A Swiss-Ghanaian startup, KOA Impact Ghana Limited, has inaugurated its cocoa pulp processing factory at Achiase in the Eastern Region of Ghana.
The 10-million U.S –dollar factory, commissioned last Friday, will enable Ghana through upcycling to convert the otherwise wasted cocoa pulp into fruit juices and other cocoa-based consumables for export, contributing to the country’s desire to adopt circular economy to returns maximum benefits from its resources.
Kobina Tahiru Hammond, Ghana’s Minister for Trade and Industry, inaugurated the plant at a ceremony, observing that “the project proves that Ghanaians are yet to capture the full value of cocoa – its bean, pulp and pod.”
“It is heart-warming to note that besides the environmentally friendly juices and cocoa products to be produced and exported, the factory would also generate 250 new jobs in rural Ghana and help cocoa farmers to reduce on-farm food waste in the cocoa value chain,” Hammond stated.
He said the project would enable farmers to generate additional income, while the company launches new unique products into the food and beverage industry, including the chocolate confectionery products, ice cream and drinks.
Hammond said KOA Impact was entering the agro-proccessing industry sector at a critical time when the actual implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) initiative had begun.
He urged the company to take advantage of the opportunities under the AFCFTA to gain traction in the continental market, urging other businesses and investors to grab the opportunities under SFCFT to create more prosperity on the continent and create jobs for the youths.
“The government of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo believes that prosperity for all is achievable through industrial transformation that is inclusive and sustainable, and one which ensures the highest standards of food safety to guarantee significant market access for brands wholly or substantially produced in Ghana,” the minister stated.
