President John Dramani Mahama has announced plans to establish a maize processing factory in the Sissala area of the Upper West Region as part of the government’s drive to promote agro-industrialisation and add value to Ghana’s agricultural produce.
The factory will be located within the maize-growing belt of Sissala West, one of the country’s major maize-producing areas, to support local processing, create jobs and expand export opportunities.
The project is one of 10 maize processing factories the government intends to build nationwide under its 24-hour economy initiative to reduce the export of raw agricultural produce and increase local manufacturing.
President Mahama made the announcement on Wednesday, July 8, during a courtesy call by the Upper West Regional House of Chiefs at the Jubilee House, where he outlined several interventions aimed at transforming agriculture and improving livelihoods in the region.
“We are investing in maize processing, and a maize processing factory is going to be built in the maize-growing belt in the Sissala area. We are building 10 of those factories, and one will be located in the Sissala area,” the President said.
He explained that the factories form part of a broader agro-processing strategy focused on key crops such as maize, rice, groundnuts, millet and soya beans. The initiative is expected to increase production, strengthen local value addition and boost exports of processed agricultural products.
President Mahama also revealed that the agro-processing agenda will be supported by the proposed Shea Park Resource Centre and the Accelerated Export Development Programme to enhance agricultural value chains across the country.
Beyond processing, he said the government is investing in agricultural productivity through the Feed Ghana Programme, which includes improved seeds, fertiliser support, mechanisation, farmer service centres, warehousing, irrigation and climate-smart farming technologies.
He further disclosed that 50 locations have been identified for Farmer Service Centres nationwide, with construction set to begin on 11 centres this year, including one in the Upper West Region.
The President said these investments are aimed at modernising agriculture, creating employment opportunities and driving sustainable economic growth through value-added production.
