Accra Brewery Limited, ABL, a major player in the alcoholic and non-alcoholic industry in Ghana, has officially inaugurated the first phase of its multi-million dollar brewery expansion project in a colourful event held at the company’s premises in Accra.

The well-organized event was attended by Vice President Kwesi Bekoe Amissah-Arthur, Dr. Ekwow Spio Garbrah, Minister of Trade & Industry, Mrs. Mona Quartey, Deputy Minister of Finance and Economic Planning, and other state officials, captains of industry, customers and suppliers of ABL, management and staff of the company, the media and cross-section of the public.

The expansion project which is estimated at 100 million United States Dollars comprises, in this first phase, two new state- of- the-art packaging lines; expansive warehouse with hard stand and loading bay; material storage areas and two additional power generators.

Others include ten new beer storage vessels; two additional water storage tanks; sidewalks on the location road as well as a new entrance of gate house with offices.

In his welcome address, Dr Charles Mensa, Board Chairman, ABL, reaffirmed ABL’s inordinate desire to lead the path of sustainable and responsible corporate governance, one that is consistent with the fundamental principles of its parent company, SABMiller plc.

Chronicling the background to the project, Anthony Grendon MD, ABL, indicated that after several attempts at acquiring a large tract of land needed for the project proved abortive, ABL settled on its own current location for the project, demolishing 12 residential buildings, 2 office structures and a warehouse in the process.

He stressed that revving up ABL’s production capability for both beer and soft drinks to meet the company’s projected sales growth, the expansion will also position the company to work in a most environmentally friendly and energy efficient way.

“In general terms this expansion in our production capability will allow ABL to truly satisfy the demand of its customers and consumers, and this in turn will drive growth and stimulate increased utilization of our key local raw material inputs, namely whole Maize, Maize Grits, Cassava, Rice and Sorghum,” he observed.

He emphasised that the completed phase has created almost 100 new jobs for mostly highly trained and skilled technical personnel who will complement the company’s existing permanent workforce of 503, adding, these numbers will increase when the second phase of the project is completed.

In the Keynote address, on behalf of the President, Vice President Kwesi Bekoe Amissah-Arthur described the project as a major boost to the country’s quest to consolidate its global competitiveness in the manufacturing sector.

While noting that the expansion project lends credence to Ghana’s position as a destination for international business investment, he commended ABL and its parent company, SABMiller, for reposing confidence in the country with such staggering investment, in the face of erratic power supply.

‘‘ABL’s investment of almost US$100 million in this ultra-modern production facility to double its production capacity has come at a time that Ghana is afflicted by severe power shortage which is crippling the business environment.  It is heartening to see that this did not act as a deterrent but ABL soldiered on with its expansion plans,’’ he indicated.

He reiterated the government’s commitment to addressing the challenges on the energy front, stressing that the government with both the World Bank and the United States government, is set to devise and execute energy sector reforms that will ensure that this unfortunate and recurrent situation is permanently remedied.

While commending ABL for increasing the use of locally sourced raw materials for its brands, the President also reiterated government’s commitment to providing the enabling environment and incentive packages for industries to thrive and compete on the international market.

On his part, Dr. Ekow Spio Garbrah, Minister of Trade and Industry, commended and congratulated ABL and SABMiller for their outstanding show of confidence and efforts at creating local value and jobs in Ghana, pledging his ministry’s support in any way possible.

Attendees were entertained with traditional music and dance by the Adehyeman Cultural Troupe while savoring various ABL brands for refreshment.