Hot!
500-acre tomato, pepper farms established in Akuse
A portion of the tomato farm at Akuse
Over 500-acres of tomatoes and pepper farms have been established in Akuse in the Eastern region of Ghana.
The colossal private sector venture, undertaken by Nikgroup Farms, is aimed at reducing Ghana’s high import numbers of tomatoes especially, from neighbouring countries.
Mr Nick Owusu, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Group told The Spectator in an interview that the company aims to produce the two crops in large quantities for the local market.
“Our focus is to meet the demands of the local market but when we are able to produce in abundance, of course we’ll consider the international market,” he said.
But what actually excites officials of the company is the estimated number of employment opportunities the project would create for Ghanaians.
“We are very particular about the project; it means so much to us because it will create jobs for the teeming unemployed youth. They would work on the vast tract of land,” he added.
Additionally, the project, described as ambitious by Mr Owusu, would also aim to boost the local production of tomatoes and pepper.
“These two are major vegetables needed or used in every home and must come at affordable prices but it’s not so all the time. It is the reason why we want to produce so much so that even when it’s out of season, people would store enough,” he stated.
Mr Owusu said “the decision to set up the large-scale farm comes at a crucial time when Ghana is grappling with the challenges of importing a significant portion of its tomatoes and pepper needs.”
He noted that “by investing in local production, Nikgroup Farm is not only contributing to the country’s food security but also promoting economic growth and self-sufficiency.”
According to him, the project envisions a future where Ghana can meet its tomatoes and pepper demands through domestic production.
“Moreover, the establishment of this farm will bring the much-needed employment opportunities for the youth in the local community. With a focus on engaging the youth, Nikgroup Farm is committed to providing training and skills development programmes to empower the next generation of farmers and agricultural entrepreneurs,” he said.
He said the company was opened to organisations and individuals that wished to invest or go into partnerships by acquiring plots on the land and determine which of the two crops they want to invest in.
He explained that such investors would have the services of trained farmers who would be responsible for the daily operations on the land until crops were harvested and sold.
By Spectator Reporter
Hot!
Many SOEs have been used as mere instruments for personal wealth accumulation –Pres.Mahama
President John Dramani Mahama has expressed concern over the misuse of State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) for personal financial gain by individuals in leadership positions.
Speaking during a meeting with Chief Executives of specified entities under the State Interest and Governance Authority (SIGA) on Thursday, March 13, the President directly attributed the dire state of SOEs to their leadership, accusing chief executives, management teams, and governing boards of prioritising personal enrichment over organisational efficiency.
He pointed to bloated budgets, unjustified allowances, and unnecessary expenditures as factors draining public funds while SOEs continue to rely on government bailouts.
“Many SOEs have been used as mere instruments for personal wealth accumulation by appointees. The chief executives, management, and boards of these enterprises are responsible for this situation. Some SOEs have become perennial loss-makers, draining public funds with bloated budgets, unjustified allowances, and unnecessary expenditures while relying on government bailouts as if entitled to them. Many of these entities are at their lowest point in the entire history of the Fourth Republic,” he said.
President Mahama further noted that many SOEs have been plagued by inefficiencies, corruption, and mismanagement, leading to consistent financial losses. He cited the 2023 State Ownership Report by the State Interests and Governance Authority (SIGA), which highlighted systemic inefficiencies and wasteful expenditures within these entities.
He therefore reaffirmed his commitment to reforming under-performing SOEs and ensuring they serve national interests.
He warned that loss-making SOEs will no longer be tolerated and will either be merged, privatised, or closed.
“I will assess you based on your performance. If you do not align with the pace of the reset agenda, you may be asked to step aside. If that adds to the horror movie, so be it,” he added.
Source: Myjoyonline.com
Hot!
Prophet Courage Heavens set to launch ‘Predestination’ book on March 23
Prophet Courage A. Heavens is set to launch the much-awaited book titled ‘Predestination’ on Sunday, March 23, 2025 at 5:00PM.
The launch, which is expected to impact lives, will take place at Crossgates Ministries, Flattop, off N1 Highway, opposite Angel Hauz.
The book is aimed at addressing the way people struggle to understand how free will and destiny align.
It is also aimed at providing clarity on God’s sovereignty and one’s place in His divine plan.
The various chapters of the book address various issues through scriptures and personal stories.
Committed to impacting society, part of the proceeds from the book will go into Courage Heavens Education Legacy (CHEL), an educational foundation transforming lives.
CHEL is dedicated to providing financial support and mentorship to brilliant but needy students, ensuring they have access to quality education and opportunities for a better future.
Prophet Courage Heavens is a prolific writer and previously authored Eli Eli Lama Sabachthani, a powerful book that encourages unwavering faith in times of trials.
In addition, he has written seven more prophetic and life-changing books that are yet to be published.
He is dedicated to raising the next generation for impactful ministry. As the leader of Crossgates Ministries, he nurtures believers in faith and purpose.
