The Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II has lauded Guinness Ghana Breweries Limited for its commitment to developing the capacity of indigenous people to take charge of the business in Ghana. The company’s current workforce is made up of 99 per cent Ghanaians, while only one out of seven top executive positions is occupied by an expatriate. Guinness Ghana Breweries provides direct and indirect employment to about 38,000 people. Over 800 permanent workers are stationed at the Kaasi headquarters in Kumasi. Under its Water of Life project, the company provides potable water for over 100,000 Ghanaians in all ten regions of the country. The Asantehene says Guinness Ghana Breweries also sends positive signals about Ghana’s conducive business atmosphere to the international community. He is delighted the company has transformed itself into the leading total beverage producer in Africa. Otumfuo’s commendation was delivered by Akyempimhene, Oheneba Adusei-Poku, at a ceremony to commemorate Arthur Guinness Day in Kumasi. “Arguably, [GGBL] it’s one of the leading companies and technologically advanced; providing jobs, providing income and providing the right atmosphere for other investors to follow suit”, Oheneba Adusei-Poku said. The Asantehene is happy Guinness Ghana Breweries has over the years invested some of its gains in local communities it operates and also commended the company’s effort to develop capacity of Ghanaians to work in the company. “For me, it’s an honour to be associated with a private corporate business that is committed to investing back to the economy and local communities”. Meanwhile, Guinness Ghana Breweries has announced a 1.9 million pound investment into its environmental management programmes. Brewery Manager, Daniel Wenyah also announced another 1.9 million Ghana cedis to be spent to build a bio-gas plant at the Achimota Brewery. According to Mr. Wenya, the two projects will help prepare Diageo Plc achieve environmental programmes. “We all contribute to safeguard our environment for future generations. It is a duty and GGBL is committed to lead in this regard… These will prepare us to achieve our bold environmental ambitions by 2015”.