collins Yeboah-Afari, Director General, Ghana-India Kofi Annan Centre of Excellence (GI-KACE) in ICT, has called for a deliberate effort by relevant agencies to train more women in Information and Communication Technology to take up positions in the tech sector.

Also, he called for the creation of a more favourable working environment devoid of gender discrimination to enable women thrive within the sector.

Dr Yeboah-Afari made the call at the closing ceremony of a seven-day skills training for some 100 young women in data analytics in Accra.

The objective of the training was to equip the young women with the knowledge in data analytics to enhance their employability in the tech sector.

It was organised by the Ministry of Communications and Digitalisation and Glovo with support from the GI-KACE and the Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications under the Women in Tech Bootcamp programme.

The Women in Tech Bootcamp, the first edition in Ghana, is a significant step towards providing young women with the skil
ls and knowledge needed to increase employability in the tech sector.

The beneficiaries, mostly graduates from the universities and polytechnics, were between the ages of 22 and 35 years.

Dr Yeboah-Afari noted that, despite progress made in bridging the country’s gender gap in recent years, women remained underrepresented in the ICT sector.

Data available indicate that only 17 per cent of tech-related jobs were currently held by females.

Dr Yeboah-Afari said that, therefore, called for a more conscious approach by authorities to train more women in ICT to bridge the wide gap.

‘We also need to continue raising awareness of the importance of women in ICT and the benefits of having a gender-diverse workforce,’ he said, adding that, by so doing, ‘we will create a more inclusive and equitable ICT sector where women have the same opportunities as men to succeed.’

Dr Yeboah-Afari urged the beneficiaries to uphold integrity and professionalism to enable them to succeed, saying ‘the internet is a critical and av
ailable resource in abundance for your success.’

He also assured of the Centre’s commitment to fostering an inclusive and diverse tech industry where women could thrive and excel.

Madam Ama Pomaa Boateng, Deputy Minister of Communications and Digitalisation, said the Ministry was determined to inspire girls and young women to consider pursuing programmes in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) by introducing them to career opportunities in the sector.

She said the women in data analytics training was one of the many trainings it was undertaking to empower young women and girls to bridge the tech sector employment gap between males and females.

‘With this sponsored training by Glovo, support from MoCD and GI-KACE, this programme has provided a unique opportunity for our women to acquire essential digital skills, particularly in the field of Data Analytics,’ she said.

She called for more corporate support to upscale the project to benefit more women, disclosing that, out of the over 3,0
00 applications the Ministry received, only 100 received the training due to financial constraints.

The Deputy Minister also pledged the Ministry’s continued support for the beneficiaries of the maiden women in data analytics training to enable them to thrive in the field.

Madam Rasheeda Seghosime, Glovo’s Regional Head of People in Africa, said as a prominent tech hub in Southern Europe and with a presence in various African markets, the Company was committed to fostering diversity and inclusion.

‘Our diverse team of female tech employees serves as essential role models for aspiring women in tech. Our vibrant and innovative office spaces worldwide provide a window into the dynamic world of tech, inspiring women to see themselves thriving in this industry,’ she said.

Dr Kenneth Ashigbey, Chief Executive Officer, Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications, encouraged the trainees to be problem solvers and change makers to impact society positively.

‘Don’t be quick in looking for jobs. What can you create? That s
hould be your mindset. Start small, but be quick in upscaling,’ he urged.

Don’t rely on government for jobs – Dr Aidoo tells graduates


Dr Michael Aidoo, the Founder of KAAF University College, Ghana, has advised tertiary graduates not to depend on the government for jobs, especially white-collar jobs, which are non-existent.

Speaking at the 12th Graduation ceremony of the University at Gomoa Fetteh Kakraba in the Central Region, he expressed concern over the many university graduates, who depended on the government for jobs, thereby increasing the number of unemployed graduates and brewing corruption.

‘Corruption starts with the over-dependant on government for jobs,’ he said.

Dr Aidoo urged them to utilise their skills and knowledge to make them self-sufficient and grab any formal sector jobs when they became available.

‘When you have education, you have everything and you can innovate something that will be of help to you and the entire nation,’ he said.

The ceremony, which saw 520 students graduating, was on the theme: ‘Nationalisation of Higher Education and National Development’.

The grandaunts comprised 314 students from the Fac
ulty of Health and Allied Sciences with Certificates in General Nursing, Midwifery and Public Health Nursing, 86 students from the Faculty of Engineering and Computer Science and 50 from the Faculty of Business Administration.

Professor Herbert Kwabla Dei, the Rector of the University, said the University College was actively collaborating with several universities across the globe to explore opportunities and resources for its students and faculty.

