The sole One District, One Factory (1D1F) initiative in the Birim North District of the Eastern Region, Zuriel Carbon Products Company Ltd., is on the brink of collapse following an export ban allegedly imposed in error by the Energy Commission.
Zuriel Carbon, located in Akoase near Nkawkaw, has been part of the government’s flagship 1D1F programme for the past five years.
The company produces high-quality charcoal from wood shavings and sawdust, materials that would otherwise pollute the environment or clog water bodies.
However, the company is now struggling to survive due to the wrongful export ban.
Investigations reveal that the Energy Commission mistakenly acted on misinformation about another company, which led to the decision to halt Zuriel’s exports.
This error has had devastating consequences for the company, forcing it to lay off 20 workers over a year ago and leaving it unable to meet its financial obligations.
Speaking to Adom News, the CEO of Zuriel Carbon Products, Christine Ofori, highlighted the impact of the ban on the company and the broader implications for job creation and poverty alleviation in the district.
She described the Energy Commission’s decision as an error of judgment that threatens the viability of one of the few functioning 1D1F projects in Ghana.
The issue recently came to a legal head when Zuriel Carbon filed a lawsuit against the Energy Commission.
An Accra High Court, presided over by Justice Sedina Agbemava, dismissed the Commission’s attempt to set aside the Writ of Summons and Statement of Claim filed by the company.
The ruling allows Zuriel Carbon to continue its legal challenge against the export ban.
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