GIHOC must return to profitability — Trade Minister
THE Minister of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, has commissioned a fleet of vehicles to strengthen the operational capabilities of the state-owned beverage manufacturer, GIHOC Distilleries Company Limited, charging its leadership to restore the state enterprise to profitability.
The fleet comprised 10 pickup trucks to support field sales operations, two forklifts for warehouse and logistics management, one 40-foot articulated truck for bulk distribution and an administrative vehicle.
The investment was aimed at strengthening the company’s distribution network and improving its ability to reach retail outlets across the country.
Speaking at the ceremony held at GIHOC’s headquarters in Accra on Thursday, February 26, the minister said the intervention formed part of the government’s broader commitment to revitalise state-owned enterprises under its RESET Agenda, which prioritised the revival of productive capacity in the public sector to stimulate economic growth.
“President John Dramani Mahama made a firm commitment to boost our manufacturing sector. He acknowledged the resilience of our local manufacturers, anchored on an unwavering environment, and promised that this administration would be a steadfast partner in our growth,” she emphasised.
Commitment
Mrs Ofosu-Adjare said while the asset injection was necessary to address critical operational gaps, it would not, on its own, guarantee a turnaround.
In that vein, she indicated that the government would work with the board and management to address structural financial liabilities, review the company’s operating model for long-term viability and explore opportunities to expand production under the proposed 24-hour economy policy.
“GIHOC must return to profitability. You must demonstrate that a state enterprise can compete efficiently and effectively in a liberalised market,” she stated.
Mrs Ofosu-Adjare emphasised that the vehicles were procured with public funds and must, therefore, be managed with accountability, discipline and a clear commercial strategy.
Strategic revival
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of GIHOC, Jones Borteye Applerh, described the vehicle commissioning as a symbol of revival and strategic redirection rather than a routine asset acquisition.
He disclosed that the company increased production output by over 50 per cent in 2025 compared to the previous year, attributing the gains to disciplined growth and operational reforms.
He said GIHOC had transitioned to a two-shift system and was positioning itself for full 24-hour production in line with national policy.
The new fleet, Mr Applerh added, would deepen market penetration, strengthen brand visibility and improve delivery reliability nationwide.
“GIHOC's ambition is simple: To be present in every region of Ghana. Every town. Every trading hub. Every distribution point. Our products must not be limited by geography. To achieve this, mobility is critical. These vehicles empower our sales teams to reach deeper into the national market - ensuring that every Ghanaian who wants a GIHOC product can find one,” he stated.
The Board Chairman, Henry Annor Boakye-Yiadom, characterised the commissioning as a governance milestone reflecting deliberate, disciplined strategic oversight by the board.
He stressed that the investment was tied to measurable productivity outcomes, insisting that assets must translate into expanded market reach, improved delivery timelines and stronger financial performance.
He iterated that the board’s role extended beyond supervision to enabling management to build a resilient and commercially viable enterprise.
Emphasising accountability, he urged staff to deploy the vehicles strategically to remove long-standing distribution constraints, enhance customer satisfaction and position GIHOC as a competitive, revenue-generating state-owned industrial brand.