He mentioned the University of New England, Australia Wayne State University, USA Virginia Technical University and USA West Virginia University as some of the institutions the KAAF University College had commenced dialogue with.

Prof Dei advised the graduates to make good use of the knowledge and skills acquired as they integrated into the future workplace with confidence and purpose.

‘As you step out, we wish you an abundance of success in whatever endeavour you may embark on, develop a noble character to protect your integrity and be worthy ambassadors of t
his great University College.’

‘Our multiculturalism has boosted educational tourism in Ghana’ – Zenith University College


Mr Philip K. Buabeng, the Acting Rector of Zenith University College, says the University’s adoption of multiculturalism has helped in boosting educational tourism in the country.

Mr. Buabeng, in an interview, after the Institution’s 15th Graduation Ceremony, said admission of international students, particularly from the West African sub regional countries such as Nigeria, Sierra Leone, The Gambia, among others, had not only increased enrolment, but helped promote cultural diversity and exchanges on campus.

That, he explained, helped to boost educational tourism in the country, with positive impact on the country’s economy.

He said educational tourism should be encouraged and sustained because it was good for Ghana as it helped the Ghanaian economy at the end of the day.

‘To us as Zenith College …the cultural diversity is wonderful. You know our big brothers from Nigeria; they bring in their own unique ways of doing things. So are other nationalities. Their mingling with management alongside our Ghanaia
n students is very beautiful,’ he said.

The overall best student, Samuel Amoah Gogo, in his valedictorian speech, urged his colleagues to embrace the future ahead of them with resilience and the assurance that they could still make it in the real world despite challenges.

The ceremony saw 195 students graduating with Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration programmes.

This year’s edition had a total of 106 females graduating successfully as against 89 males.

First Sky Group Chairman calls for a national policy on Ghana’s education


Mr Eric Sedinam Kutortse, the Executive Chairman of the First Sky Group, has called on stakeholders to develop a national policy on the country’s education to help create an effective human resource base for the nation.

He said the policy should be such that no matter the political party in power, it would be strictly adhered to.

Mr Kutortse was speaking at the 70th Anniversary celebration of the Kpando Secondary School (KPASEC) on Saturday, on the theme: ‘Quality Education: A Collective Responsibility’.

Basing the country’s education on political party manifestos and campaign promises would impede the quality of education, he noted.

He said governments must prioritise education through infrastructure development and allocation of sufficient funds to the sector, creating effective policies and ensuring access to quality education for all children, irrespective of socio-economic background.

Education should not be the sole responsibility of teachers and parents, but a collective, deliberate and active ef
fort from all stakeholders.

The role of teachers in attaining quality and inclusive education to empower all learners could not be over-emphasised, while parents created a conducive environment at home for the children to learn.

However, the community must also support and value education as a collective investment of its own future and endeavour to monitor students in and out of the school environment to ensure their wellbeing.

Mr Kutortse admonished students to play active roles in their learning process, be curious, ask critical questions and seek knowledge beyond the classroom.

He rallied the support of the school’s past students to prepare earnestly towards its 75th Anniversary, which should be marked with a landmark infrastructural development.

He donated seed money of GHS1,000,000 towards the 75th projects and called on all old students to donate GHS100 each quarterly to the Diamond Jubilee Commemorative Infrastructure Endowment Fund.

He lauded the Education Ministry’s Science, Technology, Engine
ering and Mathematics (STEM) project in schools, and said the First Sky Group was willing to partner with the Government to ensure Kpando Secondary School benefited from the policy.

First Sky Group is a wholly owned Ghanaian holding entity comprising subsidiaries with interests in hospitality, construction, insurance, banking and bitumen processing.

Okpekpewuokpe Akpinifia Dagadu IX, Paramount Chief of Kpando Traditional Area, noted that quality education transcended textbooks and examinations, encompassing the holistic development of students and preparing them to be responsible citizens.

He called on all to pledge their unwavering support to ensure the best education for future generations.

‘Everyone must recommit themselves to the pursuit of quality education since it was their collective responsibility to provide every child with an opportunity to learn, grow and thrive,’ he said.

The school was founded on January 26, 1953, and has produced notable statesmen and women in all walks of life.

Justine Aniaku adjudged PWD Entrepreneur of the Year


Madam Justine Mauda Afia Aniaku, Creative Director of JustMaud Group, dealers in fashion, arts and crafts, has won the Persons with Disability (PWD) Entrepreneur of the Year at the 2023 Edition of the Women in Entrepreneurship Awards (WIEA).

