Ekumfi-Essueshyia (C/R), Aug. 17, GNA - Members of the Ekumfi Traditional Council in the Central Region have registered their full support for the proposed pineapple processing factory in the area. To concretise their move, members of the Council have expressed their readiness to release lands to interested pineapple growers to expand their farms.

Nana Arkoh-Ansah, Chief of Ekumfi-Kokodo and Werempemhene of the traditional area, declared the Council's stand on the project at a meeting of the pineapple farmers at Ekumfi-Essueshyia on Friday. He announced the traditional council's decision to buy an appreciable number of shares to encourage citizens in the area to patronise the recently formed Ekumfi Pineapple Processing Company. Nana Arkoh-Ansah urged chiefs in the area to mobilise their people to cultivate large scale pineapple farms to feed the factory when the project takes off later in the year or early next year.

He said apart from what the traditional council would purchase, it would make sure that chief in the area also purchase shares to enable the company to mobilise adequate funds to commence business. Nana Obrenu II, Chairman of the Ekumfiman Rural Bank's Board of Directors, advised shareholders of the proposed pineapple processing company to buy more shares to help the company to meet the required target.

Mr Michael Kumi Frempong, Supervising Manager of the Bank expressed satisfaction at the enthusiasm with which registered pineapple farmers in the area are buying shares and asked them to educate those who have not purchased shares to follow suit. He said the bank would assist them to keep proper records of the company's accounts to ensure its successful management. 17 Aug. 2003