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The Amansie South District Assembly, led by District Chief Executive (DCE) Hon. Lawyer Clement Opoku Gyamfi, has officially inaugurated the district’s first-ever palm oil extraction facility in Mem, marking a pivotal moment in the region’s agricultural development. This new facility, designed to enhance the local palm oil industry, is set to provide a significant boost to local farmers while empowering women in the district.
At the commissioning ceremony, Hon. Opoku Gyamfi commended the community for their cooperation and unwavering commitment to the success of the project. He highlighted the importance of the facility, stressing that its proper maintenance is essential for continued economic growth. “This facility represents a new chapter for Amansie South. It is vital that we ensure it is well-maintained and fully utilized to improve the livelihoods of local farmers and bolster the economy of our district,” the DCE remarked.
Hon. Opoku Gyamfi also expressed his heartfelt gratitude to Nana Opiah Mensah, the former Wirempehene of Manso Mem, for his generous donation of land for the facility. “Nana Opiah Mensah’s selfless contribution has played a significant role in bringing this project to fruition. His dedication to the community’s development is truly commendable,” the DCE noted.
The ceremony also included praise for the Rural Enterprises Agency (REA), led by Mr. Mensah from Manso Aponapon, for their support in providing the necessary machinery for the facility. The DCE revealed that the project was funded through stool lands revenue, emphasizing the importance of utilizing local resources to drive sustainable development in the district.
“This facility is well-equipped to meet the needs of the local workforce and farmers. It features washrooms, toilets, a changing room, and reliable electrical facilities, ensuring the smooth operation of the plant,” Hon. Opoku Gyamfi explained. He emphasized that the facility would enable local farmers to process palm oil and palm kernels more efficiently, resulting in high-quality products for the market.
The DCE further highlighted the economic potential of the facility, noting that it would create a steady market for palm oil and palm kernel production, providing new opportunities for local entrepreneurs. “We envision this facility not only enhancing the local economy but also positioning Mem as a leader in high-quality palm oil production, similar to how Nkawkaw is known for its Tiger nuts,” he said.
Madam Gifty Fordjour, a representative of local women in the district, expressed her appreciation for the facility, underscoring its positive impact on women’s livelihoods. “This facility will greatly improve our income generation as we will now have better access to resources for processing palm oil. It is a significant step toward empowering women in our community,” she remarked.
Other women in the community shared similar sentiments, highlighting that the facility would create much-needed employment opportunities, alleviate the challenges associated with traditional palm oil processing, and improve their overall economic conditions. “The factory will enable us to produce higher-quality products and open new avenues for income generation,” one local woman added.
The inauguration of the Mem palm oil extraction facility marks a significant milestone for the Amansie South District, with expectations that it will not only boost palm oil production but also create jobs, enhance local agriculture, and position the district as a leader in the industry. The facility is poised to become a major driver of sustainable economic growth, particularly for women and small-scale farmers in the region.
In conclusion, Nana Kwantwi Ampomah, the Chief of Manso Ankam and representative of Otumfuo Werempehene, expressed his gratitude to the government for establishing the factory. He emphasized that the facility would support local farmers by providing job opportunities, especially for women. “This facility will help empower our farmers and contribute to the development of our community,” he said.
With the continued support of local stakeholders, the Mem Palm Oil Extraction Facility is expected to have a lasting impact, driving prosperity in the Amansie South District and improving the livelihoods of its residents. The project is a prime example of the district’s commitment to advancing agricultural and industrial development for sustainable growth.
By Simon Opoku Afriyie
