India to build $27m tomato, sugar plants in Ghana

A $25 million sugar processing factory and a $2 million tomato processing plant, with majority Indian government funding are to be established in the Keta Municipality of Ghana.

Discussions are far advanced between the Indian Government and the Ministry of Trade and Industry and the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning on the two projects.

Mr Rajinder Bhagat, Indian High Commissioner to Ghana announced this during a courtesy call on Togbi Sri III Awomefia of Anlo, as part of his visit to the area.

He said Indian experts would soon arrive to assess the best crop types that would ensure higher yield and good turnover for the local satellite farmers whose produce would feed the factories.

Mr Bhagat said two ophthalmologists and eye equipment would soon arrive from India to improve on the staff position and facilities at the Eye Clinic established at Keta Government Hospital by India.

He said 15 youth from the Anlo area were among the 170 Ghanaians that benefited from an Indian educational scholarship and promised more slot next year.

Mr Bhagat said some Ghanaian youth were being trained in leather works and shoe manufacturing in India.

Togbe Sri commended the Indian government for establishing a Kente Weaving project at Anlo Afiadenyigba as well as the proposed cottage industry.

He appealed to Indian to introduce solar irrigation systems in the area to ensure an all-year round-cropping by farmers and also invest in the untapped tourism opportunities.

Mr Chris Kpodo, Deputy Foreign Minister who accompanied the High Commissioner said the Anlo Traditional Area could benefit immensely by forging similar friendships with other embassies.

Mr Sylvester Tornyeava, Municipal Chief Executive appealed to the youth to take advantage of the schemes being rolled out by government and its partners.

Source: GNA