New Free Zones CEO commends Olam Cocoa for strategic role in agribusiness
The newly appointed Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Free Zones Authority (GFZA), Dr Mary Awusi, has praised Olam Cocoa Processing (OCP) Ghana Limited for its contribution to Ghana’s agribusiness sector, during a familiarisation tour of Free Zones enterprises in the Ashanti Region.
Dr Awusi, who took office two months ago, visited the Kumasi-based cocoa processor last Friday as part of her two-day regional tour aimed at introducing herself to key stakeholders, understanding their operations, and identifying challenges that need policy attention.
“Olam Cocoa Processing Ghana Limited and Olam food Ingredients Ghana Limited are stakeholders that have made strategic investments in the economy of Ghana and the growth of the agribusiness sector,” Dr Awusi remarked during the visit. She lauded the company’s professionalism and encouraged frank discussions on operational issues.
She was accompanied by senior officials including Mr Apau Wiredu, Deputy CEO for Operations; Mr Alhassan Ziblim, Director of Administration; and Mr Kwame Nsiah Asante, Director of Enclaves and Zones.
The OCP team, led by General Manager Ing. Prince Acheampong, welcomed the delegation with a presentation on the company’s operations. Production Manager Brian Owusu-Bempah highlighted the factory’s achievements, noting that it is SMETA-certified for ethical social practices, FSSC 22000-certified for food safety, and produces Halal and Kosher products.
He further stated, “Under the Unicao brand, the factory produces a variety of liquors ranging from mild roast to full-bodied roasted nibs, which allows the company to offer cocoa products from a single-source origin for multiple cocoa applications.”
Ing. Acheampong emphasised the company’s diversity in leadership and commitment to gender inclusion: “With a leadership structure of 50 per cent women here at OCP, we are honoured to host Dr Awusi and her team. Her visit reflects a genuine commitment to understanding and supporting the industries she now leads.”
He also urged the Authority to prioritise challenges within the cocoa sector, particularly around supply chain sustainability.
Responding to concerns raised, Dr Awusi reaffirmed the government’s renewed focus on agribusiness under the Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry.
“If you consider the name change of our supervising Ministry from the Ministry of Trade and Industry to the Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness, and Industry, you will appreciate our renewed focus on agribusiness, especially cocoa issues,” she said.
“With the Presidential Special Initiative on Agribusiness now fully set up and supported by the Ministry, I can confidently say that this is the time and season that companies like Olam will expand and thrive.”
Her visit, the fourth stop in the region, is part of a broader strategy by the GFZA to strengthen ties with industry players, drive policy-driven reforms, and create a more enabling environment for Free Zones businesses.