Bono RCC engages investors to boost cashew, poultry industries

The Bono Regional Coordinating Council (RCC) is engaging foreign and local investors to invest in cashew and poultry industries to create employment and boost the local economy, the Regional Minister, Joseph Addae Akwaboa, has disclosed. 

He explained that the region had several potentials such as the cashew and poultry sectors, which could be used to resolve unemployment and strengthen the local economy.

Mr Akwaboa, who was speaking during his maiden interaction with the media in Sunyani last Friday, promised to collaborate with the media and other stakeholders to enhance every sector of the economy.

The region, with 12 administrative municipal and district areas, has eight of its districts actively involved in the cultivation of cashew.

Mr Akwaboa, however, said over the years, cashew industry players, particularly investors and farmers had only focused on the raw cashew nuts, leaving the cashew apple (fruit) to rot in farms.

He said about 900,000 metric tonnes of the cashew apple, which could be processed into juice and several other recipes, rot away every season.

Mr Akwaboa said he would ensure that investors considered the processing of cashew apples into different products.

He said he would collaborate with ministries, agencies and tertiary institutions in the region to create employment by leveraging cashew and poultry industries.

Security

On chieftaincy disputes, he said the Bono Regional Security Council (REGSEC) had outlined some steps to assist chiefs in resolving the disputes.

“We are always there to provide security to maintain peace. In my tenure as regional minister, I can promise you that even though we have chieftaincy matters in this region, I will do everything possible to maintain and promote peace,” he said.

Mr Akwaboa particularly mentioned the Sunyani, Wenchi, Sampa, Berekum and Nsoatre chieftaincy disputes.

He said despite the disputes, there were no serious security threats in the region, describing the region as peaceful and calm.

“Per the briefings from the security agencies, we have a very peaceful region. Just that we have a few chieftaincy issues, but with the support of the security agencies and the media, we will address those challenges,” he said.

Mr Akwaboa, however, said the disputes, if not resolved, could disrupt the peace of the region and urged journalists in the region to ensure accurate reportage on chieftaincy disputes in order not to escalate the issues.

Illegal mining

He cautioned all illegal miners popularly known as “galamseyers” and chain saw operators in the region to halt their operations immediately.

“Under my administration, I will not tolerate illegal mining and I can assure you that no one can stop me from halting galamsey in the region.

“I have the mandate and the backing of President John Dramani Mahama to stop illegal mining and chain saw operations in the region,” he said.

Mr Akwaboa expressed the need for the region to preserve its forest and other natural resources, adding that he would not allow anybody to enter the various forest reserves illegally.

He also promised to resolve conflicts between farmers and herdsmen, explaining that some herdsmen had always been accused of using their cattle to destroy farm produce.

To do that, he said he would engage the leadership of the two parties to put up guidelines for the resolution of the issues.

Corruption

The minister also said he would work hard to reduce corruption in the region and urged the media not to be afraid to report on corrupt practices under his administration.

“Don’t hesitate to report corrupt activities even if it involves me (Akwaboa) or any other public officers, but before publication, make sure you cross-check your facts in order not to put yourself into trouble,” he said.  

Mr Akwaboa assured the chiefs and people of the region of his commitment to enhance the road network to improve movement across the region.

“Very soon, you will see contractors on some of the roads in the region,” he said. 

Writer’s email: biiya.ali@graphic.com.gh