TIG Post

Tag: 1D1F

  • 1D1F: Auditors flag fictitious GHC 89.4m, say banks unable to confirm payments

    1D1F: Auditors flag fictitious GHC 89.4m, say banks unable to confirm payments

    One of the flagship programmes of the erstwhile government, the One District One Factory (1D1F) has come under heavy scrutiny after an audit revealed what officials have described as a fictitious GH¢89.4 million debt linked to the initiative.

    1D1F initiative, a flagship policy of former President Nana Akufo-Addo and the New Patriotic Party (NPP), was designed to accelerate industrialisation by establishing at least one factory in every district.

    Presenting the results of the findings on the floor of Parliament in a statement delivered by Deputy Finance Minister Thomas Nyarko Ampem on behalf of Dr Cassiel Ato Forson.

    The Finance Minister indicated that in 2024, the Ministry of Trade and Industry requested the release of GH¢89.4 million to five commercial banks as the government’s contribution toward interest payments under the 1D1F programme.

    The Ministry of Finance processed the request and sent it to the Controller and Accountant-General’s Department for payment.

    However, when auditors from the Ghana Audit Service, working with international firms Ernst & Young and PwC, reached out to the banks to confirm the claims, all five institutions reportedly denied that the government owed them any funds under the scheme.

    “According to the auditors, the said GH¢89.4 million debt was fictitious,” the statement told Parliament. “Without the audit intervention, a whopping GH¢89.4 million of hard-earned public money could have been disbursed to settle this non-existent liability.”

    The audit also flagged another suspicious transaction: a reported GH¢10.5 million payment into a so-called “Buffer Account” at a commercial bank.

      According to the report, a follow up to authenticate the transaction to the banks, it was confirmed they never received any payments. 

    Further investigation revealed that the account number provided did not exist in the bank’s records and did not follow its account numbering format.

    “The evidence from the audit pointed to a completely fictitious account,” the statement added.

    In response, the government has announced plans to conduct a full forensic audit of the entire One District One Factory programme.

    Mr. Ampem emphasised the importance of the review, given the large sums involved, noting that about GH¢391 million had already been disbursed in interest subsidies for the programme by the end of 2024.

    “Mr Speaker, only God knows how much of taxpayers’ money has been lost to similar fictitious claims,” he said.

    Minister of Trade, Agribusiness, and Industry, Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, revealed that the erstwhile government’s One District One Factory (1D1F) policy had been scrapped.

    The minister announced this when she appeared before Parliament on Tuesday, June 8.

    “Mr Speaker, I want to draw the House’s attention to the fact that as of now, there is no policy as 1D1F,” the minister said.

    She added that “The 24-hour economy policy was the new thing on the block and the game changer, which sought to make Ghana very vibrant irrespective of the minute of the hour or the time of the day.”

    In reaction, Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin quizzed, “Is the ministry, MOTAI, exploring the establishment of new industrial parks as part of a revised investment attraction strategy?”

    The Trade Minister replied: “We are doing agro-parks which seek to be a great game changer, especially in the agro-processing zones, and it is being worked on to ensure we are able to produce around the clock for import substitution, export, foreign exchange, and to create jobs for our teeming youth.”

    Earlier this year, Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare stated that the National Democratic Congress’ (NDC) proposed 24-hour economy initiative would enhance the effectiveness of the One District, One Factory (1D1F) programme.

    During her appearance before the Appointments Committee on Wednesday, January 22 for vetting after her nomination, she underscored the shortage of sufficient raw materials as a major hurdle undermining the success of the 1D1F initiative.

    She emphasised that the adoption of the NDC’s 24-hour economy policy would serve as a strategic measure to overcome this challenge.

    She said, “The solution lies in the 24-hour economy, where businesses will have access to a steady supply of raw materials. Agribusiness will play a crucial role through commercial contract farming, which will substantially resolve the raw material challenge.”

    The Techiman North Member of Parliament further said, “These factories will benefit from tax holidays and other incentives under the 24-hour economy framework.”

    The One District, One Factory (1D1F) initiative, introduced by former President Akufo-Addo, aimed to revolutionise Ghana’s economy by minimising dependence on raw material exports and imported finished products.

    The programme emphasised industrial growth, value enhancement, employment generation, and the export of refined goods.

    Although several factories were set up under the initiative, its progress was hampered by numerous challenges.

  • Don’t spearhead 1D1F, leave that for the private sector – McDan to gov’t

    Don’t spearhead 1D1F, leave that for the private sector – McDan to gov’t

    Executive Chairman of the McDan Group of Companies, Dr. Daniel McKorley, has expressed concerns about the execution of the government’s flagship initiative, One District One Factory (1D1F).

    He believes that while the program is a commendable idea, it would have been more effective if the private sector had been given full responsibility to ensure its long-term sustainability and success.

    “One District One Factory (1D1F) is one of the brilliant ideas that this government came up with, but the implementation was wrong and I questioned it,” he said on Joy FM’s Super Morning Show on Wednesday.

    He emphasized the vital role of industry in any economy, pointing out that it creates significant employment opportunities.

    Dr. McKorley stated that for the One District One Factory (1D1F) program to achieve real success, it should be managed as a business venture, led by private sector skills and entrepreneurial spirit.

    “If you look at our economy, what we need is industries. Industry is a whole chain that creates lots of jobs,” he said, emphasizing the importance of industrial development.

    Dr McKorley suggested that the government should establish an Advisory Board composed of seasoned entrepreneurs who can provide valuable guidance on the viability of proposed projects under the policy.

    This board, he believes, could offer crucial advice to prevent failures and ensure the success of the initiative.

    “With the 1D1F, it is supposed to be left for the private sector, and an Advisory Board of people who have made it can advise and say ‘If you go here, you will fail,’” he proposed.

    He further argued that private sector involvement is essential for protecting and sustaining the businesses created under the 1D1F policy.

    Dr McKorley stressed that entrepreneurs with a vested interest in the industry would be more motivated to ensure the long-term success of these factories.

    “1D1F needs to be run as a business. So put it in the hands of the private sector and they would protect the business.”

    The One District One Factory (1D1F) initiative, introduced by President Akufo-Addo, aims to shift Ghana’s economy from reliance on raw material imports and exports to a focus on manufacturing, value addition, and the export of processed goods.

    The policy also seeks to assist the private sector in establishing at least one industrial enterprise in each administrative district across the country.

    As part of the government’s broader strategy, the One District One Factory (1D1F) initiative is intended to revitalize the country’s industrial sector and enhance the capabilities of local businesses to produce high-quality products and services for both domestic and international markets.

    However, the impact of this policy on the industry and the general population has yet to be fully realized.

  • Sentuo Oil Refinery granted tax exemptions exceeding $164m under 1D1F

    Sentuo Oil Refinery granted tax exemptions exceeding $164m under 1D1F

    The newly established Sentuo Oil Refinery Limited is poised to receive the highest amount of tax exemptions, totaling $164,633,012.00, pending parliamentary approval.

    This refinery is among 42 companies listed in a document submitted to Parliament seeking approval for approximately $335,072,712.13 in tax exemptions under the government’s One District One Factory (1D1F) initiative.

    Initially presented to Parliament in 2022 by former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta under The Exemptions Act, 2022 (Act 1083), the proposal faced a deadlock due to disagreements.

    The Minority in Parliament claimed the exemptions were a cover for corruption, suggesting they benefited the ruling party’s allies. However, proponents argued that these tax breaks are essential for the success of businesses within the 1D1F initiative, promising economic growth and attracting investments.

    On May 17, 2024, the Majority revisited the request for parliamentary consideration. Sentuo Oil Refinery, commissioned by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo on January 26, 2024, represents Ghana’s first private oil refinery.

    Built by the Chinese conglomerate Sentuo Group in the Tema Industrial Area, the facility cost $2 billion and has an initial processing capacity of 40,000 barrels per day, scalable to 100,000 barrels.

    Despite these advancements, the Institute of Energy Security and the Chamber of Petroleum Consumers have urged the National Petroleum Authority to shut down Sentuo Oil Refinery due to licensing issues related to fuel distribution in the Ghanaian market.

  • List of 42 companies requesting $335m tax waiver under 1D1F

    List of 42 companies requesting $335m tax waiver under 1D1F

    In 2021, the Ministry of Finance began the process to secure roughly $335,072,712.13 in tax exemptions for 42 companies under the government’s One District One Factory (1D1F) initiative.

    The Exemptions Act, 2022 (Act 1083), was introduced to Parliament by the former Minister for Finance, Ken Ofori-Atta, in 2022.

    Among the companies awaiting these exemptions, Sentuo Oil Refinery Limited stands out with the highest requested amount of $164,633,012.00.

    The One District One Factory (1D1F) initiative, envisioned by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, aims to transform Ghana’s economy from one dependent on importing and exporting raw materials to a more robust economy focused on manufacturing, value addition, and exporting processed goods.

    This initiative is driven by the private sector, with the government creating a supportive environment for businesses.

    This support includes facilitating access to funding from financial institutions and providing assistance from various government agencies to help establish factories.

  • 170,000 jobs created from 1D1F – Prez Akufo-Addo

    President Akufo-Addo, in his seventh State of the Nation Address, celebrated the significant strides made by the government’s ‘One District, One Factory’ (1D1F) Programme, revealing that it had created around 170,000 jobs. 

    The President delivered his address in Accra on Tuesday, showcasing the positive impact of the policy on Ghana’s industrial landscape.

    The President noted that the implementation of the 1D1F Programme had led to the establishment of 321 projects, including 211 new medium to large-scale factories and support for 110 existing companies to expand their production capacity. This substantial number underscores the programme’s commitment to fostering economic growth and job creation across the country.

    Highlighting the government’s efforts to support the programme, President Akufo-Addo mentioned the approval of incentives and duty exemptions for selected companies between 2019 and 2020. However, he noted that no exemptions had been granted from 2021 to date, urging Parliament to expedite the approval of outstanding exemption applications to bolster confidence in the business community.

    Emphasizing the significance of the 1D1F Programme in Ghana’s industrial transformation, the President described it as the cornerstone of the country’s efforts to stimulate and incentivize the private sector to expand and diversify manufacturing activities nationwide. He commended the private sector for its substantial investments in manufacturing under the programme, with investments spanning 142 districts across all sixteen regions of the country.

    President Akufo-Addo expressed the government’s commitment to achieving broader district coverage under the 1D1F Programme, with the ultimate goal of establishing a project in every district. The programme’s success in achieving 54% district coverage within six years reflects its effectiveness in driving economic development and creating employment opportunities in various regions of Ghana.