She received recognition for her outstanding achievements, innovative spirit, and dedication to fostering positive change in the field of entrepreneurship.

‘The JustMaud Group deals in fashion, arts and crafts so basically, what we do is to train women, especially in various handicrafts, because we so much believe that no matter your profession you still need to create multiple streams of income,’ she told the Ghana News Agency in an interview after the event.

With an unwavering determination and an exceptional vision, she has made remarkable strides in the business world, serving as an inspiration to aspiring entrepreneurs and a beacon of empowerment to women across the globe.

Madam Aniaku expressed her delight at getting recognised and lauded WIEA for creating the
platform to honour agents of change.

The JustMaud Group started business in 2009, focusing on PWDs along the line, she said, and that being physically challenged should not hinder one from achieving his or her goals.

‘Some of us, having gotten the chance to climb the educational ladder, we endeavour to encourage our colleague PWDs to acquire some skills and handiworks so that instead of begging on the streets they could become better to themselves and to the society,’ she said.

Madam Aniaku, therefore, called on benevolent individuals and organisations to support JustMaud in training more PWDs who lacked the financial strength to embark on that venture alone.

Oheneyere Gifty Anti, a media personality, who chaired the event, encouraged young women to strive for excellence regardless of their challenges.

She emphasized that young women should demonstrate seriousness on the grounds of consistency, passion and determination to accomplish their desired goals.

Madam Sylvia Tweneboah-Koduah, the Chief Executiv
e Officer of WIEA, said the awards scheme sought to showcase women-owned businesses and celebrate their enormous contribution to economic growth.

This year, the WIEA Board decided to add the PWD Entrepreneur of the Year category to untapped talents, which, when supported, will make them self-sufficient.

Nina Kwadanaab won the ultimate award of the night – Woman Entrepreneur of the Year, whereas Elizabeth Oti Ameyaa won the Woman Under 25 Entrepreneur of the Year.

Others include Princess Jewel Asare, Agri-Woman of the Year; Abigail Sefa Bonsu, Most Promising Entrepreneur of the Year; Deborah Nyarko Osei, Creative Industry Entrepreneur of the Year, and Mrs Patience Abekah, Photographer of the Year.

The rest are Ernestina Arhin Mensah, Business Insurance Broker of the Year, Belinda Obour Mensah, Pocketi Student Entrepreneur of the Year, Dr Mary Dede Ansong, Health and Well-Being Entrepreneur of the Year; and Jabez Heavenly Farms, Family Business of the Year, among others.

Judicial Service launches 2023 ADR week in Takoradi


The Judicial Service of Ghana (JSG) has launched the 2023 Alternative?Dispute Resolution (ADR) Week in Takoradi with a public forum on the need to use ADR in resolving disputes.

It was on the theme: ‘Building the Pillars of Justice through Alternative Dispute?Resolution (ADR)’ and will be marked with a series of activities including workshops for the practitioners.

The ADR, since its inception in 2005, has sensitised the public on the importance of using alternative dispute resolution to speedily address cases instead of using the courts.

The Judiciary, as the third arm of Government, and under Article 125 (1) of the 1992 Constitution, is charged with resolving all kinds?of disputes under the laws of Ghana to guarantee peace and stability for national?cohesion and development.

The Judicial Service, in carrying out this mandate, initiated the ADR System of resolving cases by?parties and a neutral entity rather than resorting to litigation.

It resolves cases using mediation, arbitration, reconciliation, a
nd customary?arbitration among other methods to speed up the resolution process.

The Chairperson of the event, Justice Angelina Mensah-Homiah, said the ADR came?into existence in 2005 as a result of the increase in cases at the courts and the delay in administering?justice.

Since its inception it had largely reduced the load on the court by 32,?745 cases, she said, which brought finality to dispute as the parties involved?came up with their custom-made solution to the problem, having received satisfaction at the end of the day.

Some of the benefits, Justice Mensah-Homiah noted, were privacy, empowered parties, financial and?emotional relief, decongestion of the courts, building relationships, or preserving existing ones.

‘The ADR has come to stay as a reliable partner for the traditional justice delivery?system in achieving speedy, accessible and efficient justice delivery’.

Mr Alex Nartey, the Director of ADR, said cases directed to the ADR were not trivial as perceived by the public or less important t
o the?judges.

‘…. But the Judicial Service or the courts want to empower parties involved in a case to play a?critical role in resolving the case in a manner pleasing to them instead of staying in the court for a?judge to hear the matter and come out with his or her view,’ he said.

He admitted that sometimes the judge may be right in his judgement but that might not accurately?address the issue.

