The government has announced plans to establish one of the largest palm processing factories in Ghana within the Akyem Abuakwa Traditional Area in the Eastern Region as part of efforts to boost agro-industrialisation and create jobs for young people.
The announcement was made by the Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, in a speech delivered on behalf of President John Dramani Mahama during the 2026 Ohum Festival at Kyebi.
According to him, the government is determined to unlock the economic potential of Ghana’s growing palm oil industry—described as the emerging “red gold”—by investing in large-scale processing facilities capable of adding value to the country’s agricultural produce.
Julius Debrah appealed to the Okyehene, Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori Panin, to work with other traditional leaders within the Akyem Abuakwa Traditional Area to identify and make available a suitable parcel of land for the construction of the proposed factory.
He noted that the project is expected to create employment opportunities, strengthen the palm oil value chain, and contribute significantly to economic growth in the region.
The colourful Ohum Festival brought together traditional leaders from across the Akyem Abuakwa State at the forecourt of Ofori Panin Fie in Kyebi to pay homage to the Okyehene while celebrating the 2026 edition of the annual festival.
Held under the theme, “Rejuvenating our Customs for Sustainability and Nature Connection,” the festival also witnessed the enstoolment of Nana Kwame Atuapong Ododobibiri as the Akyem Abuakwa Amanonehene.
The Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Ahmed Ibrahim, reaffirmed the Mahama administration’s commitment to ensuring equitable development across all districts, stressing that the government remains accountable to the Ghanaian people.
For his part, Okyehene Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori Panin urged the government to prioritise the welfare of teachers by improving their working conditions, describing them as key agents of national transformation.
He also appealed to the government to secure the necessary funding to enable contractors to return to stalled road and infrastructure projects across the country and complete them.
