The Cape Coast Regional Chamber of Commerce under the leadership of President of the Ghana National Chamber of Commerce and Industry -GNCCI Nana Dr. Appiagyei Dankawoso l and other national executives, on Thursday embarked on an industrial tour in the Central region.
The tour targeted three main companies- Ameen Sangari Soap Factory in Cape Coast, Central Oil Mills Ltd at Jukwa Mfuom in the Twifo Hemang Lower Denkyira District and the Centre for Awareness Herbal Centre, producers of COA FS at Wusorkrom, in the Abura Asebu Kwamankese District.
The tour according to the Cape Coast regional President of GNCCI, Mr. Anthony Yoofi Pokoo–Aikins was to give the national executives firsthand information on how industries within the region were faring. He said it was to ably inform their decision on the best approach to support or revamp some of these companies and tap into other resourceful ventures in the region in order to create wealth and employment.
The tour begun at the Ameen Sangari soap factory in Cape Coast. The soap factory nearly suffered a complete closure in recent times due to low production. Chairman of management of the company, Mr. Fouad Sankari bemoaned the irresponsiveness of government to calls for support. He believes a stimulus package from government could revamp the factory.
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The national president of GNCCI Nana Dr. Appiagyei Dankawoso I assured the managers of the Ameen Sangari Soap Factory of a move to accelerate efforts to attain a stimulus package to salvage the factory from total collapse.
The situation at the Central Oil Mills Ltd at Jukwa Mfuom was rather encouraging. With government support through a loan from the EXIM bank, the factory had seen some expansion.
Mr. Aaron Sagoe, founder and CEO of the company revealed some challenges they face in the oil palm production industry- land litigation, high interest rates and inadequate skilled labour.
Dr. Appiagyei Dankawoso l, noted government was in the course of liaising with chiefs and land owners on how best such issues could be solved with both parties benefitting appropriately. He also reiterated the need for banks to give low interest loans and moratoriums to all businesses to help them survive. Nana Dankawoso also revealed that the GNCCI had set up a business school that could help bridge the skill gap industry demands.
At the Centre of Awareness Herbal Centre, producers of the COA FS which was recently called off the market by the Food and Drugs Authority due to alleged microbial contamination, the executive director, Professor Ato Duncan said the centre was in full compliance with recommendations by the FDA.
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Professor Ato Duncan stated that though the recall of their products came as a blow, adherence to the recommendations could help them achieve international recognition.
In his response, Nana Dr. Appiagyei Dankawoso l, suggested that in the future, the FDA could employ better means of addressing such issues since its effect could be dire. He also expressed satisfaction over the pace of work at the herbal centre.
SOURCE: Joseph Kobina Amuah/ ATLFMNEWS
