Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama has inaugurated an expanded evaporated milk production line at Nestlé Ghana Limited's Tema factory. The new facility increases annual production capacity from approximately 12,960 tonnes to nearly 30,000 tonnes. This development is expected to strengthen local manufacturing, create economic opportunities, and support Ghana's goal of becoming a major production hub in Africa.
The investment replaces a production line that had been in operation for over 30 years. President Mahama described the expansion as a demonstration of confidence in Ghana's long-term economic prospects and a practical example of the government's 24-hour economy initiative. The new production line represents a significant increase in manufacturing capacity, allowing more evaporated milk to be processed and packaged locally.
The expansion aligns with the government's industrialisation agenda, which aims to increase domestic production, reduce reliance on imports, and promote the export of Ghanaian-made products. President Mahama noted that the investment demonstrates the potential of Ghana's manufacturing sector to meet domestic demand while supplying markets across West and Central Africa.
President Mahama commended Nestlé for maintaining its presence in Ghana through periods of economic difficulty, describing the company as an established institution in the country's industrial development. Nestlé began operations in Ghana in 1957, and its Tema factory was inaugurated in 1971. The company has popular household brands such as Ideal Milk, Milo, Cerelac, Nescafé, and Carnation.
The President highlighted that Nestlé Ghana supports approximately 1,200 full-time workers and another 1,300 third-party workers, with 94.4 per cent of its employees being Ghanaian. He identified the factory's round-the-clock operations as an example of the principles underpinning the government's 24-hour economy initiative. Expanding industrial capacity must go hand in hand with creating employment opportunities and enabling more Ghanaians to participate in economic growth.
President Mahama said Tema, conceived as an industrial city under Ghana's first President, Dr Kwame Nkrumah, was regaining its industrial prominence. He cited the expansion of the Port of Tema, the resumption of operations at the Tema Oil Refinery, efforts to revive the Volta Aluminium Company (VALCO), and progress at the Arise Industries.
The President encouraged Nestlé management to deepen its engagement with local farmers, suppliers, and businesses. He said the government would continue working to provide the infrastructure and business environment required for industries to expand and operate efficiently. The investment is a significant milestone in Ghana's industrial journey, and the government is expected to continue supporting initiatives that promote economic growth and development.
Key points
- President Mahama commissions Nestlé Ghana's expanded evaporated milk production line, boosting annual capacity to nearly 30,000 tonnes.
- The expansion aligns with the government's industrialisation agenda, aiming to increase domestic production and promote exports.
- President Mahama encourages Nestlé to deepen engagement with local farmers, suppliers, and businesses.
