Twifo Oil Palm commended for contribution to socio-economic development of Ghana
Mrs. Ama Benyiwa-Doe, Central Regional Minister, has commended the management and staff of the Twifo Oil Palm Plantation (TOPP) for their significant contribution towards the socio-economic development of the Region and the country at large.
She said the people of the Region are very proud of TOPP because of its immense role as the single largest enterprise in the Region.
Addressing the annual workers durbar and award day of TOPP last Saturday, Mrs. Benyiwa-Doe said the company is a very good example of public-private partnership being encouraged by government to help create jobs for the people.
In all 100 workers were awarded prizes ranging from coloured TV sets, bicycles, gas cookers and roofing sheets to Wellington boots, cutlasses and soaps for either long or meritorious service.
She said the government as a major shareholder will therefore diligently play its part to sustain the Company and was of the hope that other stakeholders will also continue to play their roles well.
The regional minister said as a representative of Government’s interest in TOPP, she will ensure the survival and growth of the company and appealed to the region in particular to embrace the youth in Agriculture programme and the Block Farm concept to facilitate the Better Ghana Agenda.
She urged management to continue to seek the welfare of the workers and also advised the workers to reciprocate by ensuring industrial peace and also work harder for increased yields.
The managing director of TOPP, Neneyo Mate Kole, said the company played a key role and was ready for the Roundtable Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) certification which is achieved though the employment of good and sustainable agriculture practices.
He disclosed that the Buabin Out grower Project entered its fourth year this year and that farmers planted 1,260 hectares, an achievement which had exceeded the yield of the first three years put together under the first phase.
Mr. Mate Kole said for this level of performance, the management of TOPP commended farmers of the project, particularly those from Jukwa for their achievement and advised against sub-standard farming maintenance which he said will negatively reduce their fruit yields and future income and make the repayment of loans very difficult.
The managing director appealed to the stakeholders to ensure that the first phase of the project was successful so that “we can justify a second phase of the project for the benefit of other farmers who are anxiously waiting to join the project”.
He said the country still imports palm oil to bridge supply gab and suggested that a board to be named Ghana Oil Palm Board (GOPB) should be formed to give an institutional frame for the growth and development of the commodity for Ghana to become a net exporter of oil.
Mr. Charles Arthur, the local Union Chairman of TOPP, commended management for maintaining good relationship with the workers and their leaders and was of the hope that it will be sustained to enhance productivity.
Obempong Appiah Nuamah II, Omanhene of Twifo Mampong, presided over the function attended by the District Chief Executive of Twifo-Hemang-Lower-Denkyira, and Mr. Edward Kareweh, Deputy General Secretary of the Ghana Agriculture Workers Union (GAWU).
Source: GNA