    The President’s remarks underscored the government’s unwavering commitment to fostering industrial growth and job creation through strategic initiatives like the 1D1F Programme. As Ghana continues to prioritize economic development and inclusive growth, the programme remains a pivotal driver of progress, empowering local businesses and communities nationwide.

  • Akufo-Addo’s 1D1F initiative yet to meet its objectives – Yusif Sulemana

    Akufo-Addo’s 1D1F initiative yet to meet its objectives – Yusif Sulemana

    The Deputy Ranking Member of the Trade and Industry Committee of Parliament, Yusif Sulemana, has held the view that the One District One Factory (1D1F) initiative has fallen short of its intended objectives.

    He highlighted that the 1D1F, introduced by the New Patriotic Party (NPP) government, aimed to establish new factories in every district to foster employment and drive industrialization.

    However, Mr Sulemana asserted that this vision has not materialized, even four to five years after the policy’s implementation.

    In an interview on Eyewitness News on Citi FM, Mr Sulemana expressed concerns about the unmet goals of the 1D1F.

    The initiative was intended to improve foreign reserves, create jobs, and ensure the presence of factories in all districts, but according to him, these objectives remain unrealized.

    “Four to five years down the line after the implementation of the 1D1F policy, the objectives to which it was introduced had not been met. It is supposed to ensure that we improve upon our foreign reserves. It’s supposed to ensure that we have created jobs, that have not been achieved. It’s to ensure that we have factories in all the districts of this country, that has also not been met,” he said.

    “When a blind man wants to throw a stone at you, he knows what his feet are on. So what we are saying to them is that the companies they have shortlisted and sent to us, many Ghanaians are complaining that they have also applied, yet because there are no criteria or selection, they have been left out. It got to a time when the system was being abused, so we suggested that we suspend the granting of tax exemptions and come up with the Tax Exemption Act.”

    Mr Sulemana voiced doubts about quantifying the benefits derived from the 1D1F, despite the provision of tax waivers, alleging that the system has been subject to abuse.

    He analogized the situation, stating, “When a blind man wants to throw a stone at you, he knows what his feet are on.” He criticized the lack of criteria or selection, leading to complaints from many Ghanaians who applied but were left out. Due to the perceived abuse, Sulemana recommended the suspension of tax exemptions and the establishment of a Tax Exemption Act.

    He underscored the need for this tax measure, stating, “Before the enactment of this tax exemption act, we had realized that we could not even quantify the kind of benefits that we were getting as a result of granting those tax exemptions, so there was a need to put that tax in place.”

    While emphasizing that the National Democratic Congress (NDC) is not opposed to industrialization through the 1D1F, Sulemana raised concerns about tax exemptions not benefiting the state.

    Sulemana disclosed that there is a current GH¢5.7 billion tax exemption request in Parliament, with the finance committee advocating for tax exemptions for these companies.

    Additionally, he claimed that the Ministry of Finance has about GH¢7 billion in tax exemption requests, totaling GH¢12.5 billion. Sulemana expressed concern that this substantial amount could be allocated to associates under the guise of the 1D1F initiative.

    He further stated, “Before the enactment of this tax exemption act, we had realized that we could not even quantify the kind of benefits that we were getting as a result of granting those tax exemptions, so there was a need to put that tax in place.”

    He added, “We have been reliably informed that the Ministry of Finance has about GH¢7 billion in tax requests in the form of tax exemptions that the ministry is preparing to forward to us. When you put the two together, it’s about GH¢12.5 billion. That is what the government, and for that matter, the Ministry of Finance as well as the Ministry of Trades, are willing to give to their friends and cronies in the name of 1D1F.”

  • 1D1F: Even my ginger factory is operational, what do you have to show – Dumelo demands answers

    1D1F: Even my ginger factory is operational, what do you have to show – Dumelo demands answers


    Ghanaian actor and politician, John Dumelo,     has raised significant inquiries regarding the financial investment made by the government in the One District, One Factory (1D1F) initiative.

    He has urged President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to transparently disclose the progress of his administration in terms of both expenditure on the 1D1F program and the actual number of factories established.

    Dumelo pointed out that, despite taking nine months to establish his ginger factory, the government has not even commenced the fulfilment of its factory promise to the people of the Oti region after nearly eight years in power.

    “How much has the government spent on 1D1F so far? How many factories are fully functional and operational? Which specific product (being produced here in Ghana) as a result of the 1D1F initiative has reduced our import bill?

    “My ginger factory in Oti is not and cannot be under 1D1F. We built that factory in nine Months. It’s almost 8 years and the government hasn’t even laid a block to fulfil their ginger factory promise to the people of Oti,” John Dumelo wrote on his X page.

    The Minister of Trade and Industry, Kobina Tahir Hammond, revealed that from 2017 to the present, there are 296 projects in various stages of implementation under the One District, One Factory (1D1F) Programme.

    Breaking down the figures, there are 126 operational companies, 143 companies under construction, and 27 companies in the pipeline phase. K.T Hammond shared this information on Tuesday during a parliamentary session while responding to a question posed by Desmond De-Graft Paitoo, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Member of Parliament for Gomoa East.

    Paitoo sought details on the number of factories established by the government under the 1D1F Programme and inquired about the extent of collaboration with private companies or organisations.

    In response, Hammond emphasized that out of the 296 factories, 233 were initiated by private-sector business promoters with government facilitation, while the government directly established 63 1D1F projects.

    “Mr Speaker, it must be noted that the government’s active facilitation of private sector investment in 1D1F projects consists of special incentives, including tax exemptions and the provisions of interest subsidies on loans granted by Participating Financial Institutions (PFIs). It also includes, where applicable, the extension of critical utilities such as access to electricity and water,” said K.T. Hammond.

  • $4M-1D1F-hotel exemption recipient absent in Registrar’s records – Fourth Estate

    $4M-1D1F-hotel exemption recipient absent in Registrar’s records – Fourth Estate

    The recipient of nearly $4 million in tax exemptions,4-Mac Limited, through the One District, One Factory program for the establishment of a hotel, cannot be located in the Office of Registrar of Companies (ORC) database.

    A search conducted by The Fourth Estate at the Office of the Registrar of Companies revealed that neither the name “4-Mac” nor the hotel “Le Meridien” that it is constructing can be found.

    In a letter dated August 9, 2023, the ORC stated, “We wish to state that a search conducted at our company registry did not show the trace of companies – Le Meridien Hotel and 4-Mac Limited.”

    Ken Ofori Atta, the Minister of Finance, wrote to Parliament requesting a tax waiver for 4-Mac Limited. Last year, the finance ministry sought parliamentary approval for approximately GH₵6.4 million in tax waivers for 4-Mac Limited, which is constructing the hotel in the Airport Residential Area.

    This waiver was granted under the 1D1F policy, enabling the company to import construction materials tax-free and obtain other related tax benefits.

    Parliament’s Finance Committee, chaired by Kwaku Kwarteng, adjusted the terms and reduced the waiver amount from US$6,389,428 to US$3,919,628. The committee recommended that the company pay VAT on locally procured items.

    What raises questions about the exemption granted to 4-Mac is that the hotel was categorized as a factory, even though the 1D1F program traditionally focuses on the manufacturing sector.

    To qualify for tax exemptions, companies must register with the Office of the Registrar of Companies and have a clean tax record with the GRA (Ghana Revenue Authority).

    The Fourth Estate inquired with the ORC about 4-Mac Limited’s background information, directors, and shareholders, but the company’s existence was not confirmed.

    The ORC suggested contacting the directors for potential name changes or providing registration evidence.

    Parliament records show the company’s compliance with GRA obligations, but the company’s digital presence is minimal, lacking contact details. The official website, email, and social media handles are nonexistent online.

    Different websites provide conflicting information about 4-Mac Limited’s projects and locations, suggesting potential irregularities.

    While Parliament approved the tax exemption under the name “4-Mac Limited,” which isn’t in the ORC database, experts suggest it might be a trading name. However, it’s argued that official tax waivers should be granted using registered names rather than trading names.

  • Alan ‘cash’ assures delegates of competency to ‘break the 8’

    Alan ‘cash’ assures delegates of competency to ‘break the 8’


    Leading contender in the NPP flagbearer race, Alan Kyerematen, has reconfirmed his candidature, asserting that his extensive experience, visionary insights, and contributions to the party since 1992 surpass those of the other nine contenders.

    During an address to delegates from the Ahafo Ano South, South West, and South East constituencies on August 9, 2023, Kyerematen emphasised his leadership credentials within the party.

    The former Minister of Trade and Industry highlighted his inclusion among 100 global leaders recognised by Time magazine in 1994, alongside figures like American President J.F. Kennedy and billionaire Bill Gates.

    He underscored his vision to generate more employment opportunities and enhance the lives of Ghanaians, given the opportunity.

    Referred to as ‘Alan Cash,’ Kyerematen cited the One District, One Factory (1D1F) initiative as a testament to his track record, pointing out the ongoing construction of around 300 factories at various stages of completion.

    He also spotlighted the Presidential Special Initiatives (PSI) program, which facilitated integrated agricultural and industrial projects during both the administrations of Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and former President John Agyekum Kufuor.

    Kyerematen’s unifying attributes were underscored, particularly his willingness to step down during the 2007 primaries to prevent a potentially divisive runoff, exemplifying his commitment to party cohesion.

    Asserting that securing victory depends on votes, Kyerematen pledged to secure two million votes from the Ashanti Region if entrusted with the party’s leadership in the upcoming presidential primaries in November.

    He positioned himself as the party’s next prominent figure after former President Kufuor and the current president, Nana Akufo-Addo, capable of garnering the required

    support to secure victory in 2024.

    Urging the delegates to place their trust in his experience, vision, and contributions, Kyerematen appealed for their support in leading the party to triumph and securing a break from the two-term cycle, or “break the 8.”

    During the same event, Saddique Boniface, Coordinator of the ‘Alan for President’ campaign and former Minister for Zongos and Inner-City Development, as well as a former MP for Madina, positioned Alan Kyerematen as the prospective third NPP president of the 4th Republic.

    Boniface believed that Muslims from the northern regions and Zongo constituencies would greatly support Alan and encouraged attendees to follow suit.

    Speaking at the same forum, Saddique Boniface, Coordinator of the ‘Alan for President’ campaign and a former Minister for Zongos and Inner-City Development, as well as a former MP for Madina, described Alan Kyerematen as the third NPP president of the 4th Republic.

    Boniface believed Muslims from the northern regions, and the Zongo constituencies, would vote massively for Alan, and urged the gathering to do the same.

