KOICA to Construct $95 Million Multipurpose Processing Facility in Ghana

General
November 10, 2023

Winneba – The Korea International Corporation Agency (KOICA) plans to establish a $95 million Multipurpose Processing Facility in Winneba, located in the Effutu Municipality of Ghana’s Central Region. This initiative is designed to enhance vegetable processing and storage, significantly reducing post-harvest losses.

According to Ghana News Agency, Regional Director of Agriculture, this project, titled ‘Strengthening Agribusiness Value Chain for Local Economic Development,’ is the second phase of KOICA’s effort to improve the living standards of farmers in the region and the country. The facility will not only process but also store vegetables to keep them fresh. Additionally, a training center will be constructed at the same location to educate stakeholders, including farmers, processors, and technical staff, on best practices for processing and storing fresh vegetables.

This development was revealed during a meeting where the new Chief Director of the Central Regional Coordinating Council, Mr. Michael Owusu Amoako, was introduced to heads of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs). During this meeting, Dr. Omega briefed the attendees about the activities and challenges of the Department.

The first phase of KOICA’s support, the Rice Value Chain Support Programme (RVCSP), launched in 2021, is being implemented in five districts to enhance the quality of life of rural rice farmers through increased yields. This phase includes machinery, equipment, and training programs to boost rice production and was originally scheduled to conclude in December 2023 but has been extended to the following year.

Dr. Omega also discussed the Department’s role in providing technical support to farmers in the region, who primarily engage in citrus, cocoa, coconut, oil palm, vegetable farming, fishing, and aquaculture. The Central Region, known for its longest coastline of 150 kilometers and vibrant fishing activities, is expected to see significant economic improvement with the support of agriculture.

Furthermore, Dr. Omega announced that a Chinese company, the TIAST GROUP, has shown interest in processing coconut husk into charcoal and establishing facilities for processing cassava, sweet potato, and coconut in District Assemblies.

The Department, however, faces challenges such as a lack of technical and supporting staff, financial constraints, and inadequate staff accommodation. To address these issues, the Department is coordinating with the National Service Secretariat to deploy technical staff to the Region.

Mr. Michael Owusu Amoako, in his remarks, emphasized the need for Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies to collaborate proactively with the RCC to foster regional development.