Ekumfi Fruits and Juices Ltd, a leading manufacturer of Made-in-Ghana range of juices of international standards, acceptance and repute has finally secured a contract requiring a 24-hour production.

This new contract is expected to create over 12,000 Jobs with its 24-hour operations, promoting job creation in one of the most deprived districts of Ghana, Ekumfi in the central region.

The company has recently had a partnership with Central Citrus Ltd, the largest citrus factory in West Africa built with local material support from Dzata Cement, and is expected to create over 15,000 jobs as it commences its 24-hour production in the AAK district.

Central Citrus Ltd through 24-hour production is processing 15 tons/hr oranges where new varieties of high-yielding and tasty citrus, the pixie variety, are to be launched for farmers in the communities. This will replace their outdated crops and create a sustainable livelihood for the youth while promoting import substitution and export.

These companies and others to be established together with Komeda Sugar Factory could create a huge opportunity for Ghana in the natural food and beverages industry which is globally estimated at over US$550 billion. Ghana currently importing $250 million per annum.

It is estimated that Ghana could make over US$5.0 billion annually from its fruits and exotics value chain with only 800,000 hectares which is one-third the total cocoa farms in Ghana. It could also create over 900,000 direct Jobs.