BlowChem Industries combat alleged blackmail

Management of BlowChem Industries, producers of Bel-Aqua mineral water and an assortment of drinks have called on the public to disregard publications that seek to discredit the company.

The company maintained that, its flagship brand, the Bel-Aqua mineral water is what the perpetrators wish to destroy.

The firm said photos and videos, which might enter the public domain, alleging unsanitary and unsavory conditions in the factory premises, should as well be disregarded.

At a press meeting and a facility tour of the company on Wednesday August 29, management said, some alleged media personnel with support from the National Security, attempted to blackmail the company with doctored videos and photos of unsavory conditions at the factory.

“Some individuals claiming to be journalists from an Accra-based radio station came to us on August 24, threatening to tarnish our image with photos and videos of unhygienic conditions which they have doctored, asking to be paid a substantial amount,” BloChem’s Director of Communications, Emmanuel Quist said.

Some of the doctored photos depicted a dirty surrounding in the factory premises, with our water reservoirs and plants being branded with disgusting accumulations.

He asked Ghanaians to treat the video and photos with contempt, adding, “they are merely the handiwork of criminals who wish to tarnish our image to satisfy their unscrupulous demands.”

The company’s management also alleged they have received calls from individuals, identifying themselves as operatives of the National Security, collaborating with the alleged journalists.

Quist, however, said the company was not interested in revealing the identity of the individuals who are involved in the saga.

“We have their identity, but for now, we are not interested in expositions. We are emphasizing that BlowChem isn’t interested in paying monies to individuals who are believed to be criminals,” Quist maintained.

He indicated that the company is willing to host media practitioners and the general public and various authorities to tour the facility to observe prevailing environmental conditions and production processes.

The company reaffirms its commitment to adhering to the strictest hygiene standards as it has been noted for over the years, in accordance with the standards of the Food and Drugs Authority, the Tema Development Cooperation and the Environmental Protection Agency.

The Blow Group of Companies currently have 6,000 staff, with BlowChem operating under 75 percent capacity. It produces 40,000 cartons of bottled water and 60,000 cartons of beverages daily.

Commercial Manager of the Group, Ruben Kordorwu, explaining points to the media
Commercial Manager of the Blow Group, Ruben Kordorwu, said the company is embarking on a special expansion drive by constructing additional facilities for future projects.

The facilities he said, is expected to further employ extra personnel for the company.