The Minister of Trade and Industry, Alan Kyerematen has inaugurated a rice processing factory in the Savelugu Municipality of the Northern Region.The factory which has the capacity to produce 1.5 and 2.8 tons of processed rice per hour is under the government’s One District, One Factory (1D1F) initiative.
The occasion was held under the theme “Boosting Local Enterprise For Job Creation and Economic Prosperity Towards a Ghana Beyond Aid.”
The Savelugu rice processing factory, the latest to be inaugurated adds to several local enterprises boosted by the 1D1F.
To ensure effectiveness and to serve its intended purposes, Mr Kyerematen also swore into office a nine-member board of directors to oversee the management and operations of the factory.
Technology Solution Center
Mr Kyerematen also inaugurated the Savelugu Technology Solution Center to facilitate the creation of spare parts and repair services and the manufacturing of agro-processing gear.
The middle under the Rural Enterprises Program (REP) and the GRATIS Foundation is to provide training for human resource and capacity building for various businesses in the area, including the factory.
Inauguration
Speaking at the inauguration function last Wednesday (December 28, 2022) at Savelugu, Mr Kyerematen said the rice processing factory would go far to increase the efficiency of farmers and create jobs in the area.
He said it would also assist with increasing the incomes of the farmers in the area by adding value to their produce to enable them to become more serious on the market.
Touching on the middle, Mr Kyerematen said it was normal to support the rice factory, yet to also provide advanced technology support services to all factories in its catchment area.
He gave the assurance that the Ministry would continue to create the enabling business climate to ensure the sustainability of businesses.
The National Director of the REP, Akwasi Attah Antwi, said the factory was supposed to utilize about 118 individuals, including management professionals, factory floor workers and plantation workers, who would deal with the nucleus rice farms.
He said, “In addition, over 754 farmers in the Savelugu Municipality and neighboring communities will be directly engaged to supply rice to the factory.”
The Northern Regional Minister, Alhaji Shani Alhassan Saibu said the factory would serve as a catalyst that would bring about the required improvement in the district while enhancing food security in the country.
The Municipal CEO of Savelugu, Hajia Ayishetu Seidu, said it would assist with addressing joblessness and attract youngsters into the agricultural sector.
She encouraged residents to take advantage of the initiative to enhance sustainable development and advancement of the area.
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The Chairman of the Board of Directors of the factory, Alhaji Sayibu Braimah,pledged to discharge their duties proficiently to ensure that the factory achieved its intended purpose.