  • Over 160,000 direct and indirect jobs have been created from 1D1F – Ofori – Atta

    Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta, has disclosed that the government’s One District, One Factory (1D1F) initiative has generated an impressive 160,000 direct and indirect jobs. 

    The Minister made this known while delivering the 2023 Mid-Year Budget Review, where he highlighted the success of the 1D1F initiative in promoting industrialisation and employment opportunities in the country. 

    “Mr. Speaker, in line with the Government’s unwavering commitment to industrialisation, the implementation of the flagship One District One Factory (1D1F) Initiative is on course. As of June, 2023, 126 factories were operational nationwide. Over 160,000 direct and indirect jobs have been created, especially for the youth who have been mobilised to establish agro-processing factories in 58 districts,” he said.

    The “1D1F” initiative stands is an industrialisation program launched by the Ghanaian government with the goal of promoting economic growth and development at the district level. 

    The initiative aims to establish at least one factory or industrial enterprise in each of Ghana’s 260 districts to create jobs, drive local economic activities, and reduce the country’s dependence on imported goods.

    The main objectives of the 1D1F initiative include: generating employment, economic diversification, value addition, etc.

    Through the establishment of industries in various districts, the 1D1F initiative also aims to promote balanced regional development and reduce urban migration.

    Government also seeks to collaborate with private sector investors to drive the establishment and sustainability of these factories, leveraging their expertise and resources.

    Additionally, some of the factories established under the 1D1F initiative are focused on producing goods for export, thereby contributing to foreign exchange earnings and improving Ghana’s trade balance.

  • You are taking credits for projects started by the NDC – Former Builsa North MP to NPP

    You are taking credits for projects started by the NDC – Former Builsa North MP to NPP

    Former Builsa North Member of Parliament Timothy Awuntirim has stated that all initiatives accomplished by the New Patriotic Party (NPP) were launched by Ex-President John Mahama.

    According to the former MP, all of the construction projects claimed by the NPP government began during the NDC era.

    Speaking on Joy Prime’s morning show, the former MP indicated that the Akufo-Addo-led government has failed to initiate new projects considering the amount of money borrowed internationally.

    He said former President Mahama was able to construct more facilities with the available resources, even though the amount borrowed was less than that of the NPP government.

    Aside from the Tamale interchange, which he considers an overpass, the Akufo-Addo administration has only completed projects started by the NDC.

    “The Pokuase interchange cost less than $100 million. We sourced the funding, and they came and continued. The Nungua interchange was awarded in 2012. Tell me a single project that you people started and finished. So, if we hadn’t started that, you cannot boast of a project that you started from the foundation,” he claimed.

    In 2017, the government inaugurated the One District, One Factory (1D1F) project, which seeks to create massive employment opportunities, particularly for youth in rural and semi-urban communities, thereby reducing poverty.

    The former MP argued that no factory has been built since the initiation of the project.

    “You haven’t built because you said that you were supporting private sector development. You were supporting private sector firms to revamp them, but that doesn’t mean that you’ve built the factory.”

    Timothy Awuntirim also debunked claims by the Vice President, Dr. Bawumia, that the country experienced five years of ‘Dum So’ under the NDC administration.

    According to him, a party governs for four years, not five, and therefore Bawumia’s comments are false.

    He blamed the NPP government for the current economic crisis, which he said was a result of ‘reckless’ spending of funds.

  • Govt to employ more than 6,000 individuals to work at Bui Sugar Limited

    Govt to employ more than 6,000 individuals to work at Bui Sugar Limited

    A sugar industry is under construction at Fawoman in the Banda District of the Bono Region as part of the government’s One-District-One-Factory (1D1F) initiative.

    The facility, which is expected to begin full production by the end of 2024 is being done through an equity agreement between the Bui Sugar Limited, a Chinese company, and the Bui Power Authority (BPA).

    Under the initiative, BPA has provided a total of 13,000 acres of land to the Bui Sugar Limited for the cultivation of sugarcane plantation to feed the factory when it begins operation.

    So far, 250 acres out of the 1,200 acres of land which has been cleared, has been cultivated with sugarcane by the investor.

    When the entire 13,000 or 6,000 hectares of land provided under the collaboration is cultivated and the factory starts full operation, it is expected to produce a total of 60,000 metric tonnes of raw sugar annually for local consumption and for export.

    These came to light when the Bono Regional Minister, Justina Owusu-Banahene and the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of BPA, Samuel Kofi Dzamesi, visited the facility to see how it is progressing.
    Construction

    Shedding light on the operations of the Bui Sugar Limited, the Managing Director of the company, Wan Wei Hua, explained that the actual construction of the factory block would begin in June, this year.

    “The construction of factory and installation of equipment is expected to last for one-and-a-half years before the commencement of production,” he said.
    Mr Samuel Kofi Dzamesi, CEO of the Bui Power Authority admiring the sugarcane plantation
    Caption

    He explained that currently the company’s focus was on the provision of adequate raw materials and preparations for the construction of the factory block.

    Mr Hua said 500 local people had already been employed for the cultivation of the sugarcane plantation for now, adding that about 1000 more people would be added by the time that the factory will start production.
    Agreement

    For his part, Mr Dzamesi explained that BPA entered into agreement with the Bui Sugar Limited in March 2022 since the Act that established the authority empowered it to enter into such agreements.

    He said it was expected that the facility would provide about 1,500 direct employment and more than 5,000 indirect employment when it was in full operation.
    Bui Sugar Limited
    Caption

    Mr Dzamesi expressed his gratitude to President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and board members of BPA for the approval of the establishment of a facility that would go a long way to improve the socio-economic lives of people in the area and beyond.

    He asked management of the company and the chiefs and people of the area to continue to corporate to ensure peaceful co-existence for the successful completion and operation of the sugar factory.

    On how much BPA will earn from the sugar factory, Mr Dzamesi explained that “The agreement we have with them is on equity. That is if they produce sugar we take a percentage. I cannot disclose the percentage but I want to assure you that nobody can cheat BPA”.
    Bono Regional Minister

    For her part, Ms Owusu-Banahene said “I am impressed by how this project is been executed. I think it will be the game changer to the people of this area, the Bono Region and the whole country”.

    Follow @Graphicgh

    She observed that beside the production of raw sugar, the by-product could also be used for the production of animal feed among others.

    Ms Owusu-Banahene added that the execution of the sugar factory project was an indication of what the government’s 1D1F initiative could do to improve the socio-economic lives of the people and called on Ghanaians to support the initiative.

    She commended the BPA for its foresight and called on other CEOs in and MMDCEs to emulate such an example and come up with laudable initiatives that could rake in incomes to the country.
    Mobilise resources

    The Banda District Chief Executive, Emmanuel Akone, appealed to the Bono Regional Coordinating Council to pay particular attention to the God given assets of the region and mobilise the needed human and material resources to invest in crop production through mechanised irrigation, aquaculture and animal rearing.

    “We are proud to be a beneficiary of the on-going construction of sugar and cashew factories under the Government’s One-District One-Factory policy”, he stated.

  • Former Kwadaso MP says NPP won 2016, 2020 elections because of Alan’s 1D1F

    Former Kwadaso MP says NPP won 2016, 2020 elections because of Alan’s 1D1F

    Former Member of Parliament for Kwadaso Constituency, Samiu Kwadwo Nuamah, has asserted that the ‘One District, One Factory’ (1D1F) concept put forth by the former Minister of Trade and Industry, Alan Kwadwo Kyerematen, was a major factor in the ruling New Patriotic Party’s victories in the 2016 and 2020 national elections.

    Speaking in an interview on Wontumi TV on February 27, 2023, he claimed that President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s plan for the free SHS introduction had no influence on the Ghanaian electorate’s decision to vote for the NPP in the 2008 and 2012 elections, but Alan’s One District, One Factory ultimately helped the elephant party win in 2016 and 2020.

    “In 2008, we went for elections with a free SHS message, but we lost. In 2012, we also went with the same free SHS message and still lost.

    “But in 2016, when Alan Kyerematen brought the 1 District, 1 Factory message, what happened? We won the elections. So, if they’ve forgotten, that is what Alan did,” he said.

    He added that Alan Kyerematen has contributed immensely to the development of the country as trade minister, adding that he is ready to offer his support to the former minister to ‘break the eight’ for the party.

    The former minister officially declared his intention to run for president in 2024 on January 10, 2023.

    Addressing the nation on January 10, 2023, days after resigning from the government, Alan Kyerematen thanked President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and announced that he would run for the position of flagbearer when the NPP officially opens nominations.

    According to Alan Kyerematen, to ensure economic stability for the country, a new plan ought to be put in place, one he intends to introduce.

    Describing this plan as the Great Transformational Plan (GTP) of Ghana, he said it will span from 2025 to 2030 when given the chance as president.

    He said, “Fellow countrymen and women, let me now provide a brief synopsis of the Great Transformational Plan (GTP). The GTP will be anchored on the following key pillars:

    “A Strong Macroeconomic Environment: The success of the GTP will depend primarily on strong macroeconomic fundamentals, which will include, among other things, a stable currency, low inflation, sustainable debt levels, revenue optimization and tight expenditure control to guarantee fiscal balance, low competitive interest rates, strong external reserves backed by high levels of liquidity to support the financial sector.”

  • 1D1F secured NPP ‘s victory in 2016, 2020 elections – Former Kwadaso MP

    1D1F secured NPP ‘s victory in 2016, 2020 elections – Former Kwadaso MP

    A former member of parliament from the Kwadaso Constituency, Samiu Kwadwo Nuamah, has alleged that the success of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the 2016 and 2020 presidential elections was largely due to the “One District, One Factory” (1D1F).

    Speaking in an interview on Wontumi TV on February 27, 2023, he claimed that President Akufo-Addo’s plan for the free SHS introduction had no influence on the Ghanaian electorate’s decision to vote for the NPP in the 2008 and 2012 elections, but Alan’s One District, One Factory ultimately helped the elephant party win in 2016 and 2020.

    “In 2008, we went for elections with a free SHS message, but we lost. In 2012, we also went with the same free SHS message and still lost.

    “But in 2016, when Alan Kwadwo Kyerematen brought the 1 District, 1 Factory message, what happened? We won the elections. So, if they’ve forgotten, that is what Alan did,” he said.

    He added that Alan Kyerematen has contributed immensely to the development of the country as trade minister, adding that he is ready to offer his support to the former minister to ‘break the eight’ for the party.

    The former minister officially declared his intention to run for president in 2024 on January 10, 2023.

    Addressing the nation on January 10, 2023, days after resigning from the government, Alan Kyerematen thanked President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and announced that he would run for the position of flagbearer when the NPP officially opens nominations.

