The Cape Coast Industrial area would soon be revamped for the establishment of more manufacturing companies as part of plans to reduce unemployment in the Region, the Central Regional Minister, Mr. Aquinas Tawiah Quansah, has said.

The area, close to the University of Cape Coast East gate, is gradually being turned into a residential area by individuals with the Ameen Sangari, a soap manufacturing company, being the only vibrant factory in the area.

The Minister, accompanied by the Cape Coast Metropolitan Chief Executive, Ms. Priscilla Arhin and some official from the Central Regional Coordinating Council said this when he paid a courtesy call on the Oguaa Traditional Council on Wednesday.

Mr. Quansah said the Central Region was endowed with resources such as bamboo and other trees (such as sokodua in Akan) which could be used to manufacture toothpick as well as large quantities of citrus to produce fruit juice to reduce their importation.

He said he was collaborating with the Central Regional Development Commission (CEDECOM) to work towards the establishment of more industries in the metropolis since the development of the metropolis would have a positive effect on the whole Region.

The Minister also hinted of an industrial programme that would be held to encourage indigenes of the Region and others who have companies in other regions to create subsidiaries in the metropolis.

He said the industrialization of the metropolis could not be done only by the government and therefore called on private industries, non-governmental organizations and the general public to support the cause.

Earlier, the Paramount Chief of Oguaa Traditional Area, Osabarima Kwesi Atta II, had called for the establishment of industries in the metropolis to create jobs for the teeming unemployed graduates, who travel elsewhere with their expertise, in search of jobs.

He said industrialization of the metropolis would contribute immensely to its growth since these graduates would stay and contribute their quota to the developmental agenda of the metropolis and the Region at large.

He said the Traditional Council was ready to provide land for such a purpose.

The event was also used to launch two out of the four fabrics designed for the celebration of the Golden Jubilee of Oguaa Fetu Afahye scheduled for September.

The team also toured the Prof. John Evans Atta Mills Memorial Library under construction in the Cape Coast Castle.