Takoradi, May 8, GNA - The Benso Oil Palm Plantation (BOPP), a subsidiary of Unilever Ghana Limited, registered an increase of operating profit of GH¢4.39 million in 2008 as against GH¢1.80 in 2007, representing 144 per cent profit. This was disclosed by Mr. Ishmael K. Yamson, chairman of the Board of Directors of the company, at its annual general meeting of share holders in Takoradi.

He attributed the success story to the high prices of crude palm oil on the world market and the company's prudent activities resulting in cost savings and efficiency leading to a profit after tax of 562 per cent.

Mr. Yamson said BOPP closed the year 2008 with a total production of 86,979 metric tones of palm fruits, representing an increase of three per cent over that of 2007.

He explained that the marginal increase was because about 50 per cent of the company's plantation was under replanting and that the benefits would begin to show in the next two or three years. Mr. Yamson said the company purchased 30,447 metric tones of fresh palm fruit bunches at a cost of GH¢2.97 million from 5,000 small-holders and out-grower farmers in the Western and Central Regions, resulting in regenerating of wealth and improvement in the standard of living of the farmers. He noted that even though Ghana was set to emerge as a major oil producer by 2010, significant revenue gains were not likely to become available soon.

Mr. Yamson said it was also doubtful whether official development assistance form traditional development partners could rise sufficiently to offset decline in foreign direct investment. He said BOPP had embraced the principles of sustainable development to ensure that future generations benefited from today's actions. Mr. Yamson said the company has initiated action for the roundtable on sustainable palm oil (RSPO) certification. He explained that the RSPO was a global multi-stakeholder initiative on sustainable palm oil, which was a unique platform for pragmatic co-operation towards an increase in palm oil production. Mr. Yamson said BOPP continued with its social responsibility programmes by assisting communities within its catchment area in education, health and sanitation and that the company had supported Adum Banso community to construct a teachers' hostel and a 10-seater KVIP. He said the company was also putting up a three-classroom block for the Benson Wassa community with the first phase of the project complete. Mr. Yamson noted that the country remained stable after the 2008 Election, indicating that its democracy had mature and could serve as a model for Africa. He said that this achievement should enhance Ghana's competitiveness as an investment destination in the world. The shareholders commended the management of BOPP for its good performance and urged it to work harder. 8

KZG generates GH¢40,418.85 last year

Kumasi, May 8, GNA - The Kumasi Zoological Gardens (KZG) collected a total revenue of GH¢40,418.85 from visits of 129,948 tourists in 2008 as against GH¢34,061.10 from 111,487 visits in 2007. The increase in both revenue and visits were due to the transfer of animals from the Accra Zoo to Kumasi Zoo and the intensification of educational programmes for schools to sensitise pupils and students on the need to visit the Zoo and learn about wild life conservation and the environment. Mr. Emmanuel D arkwa Nimo, Manager of the Kumasi Zoological Gardens, disclosed this in an interview with the Ghana News Agency in Kumasi on Friday. He said the KZG with a total population of 190 animals currently had on display 49 species of animals. Mr. Nimo said that the Zoo will soon join the Association of Africa Zoos and Acquaria (PAAZAB) with its headquarters in South Africa. He explained that the measure was to ensure information sharing and capacity building of staff as well as networking of members of the association.

Mr. Nimo said it would help improve the Zoo's animal care practices and expose it to internationally recognised record keeping systems and ensure networking with European and World Association of Zoos and Acquaria.

He said that the Zoo was being supported by the Zoological Society of London to join the Association. Mr. Nimo said the Zoo had been inspected by a team comprising of the Executive Director of PAAZAB, Mr. Dave Morgan and Mr Nick Lindsay, from the Zoological Society of London. Mr. Nimo said there was the need for the Zoo to improve animal housing facilities and landscaping and provide children's play ground, car park, restaurant and others. He said there was poor drainage system at the Zoo, which often resulted in flooding and lack of sponsorship and logistics and appealed to the government, individuals and institutions to help address the problems. Mr. Nimo called on experts in various fields to volunteer their services to support the Zoo.