    According to Alan Kyerematen, to ensure economic stability for the country, a new plan ought to be put in place, one he intends to introduce.

    Describing this plan as the Great Transformational Plan (GTP) of Ghana, he said it will span from 2025 to 2030 when given the chance as president.

    He said, “Fellow countrymen and women, let me now provide a brief synopsis of the Great Transformational Plan (GTP). The GTP will be anchored on the following key pillars:

    “A Strong Macroeconomic Environment: The success of the GTP will depend primarily on strong macroeconomic fundamentals, which will include, among other things, a stable currency, low inflation, sustainable debt levels, revenue optimization and tight expenditure control to guarantee fiscal balance, low competitive interest rates, strong external reserves backed by high levels of liquidity to support the financial sector.”

  • Hohoe MCE lauds 1D1F

    Hohoe MCE lauds 1D1F

    The Hohoe Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Daniel Noble Awume has lauded one of government’s flagship programmes, one district one factory (1D1F).

    He said that the One-District, One-Factory (1D1F) initiative in the Hohoe Municipality has been of great importance to the people in the area, especially the youth.

    He noted that the wood processing company which was in existence before government roped them in the 1D1F initiative has helped to create employment in the area.

    According to Mr. Awume, the youth factory which is into rice processing would also provide employment for many youth in the municipality, allowing them to become financially independent.

    The Hohoe MCE noted that the NPP-led administration is committed to empowering the youth and has urged the youth in the Hohoe Municipality to take advantage of the initiative.

    1D1F is a great initiative and would boost the local economy - Hohoe MCE

    Mr Awume noted that the project would help promote local economic activities when it fully starts operations.

    “This project will greatly help boost the local economy as well as empower the youth with employable skills,” Mr Awume said.

    The Volta Regional Directorate of 1D1F projects 2020 unveiled some projects under the scheme with support from the government.

    Other projects that have begun operating under the 1D1F initiative include the processing of cassava into ethanol and carbon dioxide, as well as the Volta Forest Company, a wood processing company, which is receiving financial support and facilitation from the government through the EXIM Bank to help boost their businesses.

    In Ketu South and Keta Municipalities, which are into cassava processing, gari, starch and ethanol there are structures with some equipment but yet to be operational.

    Esther Batse who is in charge of the Enable Youth Center, a rice processing industry noted that the initiative, which is youth-centered, would greatly help the youth find their feet in the labour market.

    Source: myjoyonline

  • ID1F is fundamental towards industrialization – KT Hammond

    ID1F is fundamental towards industrialization – KT Hammond

    Ghana is becoming more industrialized due to Akufo-Addo administration’s One District One Factory (1D1F) strategy, this is according to Kobina Tahir Hammond, the minister designate for trade and industry.

    Answering questions at the Appointment Committee of parliament on Monday, February 20 during his vetting, he indicated that 100 factors are currently operating under the initiative with 150 others at various stages of completion.

    “The ID1F is fundamental towards industrialization,” the Adansi Asokwa Member of Parliament said.

    President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has commissioned several of the factories under the initiative.

    For instance, he commissioned a pharmaceutical manufacturing plant at Larkpleku in Ningo Prampram as part of efforts to boost the local manufacture of serum and vaccines.

    The $35 million plant, which has one of the highest production capacities in West Africa.

    The Atlantic life sciences company’s plant is expected to manufacture infusions and anesthetic medicines, serum, vaccines,  ear, eye and nasal drops for the Ghanaian and West African markets.

    President Akufo-Addo said the factory underscored the kind of support given by government to the private sector to take advantage of economic opportunities in the country.

    Mr Akufo-Addo said “I am glad to join all of you here to commission the new factory of Atlantic Life Sciences Limited, the company operating under government’s One District One Factory programme.

    “The establishment of tis factory is a concrete manifestation that the new paradigm of economic developments with this administration is vigorously pursuing or promoting value addition and industrial activities, within a conducive and business-friendly environment can make headway.

    “IDIF seeks to address the challenge of poverty and widespread inequality among rural and peri urban communities through the establishment of an institutional framework that will attract private sector investment in rural economic activity, create jobs and raise income levels.”

    On Friday, 2nd September 2022, he also commissioned two other factories stating that “it is the first time I have done so since becoming President, and it is a day I will not forget.”

    President Akufo-Addo’s first port of call was the APPED Cylinder Factory, which is currently employing some two hundred and fifty (250) people, and is expected to employ some five hundred (500) people at full capacity.

    The company was established in January 2019 to participate in Government’s flagship industrialization programme. Indeed, construction started in 2019 and was completed in the year 2021 with the commencement of commercial production and operations in the month of December the same year.

    APPEB Company is the largest Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) cylinders manufacturing in Ghana, in terms of production capacity with an installed capacity of 4,000 to 5,000 (6kg /15kg) gas cylinders per day. The current production capacity is about 2000 cylinders per day due to the current market demand. The company imports mild steal from China as the main raw material for production.

    “We will continue to enhance the existing incentive framework designed to make 1D1F designated companies more competitive and sustainable. The incentives, which include tax holidays, import duty waivers, and interest rate subsidies, are designed to help build the capacities and competitiveness of these enterprises, and to position them for greater productivity and efficiency,” he said.

  • Warehouse under 1D1F completed and handed over to Techiman Municipal Assembly

    Warehouse under 1D1F completed and handed over to Techiman Municipal Assembly

    A-2,000 metric tons Warehouse, constructed under the government’s One-District-One (1D1F) Warehouse project has been handed over to the Techiman Municipal Assembly.

    The warehouse at Nkwaeso was handed over by LEDing Construction Ghana Limited.

    It has rest and washrooms, laboratory and offices, and in-house fabricated grain warehouses with other axillary facilities that would store and process maize, rice, beans and groundnuts and other grains.

    Mr Benjamin Yaw Gyarko, the Techiman Municipal Chief Executive said the facility would motivate farmers to produce more, saying farmers could now access the facility to store and even process stuff.

    He said with the facility, food security in the municipality would be guaranteed, indicating that as a business hub, the facility would also provide the opportunity for other traders who sell at the Techiman Central market to store their produce there.

    Mr Gyarko expressed the hope that the warehouse would promote business and local trade to improve the local economy.

    Mr James Adu, the Techiman Municipal Director of Agriculture lauded the government’s One-District-One-Warehouse initiative, which would help address post-harvest losses during bumper harvest.

    Source: Ghanaweb

  • Constituents of Asante Akyem North debunk MP’s claims of functioning 1D1F factory

    Residents of Asante Akyem North Constituency in the Ashanti region have expressed disappointment in their MP over claims of a functioning plantain processing factory in the area.

    Andy Appiah-Kubi during a parliamentary debate claimed the factory was already exporting plantain to Canada in defence of the government’s One District, One Factory (1D1F) initiative.

    Constituents of Asante Akyem North debunk MP's claims of functioning 1D1F factory
    Inside a private plantain factory

    Asante Akyem North MP put up a strong defence during a debate on the 2023 Budget on the floor of parliament.

    He touted the initiative as one having provided a source of livelihood for Ghanaians, especially his constituents.

    Constituents of Asante Akyem North debunk MP's claims of functioning 1D1F factory
    Side of the Defunct Plantain Factory

    The Asante Akyem area is one of the leading plantain-producing communities in Ghana.

    Farmers, traders and residents of Agogo however say they are yet to see any plantain processing factory in operation.

    Constituents of Asante Akyem North debunk MP's claims of functioning 1D1F factory
    Asante Akyem North MCE, Francis Oti Boateng

    They are calling on their MP, Andy Appiah-Kubi to retract his claim.

    The Municipal Chief Executive Officer, Francis Oti Boateng, also sighted the factory which sits in weeds.

    “The first face of the factory is done, it is left with the second face. We are yet to get machines”.

    He is clueless about plantain processing for export.

    “We have been producing but for exporting, we are yet to begin”.

    Constituents of Asante Akyem North debunk MP's claims of functioning 1D1F factory
    Former MCE for Asante Akyem North, Andy Appiah Kubi

    A former DCE who is into private plantain biscuit processing, says there is no such plantain processing factory in the constituency.

    “As a meme bet of parliament, he should have known that the factory is not even located at Agogo”.

    George Frimpong, further explained how government and 1D1F Secretariat failed to fund his project.

    “After government accepted to fund the project, we were told to visit Exim bank but as of now, not even a penny has been given to us”.

    Source: myjoyonline

  • 126 1D1F projects operational

    Two hundred and ninety-six One District One Factory (1D1F) projects are at various stages of implementation, out of which 126 are operational, 143 are under construction, and 27 being pipeline projects.

    In 2023, the Government will intensify support to existing and new manufacturing enterprises with technical assistance, credit facilitation, and access to electricity and other infrastructure.

    Mr Ken Ofori-Atta, the Minister of Finance made this known when he presented the 2023 Budget Statement and Economic Policy in Parliament.

    He said 1D1F Initiative continued to make remarkable progress in 2022.

    The Minister said the recent global crisis had severely disrupted inorganic fertilizer supply chains.

    He said this had resulted in sharp increases in prices, making it difficult for farmers to access the commodity and thus threatening food security.

    Mr Ofori-Atta said the Ministry of Food and Agriculture was intensifying efforts to promote the local production and use of organic fertilizers.

    He said further to this, under the subsidy programme, the Ministry had increased the quota for organic fertilizer suppliers to cover the shortfall in supply of inorganic fertilisers.

    “The Government is facilitating the establishment and the expansion of local organic fertilizer production plants with support from the EXIM Bank,” he added.

    Source: Myjoyonline.com

  • South Africa will adopt Ghana’s 1D1F programme, says high commissioner

    The South African high commissioner to Ghana, Grace Jeanet Mason, has said her country is ready to adopt  Ghana’s One District One Factory (1D1F) programme to enhance industralisation at the district level.

    Mason said the 1D1F programme provides a great opportunity for a thorough industrialisation drive.

    She said South Africa will continue to collaborate with Ghana to improve bilateral trade under the

    The South African high commissioner to Ghana, Grace Jeanet Mason, has said her country is ready to adopt  Ghana’s One District One Factory (1D1F) programme to enhance industralisation at the district level.

    Mason said the 1D1F programme provides a great opportunity for a thorough industrialisation drive.

    She said South Africa will continue to collaborate with Ghana to improve bilateral trade under the AfCFTA.

    Speaking on the Asaase Breakfast Show on Monday (31 October), Mason said, “… when the president [Ramaphosa] was here [Ghana] in December, we had conversations on the successes that we see as South Africa in the One District One Factory (1D1F).”

