The newly appointed Managing Director of PBC Shea in Buipe, Savannah Region, Abubakari Abdul Mumin, says the revitalised shea butter processing factory is here to stay.

He said it will serve as a practical example of President John Dramani Mahama’s 24-hour economy policy.

Mr. Mumin revealed that the factory is now set to operate three separate shifts daily, aiming to generate an estimated 30,000 direct and indirect jobs for the youth, including women.

“All departments of the factory are still functional,” he said.

“I’m bringing my technical and practical understanding of the industry to partner with government to create jobs for the youth and wealth for the country.”

In an interview with JoyNews in Buipe, Central Gonja District, Mr. Mumin said President Mahama has charged him to transform the PBC Shea facility into a hub for employment and revenue generation.

“When the appointment letter was given to me by the president, he gave me two cardinal conditions. First, I should create jobs. Second, create wealth for the central government,” he stated.

“With this vision, my plan is to run three working shifts a day — morning, afternoon, and night — so we can effectively engage over 30,000 people.”

President Mahama first cut the sod for the construction of the multipurpose factory in 2012 and commissioned it that same year to begin processing raw shea into butter, and soya beans into oil and cake.

However, the factory faced leadership instability following the 2012 general elections. Four different managing directors took charge over the years, the latest being Madam Gabiana Agbanwa, who recently handed over to Mr. Abdul Mumin.

Despite past managerial setbacks, the factory still has several potent plants in place. These include a water plant, which produces 5,700 gallons per day and 2,562 litres per hour; a solvent extraction plant (ACP); an oil mill; a boiler; a laboratory; and a DOC room.

The facility also houses an underground fuel deposit, but over the years has relied on its DOC plant to generate its own energy to power operations across the factory.

Mr. Mumin says the renewed focus and leadership will restore the factory’s full potential and anchor the region’s economic transformation.