The site for the famous fruit juice factory in Ekumfi in the Central Region is now a playing ground for grasscutters and other animals, a Communicator for the National Democratic Congress 9NDC) has claimed.
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, in August cut sod to launch his government’s flagship policy ”One District One Factory” at Ekumfi in the Central Region.
The Ekumfi Fruits and Juices which was said to be the first factory to be constructed under the government’s ‘One District One Factory’ project is expected to employ over 5000 people when completed by mid-2018.
General Manager of the company, Daniel Kwarteng, said about $5million is expected to be invested into the project from the $2billion Exim bank Chinese loan announced earlier by government.
The Ekumfi Fruit Processing Company factory which would sit on a 10-acre land when completed will process pineapples for the local and international market.
However, three months after the cutting of the sod, the NDC communications team member, Chief Biney said the location has been abandoned and has now become the ‘playing ground’ of various animals in Ekumfi.
“The factory is only present on the signboard…there’s not a single block at the place…it is now the playing ground of grasscutters and other animals,” he said.
According to him, the site which was earmarked to employ over 5000 people now employs grasscutters and other animals as factory hands instead of human beings.
“The site is not employing grasscutters and hence hunters in Ekumfi now go there on a daily basis in search of game…,” he claimed on Adom TV’s Badwam on Friday.
Chief Biney therefore appealed to the government of Nana Akufo-Addo to try as much as possible to make good his promise to the people of Ekumfi.
“I hope the cutting of the sod was not part of the 419 by the government…we are appealing to the President to help start the factory so that it would be his legacy in Ekumfi…,” he appealed.
We don’t want the factory to be a white elephant
Responding to the claim by Chief Biney on the Fruit Juice Factory, a deputy director of the National Service Scheme (NSS), Henry Nana Boakye said the government is treading cautiously as it does not want the fruit juice factory to suffer same fate as the Komenda Sugar factory.
Nana B said the government wants to ensure that there are enough out growers for the factory.
Watch the attached video for more:
VIDEO: Ekumfi Fruit Juice Factory now employs grasscutters
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