    “That is something, that we as South Africa, will then adopt as well to look at our district level, how we continue to industrialise because that is part of the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).”

    The high commissioner said South Africa will continue to leverage Ghana’s comparative advantage in agriculture for the growth of the continent.

    “So those are the comparative advantages and opportunities that we will leverage, amidst the current economic situation,” she added.

    .

    Speaking on the Asaase Breakfast Show on Monday (31 October), Mason said, “… when the president [Ramaphosa] was here [Ghana] in December, we had conversations on the successes that we see as South Africa in the One District One Factory (1D1F).”

    “That is something, that we as South Africa, will then adopt as well to look at our district level, how we continue to industrialise because that is part of the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).”

    The high commissioner said South Africa will continue to leverage Ghana’s comparative advantage in agriculture for the growth of the continent.

    “So those are the comparative advantages and opportunities that we will leverage, amidst the current economic situation,” she added.

  • IDIF cutting foreign goods dependence – Akufo-Addo

    President Akufo-Addo has backed the One-District, One-Factory initiative under the broader industrialisation agenda of the government, as a basis for developing a home-grown infrastructure that is capable of withstanding the uncertainties of exogenous shocks to the Ghanaian economy.

    In this regard, the president pointed out that the Eastern Region, alone, has completed 1D1F enterprises, with another 16 at various stages of completion and soon to be inaugurated, as well as another four at the project conception stage.

    The performance and success of the completed 1D1F projects across the country, with regards to minimising unemployment and shoring local production, has thus far, been a clear indication of President Akufo-Addo’s long-held belief that Ghana’s path towards self-reliance is largely premised on the country’s determination to industrialise.

    According to the President, who began a three-day tour of the Eastern Region on Friday, 21 October 2021, “the whole purpose of the policy means having factories and enterprises here in Ghana, which will substitute the ones that are coming from abroad. That is the whole purpose of the policy. Instead of importing XYZ, you’re going to have them made here.”

    He added: “When we said we wanted to implement 1D1F and certain strategic industrial policies, we were told it couldn’t be done, but today, everyone is talking about how important it is for the Ghanaian economy to lessen its dependence on foreign goods and foreign services.”

    “Now, people are beginning to understand that, indeed, we had the foresight, we knew exactly what we needed to do to bring substantial progress, real progress not intermittent progress, but substantial progress, which is going to be strong and resilient. That is what I’ve noticed is ongoing,” he added.

    President Akufo-Addo indicated further: “By the time we are through, then the commitment of a 1D1F would have been established. And we can only strengthen the industrial development of the country, which is very important to note that foreign import dependence will not inure to our growth. We have the panacea, the solution, and the government is working towards it”.

    President Akufo-Addo’s 1D1F initiative is meant to change the nature of Ghana’s economy from one which is dependent on the import and export of raw materials to one which is focused on manufacturing, value addition and export of processed goods from raw materials that are largely found in the districts across the country.

    Thus far, the One-District-One-Factory initiative, which has seen the ongoing construction of 296 factories across the country, of which 125 have been completed, is part of the foundation on which the Akufo-Addo government is we are building a comprehensive industrialisation programme, inspired by the development of strategic anchor industries, such as the emerging automotive industry and the co-ordinated exploitation for the entire domestic value addition of our bauxite and iron ore resources.

    “I am hopeful that, by the end of my term, the full complement 296 factories will be in operation to help provide quality domestic alternatives to the consumption needs of Ghanaians and reduce substantially our dependence on imports. We do not only account for the youth as labour in the 1D1F programme, but also as managers and owners. Indeed, 58 of these factories are wholly owned by young people who have received direct government support”, he added.

  • About 296 companies captured under 1D1F — Lead Officer

    A total of 296 companies have so far been captured under the government’s flagship programme, One District One Factory (1D1F) as of September 2022, Kofi Addo, Lead Officer for 1D1F, Ministry of Trade and Industry has explained that the companies captured were either in operations, under construction or in the pipeline adding that the sector had many companies under its radial.

    He revealed this during the inauguration of the Tema Metropolitan Assembly’s (TMA) District Implementation Support Team (DIST) which has membership from the Assembly, Ghana Standard Authority, Ghana Drug and Food Authority, Environmental Protection Agency, Ghana National Fire Service, Tema Regional Police Commander, and others.

    He said out of the number, 125 were in operations, 144 were under construction while 27 were in the pipeline noting that those in the pipelines had all their documentation ready to start the construction for the project.

    1D1F Lead Officer also said out of the 261 districts in Ghana, the programme had so far covered 52 percent of them and was working to capture the remaining 48 percent.

    He stated that the Greater Accra Region had1D1F projects in 19 districts of which the Tema Metropolis had two companies benefitting.

    Mr. Addo said the Ministry of Trade and Industry had a 10-point industrial promotion agenda, which the 1D1F was part, adding that others were the Strategic Anchor Projects, Business Regulatory Reform, Industrial Park and Special Economic Zones, and the Industrial Revitalization Programme, among others.

    He mentioned that the key principles of the 1D1F include private sector driven, explaining that a district could have more than one factory under the programme, and support from the district implementation support team.

    He added that an existing company could be captured under the 1D1F programme for expansion or creating of new subsidiary just like in the case of Pharmanova, Everpure and Kasapreko who have expanded to other areas with the help of the initiative.

    “When you have people saying we are just bringing old companies under the programme, it is not true, we capture expansions, building of new structures, and totally new companies,” he explained.

    The 1D1F Lead Officer added that two districts could also come together to have one company under the programme when they realized that their raw materials and other resources could not support full independent projects.

    He said among its objectives were value addition, support in import substitution, support for export, industries support, as well as opening the country up for economic activities through which jobs would be created.

    He said some incentives 1D1F companies received was five years’ corporate tax free, access to utilities, duty exemption (import duty, VAT, EXIM levy and NHIS levy) for all capital goods being imported for the project.

    Mr. Addo also stated that agreement had been signed with 15 commercial banks, which ensured the capping of interest rate on loans for such companies at 20 percent to ensure stable funding for the project adding that the government also subsidized 10 percent of the interest rate for companies with majority Ghanaian owned shares.

    Mr. Michael Okyere Baafi, Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry (MOTI), on his part urged Ghanaians to embrace the programme, as it had come to stay as an important way to industrialize the country.

    Mr. Baafi said Ghana had gotten to a stage, where it did not have a choice than to industrialize, stressing that industrialization must be a way of life for the people.

    He added that “1D1F should be taken like Christianity, it must be a way of life for us, and just like social media it has come to stay.”

    Mr. Yohane Amarh Ashitey, Tema Metropolitan Chief Executive chairing the inauguration said he believed in allowing the private sector to lead in industrialization therefore his resolve to ensure that the 1D1F programme was utilize by many to get more industries in the metropolis in addition to existing ones.

  • Stalled factories under 1D1F to resume soon – MP assures

    Member of Parliament for Tano North Constituency in the Ahafo Region, Dr. Freda Prempeh, has said that construction work will soon resume on some of the stalled factory projects under the government’s One-District-One Factory (1D1F) initiative.

    This was announced by Dr. Freda Prempeh earlier this month during her 1D1F factory inspection at Tanoso Brick and Tile

    She stated that the government has prioritised the 1D1F programme and is committed to completing factories across the country in order to boost industrial drive.

    “The programme has the potential to create jobs and wealth for the youth and to boost the national economic growth and development and residents in the catchment area of such projects should exercise restraint since they will be completed by the end of the year,” she said.

    “The government has not abandoned the programme but prioritised them due to lack of funding. Even though contractors have not been on site the government is determined and committed to having them completed,” Dr Prempeh added.

    She asserted that the factory, which is 60% fulfilled, will create 3,000 direct and indirect jobs in the region after total completion.

    Dr. Prempeh revealed that the machinery and other equipment for the factory were ready in Italy and hoped that the Exim Bank would provide funds to the government by the end of 2022, allowing them to be installed by the first quarter of 2023.

    “The large deposit of clay in the Tanoso enclave places the enterprise in a competitive position to contribute positively towards construction of affordable housing for Ghanaians and on completion, the factory is expected to use raw materials to produce durable products such as bricks, roofing tiles, terracotta, wall tiles and panels to promote the local construction industry,” she assured.

    The One District One Factory (1D1F) an initiative by the NPP government affords President Akufo-Addo the opportunity to transform the nature of Ghana’s economy from one which is dependent on the import and export of raw materials to one which is focused on manufacturing, value addition and export of processed goods.

    Source: The Independent Ghana

  • Gov’t spent over GH¢9b on Free SHS, 1D1F, free water, etc — Auditor-General’s report

    The government has spent GH¢9,197,771,663.74 billion on its flagship programmes, the 2021 Auditor General’s report has revealed.

    According to the report, GH¢1,409,997,719.41 was allocated to Free Senior High School Programme-SHS/TVET while GH¢797,190,169.55 was allocated for Fertilizer Subsidy/Planting for food and jobs project.

    It said the government spent an amount of GH¢242,283,846.97 on COVID-19 free water while COVID-19 activity and Vaccine during the outbreak covered GH¢1,557,846,913.38.

    GH¢45,372,195,70 was spent on the government’s digital address system alone in 2021, whiles GH¢142,762,500 was spent on the controversial National Cathedral project as of December 2021.

    Below is the money spent on the flagship programmes of the government.

    Below is the money spent on the flagship programmes of the government.

     

    Below is the money spent on the flagship programmes of the government.

    Auditor General's report

    Auditor General’s reports
    Source: Pulse

  • Today in History: Over 10,000 youth in Ada to be employed under 1D1F

    10,000 youth in the Ada East District were expected to be employed under the government’s flagship One District One Factory programme.

    According to the District Chief Executive of the area, Sarah Dugbakie Pobee a lot of foreign investors had expressed interest to invest in the District through the establishment of companies and industries to improve the standard of living of the people of Ada.

    The companies include; EPSIS Company Limited, an Egyptian firm that will train the youth in mechanical and electrical engineering, Ossa Food Limited an agribusiness firm to offer training for the youth who want to venture into agribusiness and provide support for those already in the business.

    Madam Sarah Dugbakie Pobee, District Chief Executive of Ada East has revealed that over 10,000 youth in the district would be employed under the One District One Factory (1D1F) initiative.

    The 1D1F initiative is a means for job creation with the help of private companies to ensure capital inflow in the District for economic growth, Madam Pobee explained.

    She said there were a lot of foreign investors who had demonstrated interest to invest in the District through the establishment of companies and industries to improve on the standard of living of the people of Ada.

