The flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Mahama, has pledged to establish a cocoa processing facility in Kukuom, situated in the Asunafo South District.

This promise was made during a campaign tour in the Ahafo Region, where Mahama reiterated his commitment to addressing youth unemployment and driving regional development.

As part of his industrialisation agenda, the cocoa processing facility is a key component of Mahama’s broader plan to transform the economy, which includes his vision for a 24-hour economy.

This policy aims to boost productivity by ensuring continuous business and industrial operations, creating more job opportunities, especially for the youth.

The 24-hour economy initiative is designed to harness Ghana's growing population by allowing industries such as manufacturing, processing, and logistics to operate around the clock.

By doing so, Mr Mahama envisions increased access to services and goods while generating more shifts and employment opportunities for the expanding labour force.

Mahama highlighted the importance of the cocoa processing facility as part of his strategy to create industrial hubs nationwide, particularly in regions with significant agricultural potential, such as Ahafo, to foster economic growth and development.

“I was very happy with the chief’s submission because of his understanding of our 24-hour economy policy. We have realised that, to successfully implement the policy, we need to embark on a massive industrialisation drive and as part of that, we will construct a cocoa processing facility for the Kukuom community."

“This will discontinue the exportation of cocoa for processing," he said.