‘With the ADR, however, you are able to address issues conclusively including emotional?matters surrounding the issue. litigation is a ‘win, lose’ but ADR is a ‘win, win’ verdict?as both parties went home satisfied.’

Mr Nartey appealed to the media to share the news to address the crisis and build capacity and?knowledge in ADR as it would help reduce the number of cases in the courts to make the courts?very efficient.

That, he noted, would create a peaceful environment among the youth, marriage couples, business?partners, political parties, and churches.

JJ Rawlings Foundation, Family commemorate three years of passing


The JJ Rawlings Foundation and the family Sunday commemorated three years of the passing of former President Jerry John Rawlings, describing his loss as a ‘difficult pill to swallow.’

On Thursday, November 12, 2020, Ghana was shaken by the sudden demise of the former President.

‘The shock and pain of the loss of a husband, father and champion of the masses was very heavy to bear and is indeed still a difficult pill for many to swallow,’ said the Foundation and Family in a statement copied to the Ghana News Agency.

‘Today marks three years of the loss of a man who endeared himself to millions in our country Ghana, our continent Africa, and across the world.’

Flight Lieutenant Jerry John Rawlings stood for selflessness and a rare form of candour.

He was a strong man whose approach to leadership had redefined what ‘we ought to espouse as leaders regardless of our fields.’

The former President’s courageous hands-on style of leadership, juxtaposed with his understanding and appreciation of the struggles of
the common man defined his raison d’etre right throughout his life.

As the nation marked the third year of his passing, he would be remembered as ‘a man of the people,’ the statement said.

Former President Rawlings was a soldier’s soldier; a patriot; a fighter for the people, who loved his country deeply.

He remained boldly steadfast in his position on political and social issues that affected Ghana and other countries within the continent.

As President and former President, he never paused in his desire to help the underprivileged or distressed as in the cases of Buruli ulcer in the 1990s and the memorable photograph of him standing knee deep in flood waters at the Kwame Nkrumah Circle.

‘We cannot forget how one June 4 morning he cut short the celebration to visit the site of the June 3, 2015 disaster also at the Kwame Nkrumah Circle,’ it said.

‘As the JJ Rawlings Foundation and Family, we join all Ghanaians whose lives were impacted by President Jerry John Rawlings to celebrate his memory.’

The state
ment called on Ghanaians to revive the spirit of nationalism and love for country above personal pursuits and political bias.

Former President Rawlings stood for integrity, probity, accountability, equity, transparency and selflessness, it said.

It urged Ghanaians to reflect on his lifetime of dedication to those ideals and embody them in their daily lives.

‘As we celebrate the memory of Chairman Rawlings, we pray that we will unite as a people to lift high the image of our country, pursuing Ghana’s socio-economic revival and development with selflessness and purposeful devotion.’

Inequalities hindering global peace and security – President Akufo-Addo


World leaders must take decisive steps to address inequalities in all their manifestations, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has advised.

He said: ‘Unequal access to resources, opportunities and social provision is damaging to societies, incites hostilities and violence, and threatens peace and security.’

Inequalities had implications far beyond economic development as they undermined social cohesion and also bred resentment, he stated in an address, at the 2023 Paris Peace Forum, in France.

President Nana Akufo-Addo bemoaned the unequal access to opportunities and technology.

It was holding hundreds of millions of people from achieving their potential and realising their aspirations, he noted, underlying the need to foster economic equity to promote inclusive economic growth.

The President said it was imperative to invest in education, healthcare, and social safety nets to ensure that everyone, everywhere, had an equal opportunity to prosper.

Additionally, the President advocated a reform of the
global financial architecture ‘because the current system is not fit-for-purpose when it comes to addressing inequalities’.

The United Nations (UN), in its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Report 2023, says one in six people worldwide has experienced discrimination in some form, with women and people with disabilities disproportionately affected.

Inequality threatens long-term social and economic development, harms poverty reduction and destroys people’s sense of fulfillment and self-worth.

The UN Report estimates that year 2022 witnessed the highest number of refugees (34.6 million people) ever documented, with the COVID-19 pandemic also causing the largest rise in between-country inequality in three decades.

President Nana Akufo-Addo stated that conflicts perpetuated inequalities, and their prevention should be a global priority.

‘Simultaneously, we must take meaningful steps to combat climate change and support climate adaptation, while transitioning to sustainable green economies.’

He reiterated
the importance of reforming the institutions of global governance, particularly the UN Security Council, and correcting the longstanding injustice that the current structure and composition of the Council represented, especially for the nations of Africa.