    The companies include; EPSIS Company Limited, an Egyptian firm that will train the youth in mechanical and electrical engineering, Ossa Food Limited an agribusiness firm to offer training for the youth who want to venture into agribusiness and provide support for those already in the business.

    Other companies included; TRASACCCO which would train the people in hospitality industry to enhance ecotourism, ElectroChem, DEF’TRACO group, DAN’S MA Company Limited and DELORA Stock Limited would equip the youth with business capacity.

    “The technical students in the Municipality would also be attached to some of the companies to undertake industrial attachment to get the experience, the vocational students will also benefit from some of the training, and even those already in some business will also be provided with some sort of training so that they could increase their productivity” Madam Pobee said.

    The DCE said it was heartbreaking seeing almost all the youth in the District move to other places in search of jobs because there were fewer jobs in the District.

    She has therefore tasked those under scholarship, to use skills they had acquired from school to help society.

    Source:ghanaweb.com

     

  • 1D1F: GH¢7.3 million Savelugu rice factory, Tech Solution Centre commissioned

    President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, on Saturday, 7th August 2021, commissioned the GH¢7.3 million Savelugu rice processing factory, as part of his 2-day tour of the Northern Region.

    The rice factory is a state-of-the-art rice facility, with the capacity to produce between 1.5 and 2.8 tonnes of processed rice per hour. The processing plants installed at the factory include modern parboiling, milling and packaging plants.

    It has a standby generator plant and a mechanised borehole to supply the facility with water. It also has a fully furnished office accommodation for staff, a conference room, laboratory and a canteen/kitchen.

    The Savelugu Rice Factory was constructed under the 1-District-1-Factory Common User Facility (CUF), which is an agro-industrial factory established by the Rural Enterprises Programme (REP) under the Ministry of Trade and Industry.

    The factory, President Akufo-Addo was told, will employ about 118 people including management professionals, factory floor workers and plantation workers who will work on a nucleus rice farm.

    In addition, over 600 farmers from Savelugu Municipality and neighbouring communities will be directly engaged to supply paddy rice for processing.

    With funding from the African Development Bank, the Rural Enterprises Programme (REP) has established five (5) of these CUFs nationwide.

    The 1D1F CUF factories are located in Savelugu (rice processing; Nkran Nkwanta in the Dormaa West District of the Bono Region (rice processing); Akontombra in the Sefwi Akontombra District of the Western North Region (rice processing); Dompim in the Tarkwa Nsueam Municipality of the Western Region (Oil Palm processing); and in Nsuta in the Sekyere Central District of the Ashanti Region (Maize processing).

    Savelugu Technology Solution Centre

    President Akufo-Addo also commissioned the GH¢6.04 million Savelugu Technology Solution Centre (TSC), which is one of 5 new facilities being established by the Rural Enterprises Programme (REP). The other four are located at Kumawu, in the Ashanti Region, Hohoe in the Volta Region, Elmina in the Central Region and Dormaa Ahenkro in the Bono Region.

    The five new TSCs are an upgraded version of and an addition to the original 26 Rural Technology Facilities (RTFs) established by REP, across the country in collaboration with GRATIS and the host District Assemblies.

    The TSCs are set up to support the Government’s Industrialization Agenda particularly the 1D1F initiative.

    The key functions include production of spare parts and repair services for district factories and the oil & gas industry, manufacturing of agro-processing equipment, provide training for human resource capacity building. To enhance the increased number of trainees, hostels facilities have been provided for both males and females at five of the older TSCs; and to admit trainees from within and outside the districts/municipalities they are located.

    Source: presidency.gov.gh

  • YEA to support 5000 youth in entrepreneurship and skills empowerment

    The Youth Employment Agency (YEA) is set to support 5000 Ghanaian youth with training in entrepreneurship and skills empowerment programs.

    In addition to providing such support to the youth desirous of self-employment, YEA in collaboration with the National Entrepreneurial and Innovative Plan (NEIP) will help them with seed money to start up their businesses.

    Chief Executive Officer of the YEA Lawyer Justin Kodua Frimpong, disclosed this in his address at the official Launch of the YEA/UNIJAY Garment Manufacturing Module in Kumasi on Friday 2nd July 2021.

    The launch was a sequel to the official commissioning of the YEA/UNIJAY Garment Training Centre last year to prepare for the roll out the Garment Manufacturing Module (GMM). Following the commissioning of the Centre an estimated number of 400 beneficiary trainees have been engaged for a six-month intensive training skills in material cutting, knitting and the rudiments of industrial sewing for future export.

    The CEO said the launch was in line with vision of His Excellency the President, and a testimony of his resolve to solve unemployment menace among the youth. He announced that the beneficiaries would start receiving monthly allowance of Ghc400 each for the duration of their six- month training with a further assurance that the Agency would,in future, consider to increase the number of beneficiary trainees from 400 to 1000 apprentices.

    He assured that the Agency was ready to assist financially with initiatives geared towards creating jobs and employment opportunities for the youth in all sectors of the economy.

    Lawyer Justin Kodua Frimpong also revealed that the Agency plans to open a National Zonal Office and Skills Training Centre in Kumasi to meet the services of people from the Middle and the Northern Belts of the country in the area of skill development and training.

    The CEO of UNIJAY ….. explained the detailed and comprehensive training that the beneficiaries are being given with target in industrial sewing to venture into export in the near future. According to her, the trainees are currently engaged in large scale dressmaking for Senior High Schools SHS in Ashanti and the Northern regions.

    The Member of Parliament for Asokwa Constituency where UNIJAY is located, Honorable Patricia Appiagyei was full of joy for the 400 jobs created in the Asokwa Municipality and the potential ones to be created. She commended YEA and UNIJAY and urged them to replicate this in other parts of the country.

    The collaboration is in response to the President’s 1District 1Factory (1D1F I) initiative introduced by the government to create jobs and employment opportunities for the youth.

    Source: Fred Abrokwa, Contributor

  • Over 10,000 youth in Ada to be employed under 1D1F

    Madam Sarah Dugbakie Pobee, District Chief Executive of Ada East has revealed that over 10,000 youth in the district would be employed under the One District One Factory (1D1F) initiative.

    The 1D1F initiative is a means for job creation with the help of private companies to ensure capital inflow in the District for economic growth, Madam Pobee explained.

    She said there were a lot of foreign investors who had demonstrated interest to invest in the District through the establishment of companies and industries to improve on the standard of living of the people of Ada.

    The companies include; EPSIS Company Limited, an Egyptian firm that will train the youth in mechanical and electrical engineering, Ossa Food Limited an agribusiness firm to offer training for the youth who want to venture into agribusiness and provide support for those already in the business.

    Other companies included; TRASACCCO which would train the people in hospitality industry to enhance ecotourism, ElectroChem, DEF’TRACO group, DAN’S MA Company Limited and DELORA Stock Limited would equip the youth with business capacity.

    “The technical students in the Municipality would also be attached to some of the companies to undertake industrial attachment to get the experience, the vocational students will also benefit from some of the training, and even those already in some business will also be provided with some sort of training so that they could increase their productivity” Madam Pobee said.

    The DCE said it was heartbreaking seeing almost all the youth in the District move to other places in search of jobs because there were fewer jobs in the District.

    She has therefore tasked those under scholarship, to use skills they had acquired from school to help society.

    Source: GNA

  • 2020 would have been a wonderful year in the absence of coronavirus 1D1F PRO

    The One District One Factory Secretariat asserts that the year 2020 with the absence of the deadly COVID-19 pandemic that ravaged the world would have been a wonderful year to be told in the history of industrialization in Ghana.

    In an end of year assessment, the Public Relations Officer of the Secretariat, Mr Kwaku Gyasi states that the government agency tasked with facilitating the setting up and revitalizing existing factories in all districts across the country, was in the position to achieve greater heights in 2020.

    Mr Gyasi said with 2020 being an election year, there was a call of urgency for the secretariat to ensure that most if not all the factories were established before the close of the year.

    However, he points out that the secretariat from the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak was faced with daunting challenges that threatened its objective.

    “Government, the secretariat, promoters and collaborators faced a critical challenge in 2020. Before the year begun, most of the factories had matured in terms of their setting up and were at the stage where installing of machinery was supposed to take place,” he said.

    The PRO explains that government in its conscious quest to ensuring a smooth transition of the phases in establishing the factories secures through parliament tax exemptions on imported machinery and equipment for 1D1F projects as and when they are duly applied.

    He again points out that even though a lot of the machinery meant for some of the projects, arrived in the country on time, their installation and setting up were delayed as most were to be installed by manufacturers and experts who are expatriates and could not travel into the country due to restrictions imposed worldwide because of the deadly pandemic.

    He cited an example in the case of Agro Africa Company Limited, a 1D1F factory in the Ashanti Region specialized in processing piggery into various meat products that had its installation of machinery and equipment halted from November 2019 to October 2020 even though machines meant for its operations had arrived in the country ahead of time.

    “Around June/July when the secretariat conducted a visit to project sites to assess the impact of the pandemic, it was realized how dire the factories condition had been rendered due to the halt in continuation of the project. Their machines had been sitting at the factory for months without them being installed. It affected their operational timelines and this situation became very common with most projects at the installation.”

    Faced with the effects of the pandemic, the 1D1F Secretariat was still able to achieve significant strides in its objective through innovative ways as Mr Gyasi would like to put it.

    “The secretariat after conducting its COVID-19 impact assessment and realizing the effects of the pandemic on projects had to think outside the box and come up with innovative ways of managing the progress of projects,” he states.

    One of the strategies used by the secretariat in managing the situation was liaising with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to ensure that arrangements were made for the movement of expatriate professionals into the country during when restrictions were loosened.”

    He adds that among other things, the secretariat also collected individual issues related to each project and ensured that they were addressed as effectively as possible.

    Success of 1D1F in 2020

    The PRO whiles acknowledging the challenges faced by the secretariat stresses that the success of the 1D1F policy in the year 2020 has been one that can be best described as “very refreshing, monumental and evidential.”

    In summing up the overall success of the flagship industrialisation policy of the Akufo-Addo government, Mr Gyasi states that “President Akufo-Addo through 1D1F has been able to achieve the biggest and most successful industrialization program ever implemented in the history of the country.”

    He said the 2020 election and the need for President Akufo-Addo to account to Ghanaians for another mandate brought to light the success story of the policy ably captured in the “1D1F Testimonial Documentary” put together by the secretariat.

    Speaking further on the successes of the 1D1F policy, Mr Kwaku Gyasi detailed that the government of Akufo-Addo within a period of less than four years has been able to execute 232 projects across the country.

