President John Dramani Mahama has commissioned the OLAM Agri Pasta Processing Plant in Kpone, near Tema.

The facility is expected to help reduce Ghana’s reliance on imported pasta by utilising locally milled wheat flour, while also creating new jobs and boosting local food security.

In his remarks, President Mahama reiterated that the commissioning of the plant would generate sustainable jobs and help develop an economy that increasingly depends on local production rather than imports.

He noted that the commissioning of such a facility marks a conscious shift from reliance to production and from missed opportunities to targeted industrial growth.

“When we discuss food production, we refer to issues that directly impact our citizens’ daily lives,” he said.

The President observed that for decades, Ghana had depended heavily on imported processed food products, even when local production could meet demand, adding that “the results of this are clear.”

He stressed that investments by companies committed to processing food locally are crucial for boosting national production capacity and creating jobs for the country’s young people.

President Mahama also thanked Sunny Verghese and his team for their work.

The President recalled meeting the management of Olam Agri during a visit to Singapore last year, where they promised that the plant would be commissioned before the middle of 2026.

“And I’m happy to note that even before the target date they gave us, we’re here to commission the pasta processing plant,” he said.

He added that Olam Agri has been operating in Ghana for 32 years and has expanded its operations from simple commodity trading to agro-processing and food manufacturing.

Olam’s operations in Ghana include cocoa, cashew, grains, wheat milling, biscuit manufacturing, tomato processing, and other food products familiar to many Ghanaian households.

The President noted that these are investments that people encounter in their everyday lives, adding that the company currently employs over 4,500 Ghanaians, both directly and indirectly — a clear reflection of its long-term commitment and partnership with the Ghanaian economy.

“This factory is going to operate a shift system, and it qualifies under our 24-hour economy initiative. I am happy to inform the co-founder that we have passed the 24-hour Economy Authority Bill, and the initiative is becoming operational,” he said.

“I believe that Olam will be among the first industries to register. Among the incentives you will receive include duty-free equipment imports.

“If you want to expand your factory or bring in new equipment to establish another facility, you will be allowed to import it duty-free.”

He added that the facility demonstrates what can be achieved when private investment aligns with national development priorities.

The President expressed hope that projects like this would build confidence among local entrepreneurs, farmers, and investors considering Ghana as a place to produce and expand.



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