‘We cannot continue to preach democracy and fairness around the world, we cannot insist on peace and justice around the world when our global security organisation is not seen by the majority of its members as having a structure that is effective, fair and just.’

The 2023 Paris Peace Forum was held to find common ground on the governance of global commons and global public goods in domains like climate change, outer space and critical minerals.

It was intended to facilitate dialogue, creating action-oriented coalitions and defining norms or pre-norms as a way to deliver efficient responses to the urgent challenges of the time.

The critical priorities related to protecting the planet and the people, ensuring trust and safety in the digital world, addressi
ng inequalities and accelerating SDGs, crafting peace and building a safer world.

The Forum was held on the theme: ‘Seeking Common Ground in a World of Rivalry’.

GRA says ready to engage companies in difficulties revive operations to meet tax obligations


The Ghana Revenue Authority says it is ready to support companies in difficulties to revive their operations to be able to meet their tax obligations to the state and create employment for Ghanaians.

Dr Ammishaddai Owusu-Amoah, the Commissioner-General of the GRA, said the Authority was not only interested in companies’ compliance to their tax obligations, but also in ensuring that those in distress were assisted to contribute to accelerated economic growth and job creation.

‘We are more interested in seeing companies grow to meet their tax obligations. So that mentality or sad notion that the GRA is only interested in getting the money and not so interested in whether the company will survive or not, is not true,’ he said.

Dr Owusu-Amoah was briefing the media after a tour of the revamped United Steel Company Limited, which was purchased by leading steel manufacturer B5 Plus Limited after it failed to meet its tax obligations and was put under administration and eventual sale.

He said the GRA was willin
g to engage and find out the situations at the company level and ways to help revive operations, adding that the GRA would just not go around and collapse companies.

‘So we are committed to making sure that we get the taxes at the same time to make sure that Ghanians also get the jobs and get production and our GDP going up,’ he said.

At the time of the sale, United Steel had an outstanding tax liability with interest and penalties as well as debts owed to banks and creditors amounting to over GHS400 million.

Dr Owusu-Amoah said B5 Plus Limited after it bought the company paid the tax liability of GHS149 million in full after taking advantage of the waiver of penalties and interest and also paid the monies due to the over 400 workers as well as

re-engaged many of them.

‘And then the factory has also, as you saw today, been completely put back on its feet to be able to produce and we’ll be getting over GHS 100 million annually in terms of taxes,’ he added.

‘When the factory was in operation, I had visite
d and looked around to see what we can do about it even though we’re still shutting them down trying to get the liability. And since we sold the factory we also have come to see whether the one that we sold it to is committed to the task.’

On whether the GRA would adopt the same strategy for companies owing taxes, the Commissioner-General said the GRA would use all compliance measures that were available in the law and ready to implement it to the letter.

However, he said any action taken would not be to collapse the company but explore whatever could be done to revive the company.

‘I think that you have gone around the factory, you

have seen that it’s a very big factory, need to be able to go to the extent of selling the factory and making sure that we have got our taxes, the principal taxes were paid in full, then it means that no matter how small or how big you are you ready to ensure that we will collect the taxes in full. But at the same time we also consent that the production should continue. Peopl
e should not be laid off and therefore when we’re selling we have to put all this into the negotiations,’ he said.

He said the GRA was on course in meeting its target for 2023 through various initiatives and enforcement actions.

He lauded B5 Plus Limited for the huge investment and impressive work in transforming the factory to the current stage.

The Chief Executive Officer of B5 Plus Limited, Mukesh Thakwani, lauded Ghana’s investment climate and the ample opportunities that needed to be exploited.

He said the buying of United Steel was a bit of a high value because B5 Plus had to re-equip the whole factory as everything from the roofing to machinery needed to be changed and ‘we have been working on that for the past six months.’

It has been quite challenging for us. What we expected and what we found on the ground was quite different but a lot of credit to the entire team being positive and optimistic and we are really looking forward to be generating a good products,’ Mukesh Thakwani said.

‘I think t
hat is one of the reasons that though we are working 24 hours, it has still taken six months and it will take another one and a half months for us to start this plant. Our target is that before December, we should at least be able to take some trials so that from next year, we are able to run this plant successfully and make everyone proud.’

He said the company had so far invested more than $35 million to revamp the factory and in the next two years with the increasing production line, it would invest another $10 million.

He said currently there were 420 workers and this could rise to more than 500 when other product lines come on stream.

‘We are not only targeting Ghans and the West Africa sub-regional market but the whole Africa region to take advantage of AfCFTA,’ he added.

He pledged to pay between GHS100 million and GHS 150 million in taxes once in operation and called for support, especially a ban on products that could competively be produced at the company.