Olam Agri cuts sod for construction of new pasta production facility at Kpone

Olam Agri, a global leader in food and agribusiness, has held a sod-cutting ceremony for the construction of a state-of-the-art pasta production facility at its wheat milling factory at Kpone near Tema in the Greater Accra Region. 

Event

The event was graced by the Deputy Minister for Trade and Industry, Michael Okyere Baafi, and the Deputy Minister for Transport, Frederick Obeng Adom and was attended by the traditional leadership of the Kpone municipality.

Also present were chief executives and representatives from the Ghana Revenue Authority, the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC), the Food and Drugs Authority, the Ghana Chamber of Commerce, and some key stakeholders, including the Ghana Police Service, the Ghana National Fire Service and the Ghana Water Company.

The construction of Olam Agri’s facility marks a significant milestone in the company’s commitment to providing high-quality, affordable and nutritious pasta products for the Ghanaian consumer.

When completed, the facility will be the first pasta production facility in Ghana and will bring the product closer to the consumer, ensuring better quality control.

In an address read on his behalf by his Deputy, the Minister for Trade and Industry, K.T. Hammond observed that whereas pasta had become a staple in many Ghanaian households, there was a heavy reliance on imports, particularly from countries such as Turkey, Italy, China and South Africa.

“I am therefore happy to note that, Olam Agri as a business is taking advantage of this opportunity to establish this state-of-the-art pasta plant reflecting the company’s commitment to transforming Ghana’s food industry.

This facility is expected to meet the growing demand for pasta locally, supporting the government’s import substitution and job creation agenda,” Hon K. T. Hammond said.

Private sector

The minister stressed that the private sector played a key role in promoting the growth of industrialisation in Ghana, adding that Olam Agri had long set a benchmark in agribusiness, from flour production to supporting local rice farmers and the company’s understanding and dedication to quality was exemplified by the success of popular brands such as Mama Gold and Royal Feast.

The Country Head of Olam Agri in Ghana, Baibhav Biswas, expressed enthusiasm for the project, stating “Our 30 years’ presence in Ghana has been characterised by significant investments in infrastructure and human resources development. Mr Biswas expressed gratitude to all stakeholders for supporting Olam Agri’s operations in Ghana and for creating a friendly environment for businesses to thrive.

The Commissioner-General of the GRA, Ms Julia Esiam, congratulated Olam Agri on behalf of the commission and reiterated the institution's support through effective collaboration and partnerships.

“The sod-cutting ceremony of this new facility will open doors to further opportunities for growth and development. This sets the stage for future achievement, innovation and progress,” she added.