Akufo-Addo pledges support for Guinness Ghana, beverage industry

Executive Management and Board Members of Guinness Ghana Breweries Limited (GGBL) on Wednesday, March 15, 2017 paid a courtesy visit on President Nana Akufo-Addo at the Flag Staff House in Accra.

The meeting was an opportunity for the company to congratulate the President on his inauguration and update him the business operations.

Francis Agbonlahor, Managing Director of GGBL said as the leading beverage business in the country, Guinness Ghana is committed to developing a sustainable supply chain through its local raw material sourcing programme.

"In the past year, for instance, we have invested over GHC1 million to ensure quality and consistent supply of sorghum which is used in the production of many of our premium brands. The company also uses cassava starch from Ayensu Starch factory and maize as part of its raw materials.

Through this programme we have impacted about 16,300 farmers including their families in the 3 Northern, Central and Brong Ahafo Regions in Ghana," he said.

"We believe there is an enormous opportunity in this area where industry can collaborate with government on its planting for food and jobs as well as its one district one factory initiatives,” he adds.

Attending the meeting with the Managing Director were Martyn Mensah, a Board Member, Isaac Tosu, Supply Chain Director, Helen Opoku-Agyemang, Director of Controls, Compliance and Ethics, Eric Adadevor, Human Resources Director and Rita Agyeiwaa Rockson, Communications and Employee Engagement Manager.

President Akufo-Addo on his part, acknowledged the contribution of GGBL to the socio-economic development of Ghana and expressed the commitment of his government create the enabling environment by developing the appropriate policy framework for businesses to grow and thrive. He also commended GGBL particularly for taking advantage of the ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme (ETLS) to export some of its products into the West African sub-region and encouraged other Ghanaian businesses to do same.

Alan KwadwoKyeremanten, Minister of Trade and Industry added the assurance of his Ministry to support the growth of GGBL and industry in total. GGBL is Ghana’s leading total beverage business and a subsidiary of Diageo PLC.