By Francis
Copyright thebftonline
By Ernest Bako WUBONTO
The Minister of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, has outlined government’s strategic vision of positioning agro-processing as the central pillar for economic transformation, citing HPW Fresh & Dried Ltd. as a blueprint for industrial success.
Speaking at the company’s 26th anniversary celebration at Adeiso in the Eastern Region, she lauded HPW’s contributions to the economy – describing it as a national icon of inclusive growth, sustainability and innovation.
She highlighted the company’s exemplary approach to sustainability and corporate social responsibility (CSR), including its conversion of fruit-waste into energy for production and its adoption of environmentally friendly packaging.
“This is precisely the type of innovation our country needs to expand,” she said. “Through strategic policies, infrastructure investments and digitalisation, we are creating an environment where Ghanaian industries can grow, innovate and compete globally. HPW stands as a testament to what is achievable.”
Commenting on the theme, Transforming agricultural products at source to boost the local economy and create employment, Mrs. Ofosu-Adjare said it aligns closely with government’s agricultural and economic transformation agenda. She stressed that local industries remain the backbone of efforts to reset Ghana’s economy for sustainable growth, affirming government’s commitment under President John Dramani Mahama to build a thriving private sector.
“Local businesses are more than economic players; they are lifelines for millions of Ghanaians, providing jobs and empowering communities,” she stated. She further noted that government is prioritising industrial expansion in agro-processing, textiles and manufacturing alongside the 24-hour economy policy to reduce poverty and create new opportunities.
Swiss Ambassador to Ghana, Simone Giger, also congratulated HPW on its anniversary; praising the company’s strong footprint in Ghana’s agro-processing sector. She commended its role in diversifying the economy, developing the tree crops sector and innovating by infusing cocoa into products such as mango and coconut. The ambassador further applauded HPW’s embrace of circular economy practices through waste minimisation and reuse.
HPW and the AfCFTA opportunity
Since its incorporation in 2011, HPW has grown into the largest producer of dried mango, pineapple and whole coconut in West Africa. The company processes more than 20,000 tonnes of fresh fruit annually, exports 2,000 tonnes of dried fruit, employs over 1,000 workers and engages 1,400 smallholder farmers.
The minister urged HPW to take full advantage of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which provides access to a market of over one billion people. She assured that the ministry is ready to provide the necessary support that enables HPW and other Ghanaian businesses to export made-in-Ghana products under preferential trade terms.
HPW-KNUST skills development collaboration
The Department of Food Science and Technology (DFST) at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) has partnered with HPW to address skills gaps in Ghana’s agro-industrial sector, offering a model for industry-academia collaboration.
Representing DFST at the anniversary event, Dr Eric Owusu Mensah outlined a two-pronged partnership focused on upskilling existing employees and preparing the next generation of graduates.
A key outcome, he noted, is the development of a bespoke certificate programme for 22 of HPW’s middle-management staff – covering food safety, product development and advanced processing technologies.
He added that HPW also offers 12-week annual internship opportunities to third-year students, enabling them to gain hands-on industrial experience and bridge the gap between theory and practice.
