An agribusiness firm, The Cowboys Ventures, has launched a six-month feasibility study to assess the viability of establishing a cassava flour and industrial starch processing facility in Seikwa–Tainso in the Tain District of the Bono Region.

The study, which officially commenced in January 2026, is aimed at exploring opportunities for cassava value addition to boost rural incomes, reduce post-harvest losses, and create jobs for women and youth in the district.

It is co-funded by Ireland’s Africa Agri-Food Development Programme (AADP), an initiative of the Government of Ireland that supports partnerships between Irish and African agribusinesses to promote sustainable food systems, rural enterprise development, and inclusive economic growth.

The launch event brought together traditional authorities, community leaders, women and youth groups, as well as officials from the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA), Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Ghana Standards Authority (GSA), Department of Factories Inspectorate (DFI) and the Tain District Assembly.

Speaking at the event, Mr Felix Adagisaana Aniah, Executive Labourer of The Cowboys Ventures, stressed that the current phase is strictly a feasibility study and not an investment commitment. He said the study will examine technology options, market demand, environmental safeguards, and regulatory requirements before any final investment decision is taken.

“Our objective is to ensure that any future processing facility is commercially viable, environmentally responsible, and beneficial to local farmers, women, and youth,” Mr Aniah said, adding that the project will be implemented in a transparent and inclusive manner.

The Tain District Director of MoFA, Alfred Anaman, commended the initiative, noting that cassava is one of the district’s strategic crops.

He said value addition through flour and starch processing could help stabilise farmer incomes, reduce post-harvest losses, and improve productivity.

Mr Anaman assured The Cowboys Ventures and AADP of the Ministry’s full technical support throughout the study and any subsequent developments.

Representatives from the FDA, EPA and other regulatory agencies pledged technical guidance to ensure compliance with food safety and environmental standards.

Traditional leaders, women representatives and youth groups welcomed the initiative, expressing optimism that it would improve livelihoods and create sustainable employment opportunities.

Officials of the Tain District Assembly also highlighted the project’s potential to curb youth involvement in illegal mining, locally called galamsey, while addressing climate change challenges through sustainable agribusiness.

The feasibility study is expected to run for six months, after which its findings will be shared with key stakeholders to inform the next steps.