Mrs Asmah tours Food Research Institute

Accra, Sept 10, GNA - Mrs Gladys Asmah, Minister of Women and Children's Affairs, on Wednesday appealed to young industrialists to put their rich ideas into the production and processing of local products. "You might not be a scientist but you can do something to benefit the entire society, particularly in your area of specialization.''

She said this when she went on tour with industrial studies students from the University of Ghana at the Food Research Institute in Accra. The aim was to introduce the students to the country's manufacturing avenues and also take advantage of the opportunities in the private sector especially in the area of food processing.

Mrs Asmah said over the years research findings have not been fully utilized to boost the production base of the country adding, ''they always remain on the shelves''.

She said with adequate planning and efficient time management the country could use its own resources to develop.

"We have to start thinking of building the foundation for food processing and adopt steps to curtail post harvest loses to ensure food security," she said.

Dr. W. K Amoa-Awua, Deputy Director of the Food Research Institute, said the Institute trained most of the small-scale manufacturers in the country.

He said the institute was the brain behind most of the processed food such as yam fufu, banku mix, cocoyam fufu, fermented maize and maize meal in the local market.

"We offer the producers the technology by training them and in certain cases assist them in the production as well.''

Dr Amoa-Awua said the Institute had manufactured a malt pilot plant that could be used in the breweries for large-scale production after its capacity has been expanded. 10 Sept. 03