John Dramani Mahama, flagbearer for the Opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), has announced plans to establish cocoa processing factories in the Western North Region as part of his industrial strategy aimed at enhancing local agro-processing.
During a campaign event in Enchi, Mahama emphasized that this initiative will not only stimulate economic growth but also create job opportunities for the local populace.
“We have made up our minds that the cocoa we ship abroad to produce chocolate for us is no longer sufficient,” Mahama stated, advocating for local processing to increase earnings from cocoa cultivation.
“We’re tired of this arrangement and now need factories in the cocoa-growing areas to process the cocoa into chocolate locally”.
He highlighted the importance of situating factories in cocoa-rich areas like Aowin to maximize employment for youth.
“When the time comes, we will assess where cocoa production is highest. If the factories are located in Western North and Aowin, for instance, our youths will have job opportunities.”
Mahama’s remarks come amid ongoing concerns about the cocoa industry’s challenges, including illegal mining activities that threaten production.
www.kumasimail.com / Kwadwo Owusu
