Onesta Ghana Ltd, an agro-industrial enterprise, has launched "Redgold Palm Oil Plantation Project (ROPP)", a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) aimed at developing a sustainable, fully integrated oil palm value chain in Ghana to transform the country into a major player in the global palm oil market.
The comprehensive partnership, which entails over 10,000 hectares of plantation, will comprise a nucleus estate and an out-grower scheme which will help boost local production, create jobs, and reduce Ghana's dependency on imported palm oil.
Currently, Ghana is not self-sufficient in palm oil production, facing a production deficit of 150,000 MT annually, while neighbouring countries like Côte d’Ivoire are already exporting.
Addressing the gathering at the company's new office in Accra, Former Minister of Trade and Industry and Board Chairman of Onesta Ghana Limited, Hon. Dr. Ekwow Spio-Gabrah, said, The sole aim of this project is to position palm as a strategic crop, alongside cocoa, to drive Ghana’s agribusiness agenda.
According to him, Onesta Ghana and the Government of Ghana are looking to attract private sector investment to cultivate 50,000 hectares of palm.
"I am very glad this vision is here. For the first 10,000 hectares alone, we estimate a need for $50 million in investment,” he said.
He noted that countries like Malaysia have successfully leveraged palm to support national development, and Ghana is determined to follow suit.
Also, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and the Member of Parliament for Ayawaso, Hon. John Setor Dumelo, added that his ministry is in full support of this great initiative and is ever ready to give Onesta Ghana the needed government policy backing.
He hinted that, to support this agenda, the Ministry of Finance will soon establish a Real Sector Division to identify high-impact sectors and growth opportunities, including agribusiness and responsible mining.
"Investment in palm oil sector has the potential to provide jobs, improve local economies, and reduce rural poverty. We at the Ministry of Agric will give Onesta Ghana the conducive environment and support needed to accomplish this resounding vision", he noted.
Meanwhile, Maxwell Commey, the Executive Director of Onesta Ghana Ltd. and CEO of Oro Oil Ghana Limited, took the opportunity to highlight the partnership model.
According to him, ROPP will offer end-to-end solutions from cultivation to processing and refining, delivering quality products while promoting economic growth and environmental sustainability.
"We at Onesta Ghana Ltd will ensure that this PPP will enhance food security, creating employment, and delivering value to stakeholders while upholding environmental and social safety", he added.
The event was attended by high-profile dignitaries, including: Hon. Dr. Ofosu Ampofo (Special Adviser to the Vice President and Board chairman of Ghana Cocoa Board), Hon. Okunor Naa Koryoo Philis( MP Kasoa), Hon Eduamoah Ekow Panyin Okyere (Central Region Minister), Hon.Teddy Safori Addi ( Former MP Ayensuano and Current Deputy Director
of NADMO Operations).
Others include: Dr. Andy Osaei Okra (CEO, TCDA), Mr Alhassan Andani ( former MD Stanbic Bank), HRH. Nii Kojo Ashiefie Papanyira 1. also known as Mr. Ben Nunoo-Mensah (Noryaa Mantse of The Ga State and Special Aide to HRM The Ga Mantse) Representative of Chiefs from Begoro led by Nana Baffour Owiredu Agyarko Minta (Okyeman Benkumhene), Representatives of Chiefs from Western region led by Nana Kontanko Ababio 1, Nana Boakye Yiadom Kotoko (Omanhene of Adudwama Traditional Area), HE Syed Nauzeridid( High Commissioner of Malaysia), Mr. Abderrahmane Belbachir, MD, Bank of Africa, Patrick Kavege- Bank of Africa, Gifty Owusu- Head, Product Development, GCB, Mr. Sheriff Ouadrago - Head, Burkina Faso Chamber of Commerce, Edward Asare- Head, Business and Commercial Banking, Stanbic Bank, Judith Aikins, Head of SME, Ghana Exim Bank, Nana Kwadwo Agyei (Business mogul and a board member Onesta Ltd) and many more.