The Artisanal Palm Oil Millers and Outgrowers Association Ghana has on Tuesday officially launched its one million out grower seedlings project dubbed “Promoting a Sustainable Oil Palm Industry” at Akyem Asuom in the Kwaebibirem District of the Eastern Region.
The Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana National Buffer Stock, Alhaji Abdul Hanan Wahab who was the guest of honor in his speech expressed that “I am very optimistic we will go international very soon because a lot of African countries are here to learn from us on the free senior high school and the feeding component in it’’.
According to him, he has been impressed to witness the production and processing of the oil palm, adding that ‘’ I have no single regret for giving this region the opportunity to produce and supply nationwide with palm oil”
He noted that the Free Senior High School has encountered numerous challenges since its introduction in September 2017 as a result of the infancy of the program but with that notwithstanding, he commended the officials of the association for making sure that quality and quantity of palm oil is delivered to the SHS nationwide.
He has therefore indicated that the government is very committed to providing jobs for the citizens of which the palm oil association has provided a huge number of jobs to Ghanaians.
He added that Government is willing to support them to market their products since it is their responsibility to help processors to find a market and the only reliable market that the government has identified is the Free Senior High School of which the president is very impressed.
He, therefore, pledged to support the association when the need arises.
Paul Amaning, the Executive Chairman of the Association on his side explained that their motive as an association is to make palm oil one of the leading commodities in Ghana and for them to make the vision a reality, they have decided to assist all the sectors including the farmers to supply them with seedlings.
In disbursing the seedlings to the farmers, he indicated that it will be done through the association’s local executives, saying that one could get some of the seed if only he or she is a registered member and pay dues.
He added that they are trying to collaborate with investment companies for deliberations on how to get the right investment to get a good standard as they bid to import and patronize locally made goods.
Osabarima Ofosuhene Apenteng II, Asuomhene, who chaired the occasion told the gathering to welcome the association’s project, entreating his people to help with their support.
“We the chiefs of this noble land, promise to support give lands to this great institution anytime they are ready to plant their seedlings. We need to help ourselves for the government to help us,” he assured.
By: Daniel Bampoe