    “Out of the 232 we have 76 that have been completed and are fully operational; out of the 76 we have 48 that are brownfields. They were already existing and needed support to either expand or revitalize their operations. The remaining 28 are the greenfields. They are new and fresh startups that were built from scratch and they include Ekumfi Juice factory, Cassa De Ropa and Petersfield and Rey among others.”

    Having detailed the success of the policy in spite of the COVID-19 related challenges, Mr Gyasi avers that the secretariat in 2021 looks forward to the successful implementation of all outlined projects in all districts across the country.

    “It is expected that the secretariat will continue the establishment of factories in districts across the country and continue working with all stakeholders to ensure that all projects have the right foundation to ensure their survival.”

    He thus extended a new year goodwill message to Ghanaians and emphasized on the commitment of the Akufo-Addo government in bringing development to citizens of the country whiles urging the support of the nation for the government.

    “On behalf of government, the president and his vice-president, the national coordinator of 1D1F, Madam Gifty Ohene Konadu, I wish all Ghanaians a happy new year with hope that 2021 comes with all the blessings and protection we expect to have as a country. We reassure Ghanaians that the president is highly committed to diligently serving the good people of the country and bringing us the necessary development. I urge Ghanaians to Continue to repose confidence in the president and his government as well as being good citizens and not spectators.”

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Songhor Salt Project to create over 600 jobs

    The District Chief Executive (DCE) of Ada West, Mr Adzoteye Lawer Akrofi believes the ratification of the mining leases to the Ada Songhor Salt Project will alleviate poverty among the youth and women by creating over 600 jobs.

    Addressing the press, Mr Adzoteye Lawer Akrofi said poverty which happens to be the biggest problem in the district will be reduced significantly in the area with jobs set to be created for the people.

    “The Songhor salt project certainly offers job opportunities to the youth and the women who will sell around and even those who own lands, the value shall be added to the lands and so all sort of jobs will be created,” Mr Akrofi said.

    Mr Akrofi added that the Songhor salt project has the capacity of producing 2.3million metric tons of salt annually.

    He noted that in the next three years, the project would be able to produce over one million metric tons as compared to the 60 per cent it produces currently.

    “This will mean that all the bi-product like petrochemical as well as caustic soda among others and even in the agriculture sector, the raw salt is being used and therefore it is something that is going to lift up Ada West from the poorest district in Greater Accra to the richest in the region,” he explained.

    He encouraged members of the district to rally around and support Electrochem Ghana Limited to deliver the kind of development the district is lacking to the benefits of all.

    The traditional leaders of Ada had expressed gratitude to President Akufo-Addo and the NPP government for ensuring the ratification of the mining leases to the Ada Songhor Salt Project at the opening ceremony of the project.

    They have noted that their people had been deprived of access to the river for both fishing and salt mining for over decades and lauded the government for bringing a lasting solution to the issue.

    A resident of Songhor, Mr Dodzie Numekevor also expressed satisfaction that the salt project is finally starting.

    “We the youth will get something to do to feed our families, we thank the President for granting our request, as young people, we know this is our time and we will make the best out of it,” he said.

    Source: Business Ghana

  • 1D1F Update: 118,811 direct jobs created from 76 factories under operation

    Mr Alan John Kojo Kyerematen, the Minister of Trade and Industry, has said 118, 811 direct jobs have been created from the 76 One-District, One-Factory (1D,1F) companies that are currently under operation.

    Additionally, 38,532 direct jobs will be created from over 100 1D,1F companies under construction and generate additional 247,383 indirect jobs upon completion.

    Mr Kyerematen, who announced this at the second edition of the Nation Building Updates in Accra, said currently a total of 232 1D,1F projects were ongoing of which 168 were new factories and 64 existing ones that received capital injection.

    The Minister said 13 1D,1F projects were in the pipeline with financial institutions going through their credit appraisal system.

    The event was held on the theme, “Industrializing Ghana; One District at a Time”.

    The Minister said the government was able to leverage on the investments made in the 1D, 1F projects to get local banks to provide GHc2.3 billion liquidity support.

    Consequently, he said, government-subsidized the interest rate of the banks with GHc205 million duty exemption.

    Mr Kyerematen was of the conviction that the 1D1F initiative was pivotal towards the country’s structural industrial transformation.

    It was about time the nation moved from an agrarian economy to an industrialised one with import substitution products, geared towards achieving the agenda of Ghana beyond aid and becoming self-sufficient, the Minister emphasised.

    The One-District, One-Factory initiative is a private sector-led programme envisioned by the Akufo-Addo-led government aimed at creating a conducive environment for viable businesses to access funding from financial institutions and support services from government agencies to establish factories across the country.

    The flagship programme seeks to change the structure of the country’s economy from import and borrowing to export of goods and services, manufacturing and value addition.

    The programme is “here to stay” and we should be more inward-looking so that we would be self-sufficient in producing goods and services locally, the Minister stressed.

    Source: GNA

  • 1D1F: Akufo-Addo built 28 factories from scratch Nana B

    The National Youth Organizer of the ruling New Patriotic Party, Henry Nana Boakye says the Akufo-Addo government has built 28 new factories as part of the one district one factory policy.

    Government has been criticized by groups especially the minority NDC for adopting already existing factories as part of the 1D1F initiative.

    These claims have been countered by government as they note that the initiative was a public private partnership.

    Speaking to Bola Ray on Starr Chat Wednesday, Nana B said: “So far we have about 78 factories under the 1D1F initiative and I can confidently tell you that 28 factories out of the number were built from scratch”.

    He stressed: “Some of the existing factories just needed financing and a few things and so we felt it wise to help them in that direction and AGI actually made those suggestions”.

    He also said the initiative has created over 10,000 jobs for young people across the country.

    Source: Starr FM

  • 1D1F: All districts have factories Coordinator

    National Project Coordinator for One District, One Factory (1D1F) Programme Gifty Ohene-Konadu has revealed that there is a factory in each district in Ghana under the project.

    She told Alfred Ocansey on the Sunrise morning show on 3FM Thursday, August 20 that some of the factories have been completed whereas others are at various stages of completion.

    The 1D1F is the initiative of the Akufo-Addo administration as part of his effort to move the Ghanaian economy from export-driven to value addition.

    The government received flak from critics, mainly the largest opposition party, the National Democratic Congress (NDC), for failing to ensure that all the districts have their factories.

    However, Ms Ohene-Konadu explained that “immediately this policy was announced so many banks came to us to support this government initiative.

    “So we sat down with the banks on this. We recommend the private sector person to one of the banks who accepted to work with us, so if you have a good business plan we will also look at it and then the banks will give you the necessary funding.

    “They will look further and analyze your business plan and see whether truly it is a good one by their standard before they invest or give you a loan for your project.”

    When asked how many factories have been built so far, she said: “I always say I am not comfortable talking about numbers because we always say that they are at various stages of completion.

    “If you look at the business plans with me, every district has business plans here but they are all at different stages, so if you ask me I will tell you that all the districts have factories.

    “We are going to commission Ekumfi Factory. It has started production already but we are going to commission it.

    “Government has provided incentives for these factories. We have waived taxes on all machines that are imported into the country, provided tax free holidays and quite a number of them.”

    Source: 3 News

  • West African Auto Hub: Ghana accepted what Nigeria rejected

    West Africa, with about 380 million people, is the final frontier for global automakers looking to increase manufacturing capacity in a region where they currently have little presence.

    While local assemblers in Nigeria, home to nearly half of the region’s population, have partnered with companies such as Volkswagen AG to make vehicles in the country, President Muhammadu Buhari last year rejected a bill that would give carmakers a 10-year tax holiday, dealing a blow to their efforts to expand manufacturing capabilities there.

    Now, smaller neighbors like Ghana are stepping up to the plate.

    The country approved its own auto policy last year, offering tax breaks to carmakers and promising to restrict second-hand cars, which account for 70% of vehicle imports in a country with barely any local manufacturing. Within months, parliament banned imports of cars that are more than 10 years in a bid to lure the likes of Volkswagen, Nissan, Toyota and Renault.

    On Aug. 3, Ghana became the fifth location on the continent where VW cars are assembled, even though the bulk of the work – at the initial stage, at least – will be done by a local partner that’s the German carmaker’s main dealer in the nation of 30 million people.

    Volkswagen provided training to the staff of the Accra-based Universal Motors Ltd.’s assembly plant through video conferencing after the pandemic forced borders shut. But Covid-19 has only worsened another roadblock for consumers: affordability.

    People have embraced second-hand cars, coming up with nicknames for the most common brands, because new ones are too expensive and auto-financing is scarce.

    In Ghana, less than 5% of cars are financed by banks, according to the Ghana Automobile Dealers Association. Until that’s addressed, the auto policy’s success will remain in question.

    Source: The Herald

  • Ghana EXIM Bank says progress of Ekumfi, Casa de Ropa projects very satisfactory

    Financiers of the two major One District One Factory projects in the Central Region, Ghana Export-Import Bank (Ghana EXIM) says the progress of work and growth projections are satisfactory.

    Director of Corporate Affairs at Ghana EXIM, Richard Anane, said both the Ekumfi Fruits and Juices Factory and Casa de Ropa are progressing steadily towards growth projects.

    “I think it is very satisfactory because these projects were started from scratch. Ekumfi was the first 1D1F project that the President [Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo] cut the sod for somewhere in 2017 and he pledged that there will be a factory cited in Ekumfi using the available raw materials to produce for the local market and export.

    “EXIM Bank, the board and management took up the challenge and as disclosed we have done quite well,” he told GhanaWeb.

    He made the comments on Thursday, August 6, 2020, in Cape Coast after a tour of the two facilities.

    Ekumfi Fruits and Juices Factory is a government flagship in the One District One Factory programme, located at Ekumfi Nanaben in the Ekumfi District of the Central Region.

    The project scope entails the setup of a processing and packaging plant, packhouses and warehousing, storage facilities, packaging units and distribution terminals.

    The factory can process an average of 80 to 150 metric tonnes of pineapple and other fruits a day but it currently processes only a little above 70 metric tonnes of pineapple per day.

    Ghana EXIM approved a loan facility to Casa de Ropa in 2019 for the production and processing of Orange Flesh Sweet Potatoes into bread, chips and other pastry products.

    The GH¢20 million facility from the Ghana EXIM Bank comprises of capital expenditure and working capital. The project is a Green-field project that is being financed from end-to-end. That is funding covers the entire value chain from raw material production to the finished product.

    The main raw material, the Orange Flesh Sweet Potato, is locally produced and forms more than 50% of its input in the production of bread, chips and biscuits.

