A multi million-dollar tomato processing factory has been commissioned at Akumadan in the Offinso District of Ashanti Region. The project is the first in a series of projects expected to be established by the New Patriotic Party (NPP) administation in line with its publicised linkage of Agriculture and Industry to promote agro-processing. The factory will guarantee the prices of tomatoes and other vegetables producers and thereby encourage the youth to undertake agro-based businesses.

On the average, 60 tonnes of canned tomato and other vegetables will be produced daily. These include tomato ketchup, tomato drink, vinegar and roasted tomato seeds for export. The News World Investment Group headed by Kwame Pianim is financing the project.

The Minister of Trade and Industry, Dr. Kofi Konadu Apraku who cut the sod for the construction of the factory said the project will form the basis of social infrastructure development and increase employment avenues in the area. He appealed to the chiefs and people of Akumadam who offered a 50-acre land free of charge for the project to support the contractor to complete the factory on schedule.