The Talensi District Chief Executive, John Millim Nabwomya, has met with a team from Nutrifood Ghana Limited to discuss the possibility of reopening and operating the Pwalugu Northern Star Tomato Factory.
Nutrifood Ghana Limited produces Tasty Tom Tomato Paste and NutriSnax Biscuits, among other food products. The visiting team included representatives from Feed Ghana and an Agricultural Engineer and Researcher from Nigeria. The delegation had previously engaged with the Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry and the Ministry of Food and Agriculture about the factory project.
The team explained that they need to secure a reliable supply of raw materials, especially tomatoes, to support any future investment in the factory. They visited the Tono Irrigation Scheme to assess whether the area can produce tomatoes on a large scale for industrial processing.
The DCE welcomed the team with optimism and highlighted the farming potential in the district. He noted that farmers in Pwalugu and nearby communities already grow tomatoes along the White Volta River. The DCE said these farmers can be organized into groups to produce tomatoes in large quantities for the factory.
Mr Nabwomya also shared that he is working with experts from the University of Ghana and a Swiss agricultural specialist to introduce improved and organic tomato seed varieties that can increase production in the district.
The Country Director of Nutrifood Ghana explained that the company will evaluate several important factors before making a final decision. These include the condition of the factory equipment, how much the factory can produce, how efficient it can be, and how much money is needed to restart operations. He urged the DCE to continue working with the relevant government ministries to support the factory revival.
The DCE assured the team that “the District Assembly will fully support the project”. He promised to work with the Upper East Regional Minister and the Member of Parliament for Talensi to push for the factory to reopen and operate successfully.
The Nutrifood Ghana team praised the DCE for his hard work and dedication to bringing industrial development and job opportunities to the district. Both sides expressed confidence that this partnership would help bring the tomato factory back to life and boost agricultural and industrial growth in Talensi and the Upper East Region.
The visit comes after the DCE recently inspected the Pwalugu Northern Star Tomato Factory and the District Assembly published a report about its current condition and potential. This report attracted the attention of investors like Nutrifood Ghana Limited, showing growing interest in reviving the factory.
The District Assembly remains committed to finding strategic partnerships and investments that will develop the district’s economy, create jobs, and restore the factory to its original purpose of supporting agriculture and industry.
