What was once celebrated as a milestone project for farmers and youth in the Amansie South District of the Ashanti Region is now lying in ruins. The Manso Mem Palm Oil Extraction Facility, which was commissioned with much fanfare on December 4, 2024, has been abandoned, leaving residents disillusioned and machines to rust in the bush.
The facility was envisioned as a processing hub where palm farmers from Manso Mem and surrounding communities could bring their produce for extraction. It was also designed to provide training and employment opportunities for the youth, turning the community into a vibrant center for palm oil production.
Yet, less than a year after its commissioning by former District Chief Executive (DCE), Hon. Lawyer Clement Opoku Gyamfi, the facility has seen no operations. Today, weeds have taken over the compound, and expensive equipment meant to power the project is deteriorating due to lack of use.
During a recent inspection, the Assembly Member for Manso Mem Domi Electoral Area, Hon. James Osei, expressed outrage over the state of neglect. “This project was commissioned only ten months ago, but now it has been forgotten. The machines are rusting, and weeds are swallowing the facility. Government spent millions of cedis on this project, yet it has been left to rot. This is nothing short of a waste of public funds,” he said.
According to Hon. Osei, the abandonment stems from the failure of the District Assembly to connect water to the facility, a vital requirement for its operation. “How could such an important step be overlooked? Because of this, the entire project is at a standstill. It’s shocking and deeply disappointing,” he added.
Residents who spoke to the media shared their frustration, recalling the excitement the project generated when it was inaugurated. Farmers had anticipated an efficient processing system for their palm fruits, while the youth had looked forward to job opportunities. “We were told this project would help farmers and provide jobs for the youth. Today, nothing is happening. The facility has been forgotten, and the community feels betrayed,” one resident lamented.
Another resident described the project as a “white elephant,” stressing that it symbolizes the neglect communities often suffer after political promises are made.
The Assembly Member has since called on the current District Chief Executive, Hon. Benjamin Marfo, to act swiftly to rescue the facility before it collapses completely. “We appeal to Hon. Marfo to intervene urgently. All that is needed is to connect water and operationalize the machines. This facility belongs to the people of Manso Mem and the Amansie South District. It must not be left to ruin,” Hon. Osei stressed.
The abandoned state of the Manso Mem Palm Oil Extraction Facility reflects a broader national concern about unsustained projects and poor follow-through in governance. For the people of Manso Mem, however, the issue goes beyond politics—it is about jobs, livelihoods, and the future of their community.
