Government directs Cocobod to acquire all fertilizers locally

Government directs Cocobod to acquire all fertilizers locally

Government has directed the Ghana Cocoa Board (Cocobod) to purchase all fertilisers necessary for the growing of cocoa and other crops from local sources, beginning 2020.

Vice President, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia disclosed the directive on Wednesday September 25, 2019.

He noted that, the order had become possible because government, through the ‘One District One Factory’ initiative, had built up the necessary local capacity to meet and exceed Ghana’s fertilizer demand, which stands at about 600,000 metric tonnes per annum, according to officials of the Ministry of Food and Agriculture.

READ ALSO: Ghana’s Capt Solomon Quainoo wins ‘Africa Travel 100’ award in Nigeria

Speaking at the 20th anniversary celebration of Olam Cocoa Ghana, chaired by the Okyenhene, Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin, in Accra, Vice President Bawumia announced:

Government has directed Cocobod to make sure that from next year, because there now exists sufficient local capacity for the manufacturing of fertilizer, at least the blending of fertilizer, government has instructed Cocobod that starting next year all fertilizer they acquire must be from the local companies and not imported. Because now, thanks to 1D1F we have established the local capacity to satisfy our fertilizer demand, and this will save the country foreign exchange.”

The directive for the local purchase of fertiliser comes after recent major strides in the production of blended fertiliser in the country, with just one company, Glofert Fertilizer Limited, having the capacity to produce about 800,000 metric tonnes per annum. Four other local companies have also ramped up production, with other facilities under construction across the country.

Vice President Bawumia commended the management of Olam Ghana for their contribution to national development over the years, especially in the area of job creation and the development of the cocoa industry.

Government is aware of the many achievements of Olam Ghana, parent company of Olam Cocoa, in the agro-commodity sector of the economy. The company has gradually become one of the leading agro-commodity companies in the country. Your involvement in the export of cashew, and your tomato paste processing and canning has not escaped the eye of Government.

READ ALSO: My husband sacrificed everything for Ghana - Former first lady Fulera Limann

“I wish to take this opportunity, on behalf of the Government, to congratulate Olam Cocoa Ghana for twenty years of remarkable growth and achievements. Your achievements and continuous investment in the country is a demonstration of the confidence that your Company has in our resilient economy. We are delighted to note that Olam Cocoa Ghana is deeply involved in our cocoa industry from the internal marketing of cocoa to external marketing, and then to downstream processing.”

YEN.com.gh earlier reported that former president Jerry John Rawlings says it is wrong for any individual or group of persons to threaten former presidents.

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) founder in a Facebook post condemned the youth groups who have threaten former president John Dramani Mahama over the Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II brouhaha.

Ghana News Today: 2 collapse at Independence Square over SHS placement confusion | #Yencomgh

Subscribe to watch new videos

READ ALSO: Otumfuo returns from US trip; rides in his Rolls Royce (photos)

Know someone who is extremely talented and needs recognition? Your stories and photos are always welcome. Get interactive via our Facebook page.

Source: YEN.com.gh

Online view pixel