Ekumfi Fruits and Juices Ltd, a premier manufacturer of high-quality Made-in-Ghana fruit juices, has secured a significant contract that will necessitate a shift to 24-hour production. This development is poised to transform the local economy by generating over 12,000 jobs in Ekumfi, one of Ghana’s most economically challenged districts in the Central Region.
The company’s recent partnership with Central Citrus Ltd, the largest citrus processing factory in West Africa, further strengthens its position in Ghana’s agro-industrial sector. Built with the support of Dzata Cement using locally sourced materials, Central Citrus Ltd is also set to commence 24-hour operations in the Abura-Asebu-Kwamankese (AAK) District, creating an estimated 15,000 additional jobs.
With a production capacity of 15 tons of oranges per hour, Central Citrus Ltd is introducing a high-yield, superior-tasting citrus variety known as the Pixie variety. This initiative aims to rejuvenate citrus farming by replacing aging crops, ensuring sustainable livelihoods for local farmers, and reducing Ghana’s dependence on imported citrus products. It also presents a major opportunity for export growth.
The combined impact of these industrial expansions, alongside the anticipated establishment of new agribusiness ventures and the revival of the Komenda Sugar Factory, positions Ghana as a potential powerhouse in the natural food and beverages industry. This global market is valued at over $550 billion, with Ghana currently spending $250 million annually on fruit imports.
Experts estimate that by optimizing its fruit and exotic crops value chain, Ghana could generate over $5 billion annually from just 800,000 hectares of cultivated land—only one-third of the total land dedicated to cocoa farming. The sector has the potential to create more than 900,000 direct jobs, significantly boosting employment and economic development.
With these strategic investments, Ghana is on course to harness its agricultural potential, reduce import dependency, and establish itself as a major player in the global natural food and beverage industry.
Source : Myjoyonline.com / Picture Credit : Office of the Presidency
