Plans are far advanced for the establishment of a multi-million cedis palm kernel oil mill at the Benso Oil Palm Plantation (BOPP) at Adum-Banso as part of its expansion programme.

Mr Kwame Addae, Managing Director of BOPP who announced this at this year's workers durbar and awards day at Adum-Banso on Saturday, said construction of civil works would begin early next year, and materials for the project would soon arrive in the Country.

The project, when completed would create additional employment avenues for the youth in the community and enhance the growth of the company.

The oil palm processing mill would be upgraded to a 30-tonne hour capacity by 2004 due to the fact that it is not able to cope with the peak season harvests because of its limited capacity.

Mr Addae said between January and November this year, palm oil produced by the company was 16,480 tonnes, representing 1.9 per cent higher than the estimated figure for the period.

However, forecast for the fourth quarter of the year indicates a shortfall of eight per cent in fresh fruits bunch and six per cent in oil palm production.

Unless measures are put in place to improve the situation, this may affect the ability to supply a total of 35,000 tonnes of the commodity by BOPP and its sister company the Twifu Oil Palm Plantation to the fast moving consumer market.

Mr Addae said incentive packages, including good producer price, higher wages and loan facilities, have been established for workers and 438 out-growers to enable them to give of their best.

Through the company's facilitation, 600 million cedis has so far been disbursed to out-growers as personal loans through the Agricultural Development Bank (ADB), the Managing Director disclosed and appealed to the beneficiaries to pay up promptly.

Total crop bought from the out-growers during the year, was 5.2 billion cedis, generating an average net revenue of 8.9 million cedis for each farmer.

Under its community relations, he said, a number of school, water and electrification projects have been completed for the people to improve their lot.

Mr Addae commended the smallholder farmers who are mainly from Benso, Manso, Essaman, Dominase and Adum-Banso for their hard work and loyalty to the company and advised them to adopt modern farming methods, including fertilizer application to increase their yield.

Mr Joseph Boahen Aidoo, Western Regional Minister, commended BOPP for its assistance to communities in their developmental efforts and ensuring industrial peace and harmony in its catchments area.

He called for co-operation and understanding between the people, workers and the company which is one of the largest agro-based industrial establishments in the region, providing jobs to the youth, and creating employment for many farmers .

Mr Aidoo urged the company to continue to pursue vigorous safety, health and sound environmental measures to forestall accidents and health related problems and promised that roads in the area would be rehabilitated.

Mr Samuel Kangah, General Secretary of the Ghana Agricultural Workers Union suggested that five per cent of the district Assemblies Common Fund should be allocated for agricultural development.

Mr Stephen Aryeepah, Union Chairman of BOPP appealed to management of the company to do more to relieve workers of their present hardships.

Some selected workers and smallholder farmers were honoured for their hard work and dedication with television sets, suitcases, bicycles, cartons of soap, Wellington boots, cutlasses and certificates.