Residents of Ashaiman have urged President John Dramani Mahama to establish agro-processing factories in their municipality as part of the government’s 24-hour economy initiative.
According to them, such factories would create employment opportunities, stimulate local economic growth, and enhance their contributions to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). They emphasized that Ashaiman has a dynamic youth population eager to participate in national development, but the absence of industries is limiting their potential.
Speaking to the media, businessman Mr. Victor Ackah noted that although Ghanaian farmers work diligently to support national development, they frequently suffer post-harvest losses due to a lack of agro-processing facilities.
He stressed that setting up such factories in Ashaiman and across the country would help reduce these losses while ensuring food preservation for both domestic use and export.
“We have hardworking farmers, but significant amounts of produce go to waste annually due to inadequate storage facilities. Establishing a processing company here would add value to these goods, benefiting everyone,” he explained.
Similarly, resident Mr. Evans Asenso Essel highlighted that Ghana is endowed with natural resources, and agriculture plays a crucial role in the nation’s development. He believes agro-processing factories would significantly enhance the sector’s potential.
He called on the government to invest more in agriculture, emphasizing that such investments would positively impact the economy. He also recommended providing technical training to young people to equip them with skills needed to manage these factories efficiently.
Additionally, he underscored the importance of integrating technology into youth empowerment initiatives, which would encourage entrepreneurial ventures in the agricultural sector.
Some residents also proposed the establishment of textile, logistics, and transport companies to absorb the growing number of unemployed youth in Ashaiman.
Unemployed resident Mr. Benjamin Kwesi Bayor emphasized the critical need for job opportunities in the area. He pointed out that the lack of industries forces many young people into the informal sector or into adopting unfavorable means to make a living.
He highlighted the textile industry as a promising sector, noting that a well-implemented 24-hour economy system could generate stable income streams for the country.
As Ghana moves towards economic transformation, Ashaiman residents believe that targeted investments in agro-processing and other industrial sectors will significantly contribute to sustainable development and job creation.