    So far some 350 acres of the targeted 1,000 acres of land have been completed making it one of the most audacious projects under the 1D1F programme.

    Also, the development and expansion of dams have been completed to enable all-year-round cultivation of the main raw material.

    Casa de Ropa has an off-take agreement with Don Limon partners in Hamburg, Germany and Satori B.V, Holland to export some unprocessed Orange Flesh Sweet Potatoes. However, the bulk of the raw material will be processed into various pastry products for local consumption.

    Mr Anane said some GH¢60 million has been so far been advanced to the two facilities.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • ID1F: Akufo-Addo inspects Akro Farms

    President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has on Tuesday August 4 visited Akro Farms Ltd., a 1-District1-Factory (1D1F) initiative at Apasare, in Akwapim North.

    The company, which produces fresh and heathy table eggs, chicken feed, broilers, processed chicken and day-old chicks, has completed the first phase of its project with an investment of some GH¢20 million.

    Management told the President that the automated Brooder house has a capacity of 40,000 birds, and has an automatic egg collection and packaging system installed to ensure speed and efficiency in our processes.

    Additionally, the farm has a hatchery, with one feed processing unit and warehouse with 400 KVA Industrial Power Generation plant. The company plans to set up a 16,000 per day capacity meat processing plant for the broiler farm and out grower farmers.

    The company has created both direct and indirect job opportunities for over 1,025 individuals involved in the poultry value chain in Akuapim North and its surrounding districts.

    Source: Laud Business

  • One district-One factory is not a joke, we will deliver to shame saboteurs – Coordinator

    The National Coordinator for the One District One Factory (1D1F) Policy, Gifty Ohene Konadu has revealed that her Secretariat will deliver all the 1D1F promises made to Ghanaians to shame saboteurs.

    According to her, One District One Factory Policy is real and visible in most parts of the country.

    In an interview with UTV news, Madam Gifty Ohene-Konadu indicated that every district in Ghana has received their part of the One District One factory projects.

    She said, some have been completed while others are at the setting up stage, she, therefore, encouraged Ghanaians especially the business community to support the program and have faith in President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to deliver all the campaign promises made to move Ghana forward.

    Ohene-Konadu disclosed this when she visited the site of Tiles Cement processing company at Gomoa Akotsi in the Gomoa East District of the Central Region.

    Meanwhile, the CEO of Delbridge Industries Tony Kwan-Sare revealed that, the completion of this project will be employed over 120 Ghanaians as direct workers and over thousand indirect jobs will be secured to reduce the unemployment rate in the country..

    He also appealed to the government to quicken the efforts to give tax exemption on the machines and equipment for the factory. The 1D1F incentives package such as the tax exemption, is welcomed by many business promoters for which government has been commended for.

     

    Source: UtvNews

  • Youre not happy NPP government is performing – Nana B clashes with Pratt over 1D1F

    The ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) National Youth Organizer, Henry Nana Boakye, popularly known as Nana B on Friday’s edition of Peace FM’s morning show ‘kokrokoo’ programme, decided to list ten factories under the One District One Factory (1D1F) programme.

    The mention of the $20million Integrated Compost and Recycling Plant Limited by Waste Management Expert, Zoomlion Ghana Limited, however, brought an altercation in the studio as the Managing Editor of the Insight newspaper, Kwesi Pratt Jnr debunked the assertion that the plant was constructed under the ‘One District One Factory’ programme.

    Kwesi Pratt insisted that he was at the commissioning of the plant and that nothing of a ‘One District One Factory’ programme collaboration was mentioned.

    “The statement they made at the inauguration I still have it,” Mr. Pratt said.

    Henry Nana Boakye in reaction criticised Kwesi Pratt for always not being satisfied with anything the ruling NPP government does.

    “You are not happy I am mentioning this but it is not my fault, you are not happy, I know . . . I know you are not happy the government is performing . . . you are not excited one bit,” he intimated, a statement the renowned journalist described as ‘unfair’.

    According to Kwesi Pratt it is not fair for Nana B to be talking to him like that.

    “This is most unfair . . . how can you talk like that, how can you talk like that, it is not fair to be talking to me like that my friend . . . it’s not correct . . . you’re sitting on radio and doing this,” Mr. Pratt fumed.

    However, host Kwami Sefa Kayi stated that Zoomlion actually registered the plant under the ‘One District One Factory’ initiative as to tap into the incentives that come with it.

     

    Source: peacefmonline.com

  • Nana B clashes with Kwesi Pratt over 1D1F

    The ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) National Youth Organizer, Henry Nana Boakye, popularly known as Nana B on Friday’s edition of Peace FM’s morning show ‘kokrokoo’ programme, decided to list ten factories under the One District One Factory (1D1F) programme.

    The mention of the $20million Integrated Compost and Recycling Plant Limited by Waste Management Expert, Zoomlion Ghana Limited, however, brought an altercation in the studio as the Managing Editor of the Insight newspaper, Kwesi Pratt Jnr debunked the assertion that the plant was constructed under the ‘One District One Factory’ programme.

    Kwesi Pratt insisted that he was at the commissioning of the plant and that nothing of a ‘One District One Factory’ programme collaboration was mentioned.

    “The statement they made at the inauguration I still have it,” Mr. Pratt said.

    Henry Nana Boakye in reaction criticised Kwesi Pratt for always not being satisfied with anything the ruling NPP government does.

    “You are not happy I am mentioning this but it is not my fault, you are not happy, I know . . . I know you are not happy the government is performing . . . you are not excited one bit,” he intimated, a statement the renowned journalist described as ‘unfair’.

    According to Kwesi Pratt Jnr it is not fair for Nana B to be talking to him like that.

    “This is most unfair . . . how can you talk like that, how can you talk like that, it is not fair to be talking to me like that my friend . . . it’s not correct . . . you’re sitting on radio and doing this,” Mr. Pratt fumed.

    However, host Kwami Sefa Kayi stated that Zoomlion actually registered the plant under the ‘One District One Factory’ initiative as to tap into the incentives that come with it.

    Watch their encounter in the video below

     

    Source: peacefmonline.com

  • Man, 22, drowns in 1D1F dam

    A 22-year-old Fulani herdsman identified as Garba Mamadu has reportedly drowned in an uncompleted one village, one dam project site at Sori No1, a community in the West Gonja district of the Savannah region.

    Reports indicate that, the deceased drowned in an attempt to swim to the other side of the river bank with his cattle and younger brother, Aliu Mamadu.

    Read: 6-year-old boy drowns while crossing river to school

    Speaking in an interview with Adom News, Aliu Mamadu said his call for help drew the attention of fellow herdsmen in the community who helped to retrieve the body of his brother.

    Meanwhile, the immediate past Assemblyman of the Sori No1 electoral area, Seidu A. Fuseini, who confirmed the news said he quickly informed the Chief of the community and the Damongo Divisional Police Command who have been to the scene to pick the body.

    The body of the deceased has since been buried in accordance with Islamic customs.

     

    Source: adomonline.com

  • Government announces strategic investor for Komenda Sugar Factory

    Government has announced a strategic investor for the Komenda Sugar Factory.

    Park Aggrotech Company Limited, a subsidiary of the Skylark Group of companies from India won the bid to manage the sugar factory.

    On Tuesday officials of the Trade Ministry and PwC introduced the investor to the community and officially handed over the facility to the investor.

    Read: You cannot sell Komenda Sugar Factory to create unemployment ICU

    The Paramount Chief of Komenda Traditional Area, Nana Kojo Kru II said, “it is a dream come true” that this is happening during his tenure in office as the Paramount Chief of the area.

    Three years since its commissioning, the $35 million factory remains defunct.

    This has not gone down well with many Ghanaians, especially, residents of Komenda who were promised jobs and other opportunities when the factory was commissioned.

    President in September 2018 disclosed that government is in the process of finding a strategic investor to revive the “debt-ridden and idle” factory.

    According to him, the sale is due to serious deficiencies including the unavailability of sugarcane in sufficient quantities in the catchment area.

    He also revealed that the government has inadequate working capital required to make the factory functional.

    Subsequently, the Trade and Industry Minister, Alan Kyeremanten told Parliament in April this year that, the factory will be sold to a new investor at a depreciated value of $12 million.

    Read: Komenda Sugar Factory still sits idle

    Explaining the process that led to the selection of the current investor, representatives of PwC, the body that managed the process of looking for a strategic investor, said“ we started with a request for the expression of interest. 15 expressions of interest came in, by the time we actually requested for formal bids, we got about five and then we went through a process of evaluation of those five bids.”

     

    Source: Myjoyonline.com

  • Ghana to get fertilizer plant to drive industrialisation agenda

    Ghana will soon get a fertilizer plant as thyssekrupp, a German multinational conglomerate will partner Government to build it to close the current gap in the industry.

    The plant will help in boosting fertilizer blending in the country, reduce the cost of production for blending facilities and create more jobs for the teeming unemployed youth.

    Read: Planting for food and jobs: Proper targeting should be done SEND GHANA

    Dr Philipp Nellessen, the Chief Executive Officer of thyssekrupp in the Sub-Saharan Africa who was addressing a roundtable on developing the chemical and fertilizer industry on Tuesday said the company had strategic plans to make Ghana its petrochemical hub in West Africa.

    He said they had already done a number of projects in Ghana and Africa at large and saw a lot of potentials for development in the country especially in providing industrial solution to companies.

    Dr Nellessen said the Company, which focused on industrial engineering and steel production would build a fertilizer plant in the country to start the production of all raw materials currently imported by fertilizer blending facilities reduce down importation.

    He said setting up the plant would help in developing the value chain to increase value creation and also prevent the import of ammonia since the plant would be situated.

    He said Ghana had huge potentials to build industry around the petrochemical industry, hence the willingness of the company to develop its Accra office to become the central office for West Africa.

    Mr Seth Miah, the Regional Manager for West Africa at thyssekrupp in an interview with the Ghana News Agency said the Company was committed to increasing the projects and personnel towards industrialisation.

    Read: COCOBOD, Genertec signs MOU to establish cocoa processing plant

    He said Ghana had the basic feedstock for the production of fertilizer in the form of gas and that the presence of the plant would support the local blending industry, while reducing the amount of foreign currency used for importing urea and ammonia as raw materials.

    Mr Miah commended government for its commitment in the industrialisation agenda and that once the process was due, the Company would continue its efforts in partnering all stakeholders to fully industrialise Ghana.

    He said it was necessary to make good use of the natural gases that God blessed the nation with and that the plant would be the beginning point to establish a real petrochemical hub in Ghana.

     

    Source: ghananewsagency.org