John Dramani Mahama Promises Cocoa Processing Facility in Kukuom to Boost Industrialisation and Job Creation

John Dramani Mahama, the flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has pledged to build a cocoa processing facility in Kukuom, located in the Asunafo South District of the Ahafo Region. This promise was made during a campaign stop in the region, as part of Mahama’s broader plan to tackle youth unemployment and drive economic development across Ghana.

Mahama emphasized that the construction of the cocoa processing facility would be integral to his industrialization agenda, which is aimed at transforming the country's economy through the establishment of industrial hubs. These hubs would focus on adding value to agricultural products, particularly in regions with strong agricultural outputs, such as Ahafo, known for its significant cocoa production.

The proposed cocoa processing facility is also a key part of Mahama’s ambitious 24-hour economy policy. This policy envisions a continuous and dynamic economy where businesses, industries, and services operate around the clock, thereby boosting productivity and creating more employment opportunities, especially for the youth.

“Our 24-hour economy policy is designed to increase productivity, improve accessibility to services and goods, and most importantly, create jobs,” Mahama stated. “We are focused on establishing industrial hubs across the country, and here in Kukuom, we will construct a cocoa processing facility that will provide jobs for the youth and ensure that our cocoa farmers get more value for their produce.”

The 24-hour economy policy aims to leverage Ghana’s growing population and expand job opportunities by encouraging industries like manufacturing, processing, logistics, and services to operate continuously, with multiple shifts, to accommodate a larger workforce. By implementing this policy, Mahama hopes to create a more dynamic and inclusive economy that can meet the needs of the country’s expanding labour force.

Mahama’s commitment to industrialization and regional development resonated with the local leadership in Kukuom. He expressed his satisfaction with the chief's endorsement of the 24-hour economy policy, highlighting that regional support would be crucial for the success of the policy.

“I was very happy with the chief’s submission because of his understanding of our 24-hour economy policy,” Mahama said. “We have realised that, to successfully implement the policy, we need to embark on a massive industrialisation drive, and as part of that, we will construct a cocoa processing facility for the Kukuom community.”

This proposed facility is expected to add value to Ghana’s cocoa industry, which remains a key export earner for the country. By processing cocoa locally, Mahama’s plan seeks to boost the incomes of farmers, create jobs in the processing sector, and contribute to the overall economic growth of the region.

As the 2024 general elections approach, Mahama's industrialisation agenda and 24-hour economy policy have become central pillars of his campaign, offering a vision of a more productive and employment-generating economy for Ghana's future.