Nestlé Ghana has commissioned a new evaporated milk production line at its Tema factory, significantly increasing the company's local manufacturing capacity. The new line, launched by President John Dramani Mahama, replaces a 30-year-old production line. This expansion enables the factory to undertake filling, homogenisation, sterilisation, and packaging of milk locally, with processes carried out by Ghanaian workers.
The upgraded facility increases the factory's annual evaporated milk production capacity from approximately 12,960 tonnes to nearly 30,000 tonnes. President Mahama described the investment as a demonstration of Ghana's capacity to produce more of what it consumes and strengthen local manufacturing. He also noted that the expansion aligns with the government's 24-hour economy initiative, promoting continuous production, increasing industrial activity, and creating jobs.
President Mahama urged Nestlé to leverage Ghana's position as the headquarters of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to expand its reach into continental markets. He stressed the importance of protecting local manufacturers from illicit imports and customs evasion as domestic production capacity increases. The Nestlé Tema factory has been in operation since 1970, producing products for Ghana and export markets across Central and West Africa.
The expansion is part of renewed industrial activity in Tema, which President Mahama says is regaining its position as Ghana's major industrial centre. Developments include the Tema Port expansion, efforts to revive the Tema Oil Refinery, and ongoing work to restore the Volta Aluminium Company (VALCO). The Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, highlighted growing investment activity in Ghana, with foreign direct investment inflows increasing from $652 million in 2024 to $2.62 billion in 2025.
The manufacturing sector recorded the highest number of new investment projects in 2025, with 99 projects, ahead of mining, oil and gas, and general trade. Nestlé Ghana's Managing Director, Salomé Azevedo, said the investment reflects the company's confidence in Ghana and its long-term commitment to local manufacturing. She noted that the expansion demonstrates that products made in Ghana can meet international standards and compete effectively in regional and global markets.
Azevedo highlighted that the investment is about the people who depend on the company's products, particularly the importance of evaporated milk in Ghanaian families' daily lives. She also emphasised the company's environmental initiatives, including achieving zero waste to landfill and operating on 100 per cent green energy at the Tema factory. The expansion adds to Ghana's push for increased domestic manufacturing, value addition, and export-oriented production.
The new production line was part of efforts to strengthen local value creation and create opportunities across Nestlé's value chain.
Key points
- The factory's annual evaporated milk production capacity has increased from 12,960 tonnes to nearly 30,000 tonnes.
- President Mahama urged Nestlé to leverage Ghana's AfCFTA position to expand into continental markets.
- The Tema factory operates on 100 per cent green energy and has achieved zero waste to landfill.
