What began as a dream of prosperity for the people of Manso Mem in the Amansie South District of the Ashanti Region has now become a painful story of disappointment. The community’s palm oil extraction facility, commissioned with high hopes on December 4, 2024, has been left abandoned, its machines rusting and its purpose unfulfilled.
The project, spearheaded under the leadership of former District Chief Executive (DCE) Hon. Lawyer Clement Opoku Gyamfi, was envisioned as a game-changer for the local economy. It was meant to serve as a central hub for palm farmers to process their fruits into palm oil, while also providing much-needed employment and training opportunities for the youth.
But ten months after its colorful commissioning, the factory has not seen a single day of operation. Today, the facility lies idle in the bush, overtaken by weeds and neglect, with expensive equipment deteriorating due to lack of use.
Speaking to journalists after visiting the site, the Assembly Member for the Manso Mem Domi Electoral Area, Hon. James Osei, described the state of the facility as a betrayal of the community’s trust. “This project was a dream for Manso Mem. Our farmers and youth were excited because it promised jobs and development. But today, it has become a disappointment. The machines are rusting away, and government’s huge investment is going waste,” he said.
Hon. Osei explained that the failure to connect water to the facility has rendered it inoperable, blaming the District Assembly for failing to complete such a critical step. “All that was needed was water. Because that was not done, the entire factory is at a standstill. It is sad that something so simple has been ignored, leaving an entire community in despair,” he lamented.
Residents also expressed their anger and frustration, noting that the facility was supposed to provide them with jobs and reduce the economic hardships facing young people in the area. “We thought this factory would change our lives. Farmers were ready to supply palm fruits, and the youth were ready to work. But nothing has happened. This is a big disappointment to all of us,” one resident said.
Another farmer added: “The government promised us development, but now the factory is just a white elephant. We feel let down.”
The Assembly Member has appealed to the current District Chief Executive, Hon. Benjamin Marfo, to urgently intervene and revive the facility before it completely deteriorates. “We are calling on Hon. Marfo to save this project. It belongs to the people, and it must not be left to rot. With water connected, this factory can start operations immediately. Our farmers and youth deserve better,” Hon. Osei urged.
The abandoned Manso Mem Palm Oil Factory adds to Ghana’s long list of stalled projects that begin with hope but end in frustration. For the people of Manso Mem, however, the issue is personal. What was once a community’s dream has turned into a bitter disappointment — one they desperately hope can still be reversed.
