The Minister for Trade, Agribusiness, and Industry, Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, has paid a working visit to the Ekumfi Juice Factory as part of the government's efforts to strengthen agro-processing and accelerate industrial growth under the 24-Hour Economy policy.

The visit, which took place on Friday, December 19, aimed to assess the factory’s operations and explore ways it can leverage the government’s industrialisation agenda to boost production, create jobs, and add value to locally produced fruits.

Addressing the press during the tour, Ofosu-Adjare reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting local agro-processing companies, describing them as critical to reducing post-harvest losses, improving farmer incomes, and driving sustainable economic growth.

She noted that the 24-Hour Economy initiative presents significant opportunities for factories such as Ekumfi Juice to scale up production, operate more efficiently, and meet both domestic and export market demand, particularly within the framework of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

The Operations Manager of Ekumfi Juice Factory, Frederick Kobbyna Acquaah, briefed the Minister on the company’s production processes, capacity, and operational challenges.

He highlighted issues including access to finance, reliable power supply, and consistent sourcing of raw materials, while expressing optimism about the factory’s growth prospects with sustained government support.

Mr Acquaah also commended the government for prioritising agribusiness and local manufacturing, noting that targeted policy interventions would enable the company to expand operations, create employment for more young people, and contribute meaningfully to the local economy.

As part of the visit, the Minister and members of the press toured the factory’s farms, where fruits such as oranges, guava, and passion fruit are cultivated in large quantities to support juice production.

Management also disclosed plans to establish a new fruit juice processing plant in the Central Region in 2026.

Ofosu-Adjare assured the company of the Ministry’s readiness to work with relevant agencies to address its challenges and create an enabling environment for agro-industrial firms to thrive.

The visit forms part of the Ministry’s broader engagement with local industries aimed at promoting inclusive industrial development and advancing the government’s economic transformation agenda.