The Hon. District Chief Executive for Talensi, Hon. John Millim Nabwomya, today welcomed a delegation from Nutrifood Ghana Limited, producers of Tasty Tom Tomato Paste, NutriSnax Biscuits and other food products, who visited the Talensi District to inspect and assess the viability of the Pwalugu Northern Star Tomato Factory.
The team, which included representatives from Feed Ghana and an Agricultural Engineer and Researcher from Nigeria working with Nutrifood Ghana, indicated that they had already held discussions with the Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry as well as the Ministry of Food and Agriculture regarding the factory and its potential operationalization.
During discussions, the team emphasized the importance of securing a sustainable source of raw materials, particularly tomatoes, to support any future investment in the facility. As part of their assessment, the delegation proceeded to the Tono Irrigation Scheme to evaluate its capacity to support large-scale tomato cultivation for industrial processing.
Hon. John Millim Nabwomya warmly welcomed the team and expressed optimism that their assessment would lead to a positive decision towards reviving the long-idle factory. He highlighted the district’s enormous agricultural potential, noting that farmers in Pwalugu and surrounding communities actively cultivate tomatoes along the White Volta and could be organized into groups to support large-scale production and ensure a reliable supply of raw materials for processing.
The Hon. DCE further disclosed ongoing efforts to engage experts from the University of Ghana as well as a Swiss agricultural specialist to explore improved and organic high-yielding tomato seed varieties that could significantly boost production within the district.
The Country Director of Nutrifood Ghana explained that the company would carefully assess several factors, including the condition of existing equipment, production capacity, operational efficiency, and the overall investment required before making a final decision. He also encouraged the Hon. DCE to continue engaging the relevant ministries to facilitate the revival and operationalization of the factory.
In response, Hon. John Millim Nabwomya assured the delegation of the Assembly’s full support and pledged to collaborate with the Hon. Upper East Regional Minister and the Member of Parliament for Talensi to advocate for the reopening and sustainable operation of the factory.
The visiting team commended the Hon. DCE for his passion, commitment and proactive leadership in pursuing opportunities for industrial development, agricultural transformation and job creation within the district. Both parties expressed optimism that the engagement would contribute meaningfully towards bringing the Pwalugu Northern Star Tomato Factory back into operation for the benefit of Talensi, the Upper East Region and Ghana as a whole.
This important visit follows the recent inspection tour of the Pwalugu Northern Star Tomato Factory by Hon. John Millim Nabwomya and the subsequent publication by the Talensi District Assembly highlighting the state, challenges and immense potential of the facility. The publication generated significant interest among key stakeholders and investors, including Nutrifood Ghana Limited, whose visit demonstrates the growing attention being given to the possible revival of the factory. The Assembly remains committed to promoting strategic partnerships and investments that will unlock the district’s economic potential, create sustainable employment opportunities and restore the factory to its intended purpose as a catalyst for agricultural and industrial growth.
Source:MyBlueWavesonlin.com| Maurice Duncan| Bolgatanga
