The Managing Director of Agricultural Development Bank (ADB) PLC, Alhaji Alhassan Yakubu-Tali, has expressed his full support for the Ekumfi factory model and emphasized the need to establish similar processing facilities in agriculturally-rich regions across Ghana. The aim is to harness the transformative potential of agribusiness, creating jobs and fostering wealth generation. During a recent visit to the Ekumfi Fruits & Juices and Central Citrus factories in the Central Region, Alhaji Yakubu-Tali was impressed by their progress and adherence to high-quality standards. He believes that these factories should serve as models for technology transfer to boost the agricultural sector nationwide.
Promoting Innovation and Efficiency
Alhaji Alhassan Yakubu-Tali, accompanied by a senior management team, conducted a familiarization tour of the farms and processing plants financed by ADB. They were pleased to observe the backward integration approach, where sister companies produce the raw materials required for the factories. Additionally, the level of automation impressed the team as it enhanced efficiency and improved quality control. The Managing Director commended the implementation of modern equipment and strict workplace safety measures, which contributed to the factories passing rigorous export quality tests.
Ekumfi Juice: A Beacon of Progress
Speaking about the Ekumfi Fruits & Juices and Central Citrus factories, Alhaji Alhassan Yakubu-Tali emphasized their pivotal role in advancing the agribusiness sector in Ghana. He hailed them as benchmarks of sustainability and innovation, setting a standard for other processing concerns in the Central Region and the entire country. The commitment to quality and progress demonstrated by these factories is a testament to their impact on national development.
Maximizing Agribusiness Potential
Highlighting the immense potential of agribusiness for Ghana’s development, the Managing Director called for the establishment of more model processing factories across the country. By showcasing best production and marketing practices, these facilities could play a significant role in harnessing the power of agribusiness to drive economic growth and prosperity.
ADB’s Role in Agricultural Transformation
Alhaji Alhassan Yakubu-Tali reaffirmed ADB’s commitment to play a crucial role in transforming the agricultural sector. The bank has been a key financier of major government programs such as the Enhanced Planting for Food and Jobs (E-PFJ) campaign, Rearing for Food and Jobs (RFJ), Planting for Export and Rural Development (PERD), and the One District-One Factory Initiative (1D1F). By continuing to collaborate with the private sector and international organizations, ADB aims to invest more in agriculture for sustainable development.
The Ekumfi Success Story
The Ekumfi Fruits and Juices factory, established in 2019 under the One District-One Factory initiative, has grown exponentially, giving rise to two sister companies: Central Citrus Limited and Farm Direct Technology Limited. These sister companies operate over 4,200 acres of farmland, producing a diverse range of fruits, including pineapple, citrus, watermelon, and passion fruit, to meet the raw material demands of the factories.
The Ekumfi Fruits and Juices factory currently produces fruit juices in 250ml tetra packs for both domestic and US markets. To further expand their product range, the factory is in the process of installing a new 1-litre tetra pack line and constructing a brewery. Similarly, construction of the Central Citrus factory is nearing completion, set to produce citrus and passion juices, citrus oils, and other essential oils.
The endorsement by ADB’s Managing Director, Alhaji Alhassan Yakubu-Tali, underscores the significance of the Ekumfi factory model in the agribusiness sector. As the government continues to promote initiatives like One District-One Factory, these success stories serve as inspiration and exemplars for the nation. With continued commitment from financial institutions and private entities, Ghana can unlock the vast potential of agribusiness, paving the way for sustainable development, job creation, and increased prosperity for its citizens.