GHANA – The Government of Ghana has invested GH¢18 million into Darko Farms Company Limited, an integrated poultry production company, in Atwima in the Ashanti Region, to enable the company revamp its operations.

The financial support, which was channelled through the Ghana EXIM Bank, followed the inclusion of the company in the One District-One Factory (1D1F) programme, a President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo flagship programme.

The 1D1F programme is aimed at achieving inclusive industrialization through the establishment of at least 1 factory in each of Ghana’s district.

The company, which faced operational challenges due to financial constraints prior to the capital injection has been able to revive some of its operation and currently runs a hatchery, breeder, feed and chicken processing factories.

The company is also currently producing four million-day old chicks a day, which would increase to seven million when the newly purchased equipment is installed in December later this year.

Touring the company’s three factories yesterday, Minister of Trade and Industry, Alan Kyerematen, said companies such as Darko Farms were the reason government decided to include existing old enterprises in the 1D1F.

Mr Kyerematen further noted that the company satisfied government’s agenda to decentralise industries to rural communities and create jobs.

“This company since its establishment was the only integrated poultry production company in the country. But, unfortunately, due to some economic factors, it was in ruins. As part of 1D1F, we are reviving it and placing it where it belongs.”

Alan Kyerematen- Ghana’s Minister for Trade and Industry

Currently, the 1D1F Programme was providing support to about 20 poultry production companies across the country to be able them expand and operate competitively in the West African sub-region.

Mr Kyerematen indicated that government’s trade policies would ensure that poultry production companies were able to compete favourably with its foreign competitors.

Mr Samuel Darko, Deputy Managing Director of Darko Farms, bemoaned the near-collapse of the company, which resulted in the loss of at least 1000 jobs.

Mr Darko said the company has also engaged 200 outgrowers who have been provided with broilers to produce.

He noted that the outgrower scheme arrangement was currently employing 1,000 people, and would rise to 2,000 when the company operates at maximum capacity after the installation of the equipment.

In a related development, the minister toured factories of Obibini Blackman Company Limited and Adonko Bitters Company Limited to inspect expansion works, after registering for the 1D1F Programme.

While Adonko Bitters was building a new factory for soft drinks production, Obibini Blackman has expanded operations to include mineral water manufacturing.

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