Kumasi, March 14, 2025 – Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, Asantehene, has advised the Minister for Trade and Agribusiness, Hon. Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, to prioritize financial support for local farmers to enhance agricultural production.
The Asantehene, who owns the Bodukwan Multi-Fruit Company Limited, highlighted a critical challenge facing Ghana’s industries—the lack of sufficient raw materials. He lamented that this issue has not received adequate attention, noting the struggles his fruit processing factory faces in sourcing the necessary raw materials to meet its production capacity.
“We lack the raw materials to feed industries. It is pointless to have industries without the necessary inputs. I have a farm that supplies my factory, but it is not enough, so we rely on other farmers. That, too, is a significant challenge,” he stated. He further revealed that his company often has to source pineapples from the Volta Region to meet demand, underscoring the urgent need for increased local production.
Otumfuo stressed the importance of supporting farmers with adequate resources, emphasizing that many imported products could be locally sourced if the right measures are put in place.
Call for Long-term Agricultural Financing
The King urged the Minister to facilitate long-term financing options for farmers, pointing out that local raw material production is fundamental to industrialization.
“Let’s establish long-term financial facilities for the agricultural sector. Banks are hesitant to grant loans to farmers because they fear they cannot repay within two years. They prefer financing import businesses instead,” he remarked.
Industrial City Project Facing Delays
Hon. Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, who visited the Manhyia Palace to formally introduce herself as Minister, was accompanied by the Chief Director of the Ministry, Mr. Noah Tumfo, and other officials. During the visit, she raised concerns about ongoing litigation over land designated for the Greater Kumasi Industrial Park and Special Economic Zone Project in the Ejisu Municipality, delaying its commencement.
The project, initiated by the Ministry of Trade and Industry with World Bank support, is expected to cover 3,388.2 acres in the Ashanti Region. The first phase, covering 597 acres, is set to receive $30 million in funding for infrastructure development.
Challenges and Call for Intervention
Hon. Ofosu-Adjare disclosed that while proposals from private sector investors and development partners have been received to establish more industrial parks, land compensation disputes remain a major hurdle.
“The World Bank has already paid part of the money to the contractor. If work does not begin in the next two months, the project will be canceled. We need to act swiftly. I implore Otumfuo to intervene,” she stated.
She expressed her commitment to making the project her top priority, vowing to address the land compensation issues. “The funds were disbursed some time ago, but some chiefs failed to allocate them to the rightful recipients. We will investigate who mishandled the money. In the meantime, I will authorize the contractor to commence work while the government resolves the compensation matter,” she assured.
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II’s call for increased support for local farmers and the Minister’s commitment to accelerating the Industrial City Project underscore the urgent need for strategic interventions to boost Ghana’s agricultural and industrial sectors.
Source: Opemsuo Radio