Guinness Ghana Breweries Limited (GGBL) has cut sod for the expansion project of its production lines at Kaasi, in the Ashanti region.

The project, to cost GH¢ 80 million, will increase the capacity of the business by introducing additional modern brewing equipment to enable GGBL meet consumer demand and increase investor returns. The project is part of Diageo PLC’s overall commitment to invest in Africa.

Speaking at a brief ceremony, Peter Ndegwa, managing director of GGBL said, “In line with the business’ vision of being the Most Vibrant and Iconic business in Ghana, our Kaasi site is undergoing this expansion project to increase production capacity to meet the demands of our valued consumers.”

“This investment is the second largest by Diageo Africa in Africa; a testament to Diageo’s belief in Ghana and commitment to the socio-economic growth of the country and Africa as a whole.

“GGBL further remains particularly committed to the development of the Ashanti Region headquarters of its business in Ghana, with involvement in different areas within the Region, including a $65,000 Water Health Centre currently underway at Domeabra to provide sustainable access to safe drinking water to the community.”

Expressing his heartfelt gratitude, Akyempemhene of the Ashanti region, Oheneba Edusei Poku, said “Guinness Ghana Breweries Limited has over the years played an active role in the socio-economic development in this community. Operating in Kaasi for over 40 years, GGBL has been a major transformer of the community’s landscape both economically and socially, through the provision of employment, providing safe accessible drinking water to local communities and payment of taxes for development of the country.

“The positive image GGBL carries in this community cannot be over-emphasized,” he noted.

The sod was cut by Peter Ndegwa, Managing Director of GGBL, Oheneba Edusei Poku, Akyempemhene of Kumasi, Madam Patricia Appiagyei, MP for Asokwa constituency, and Ampem Darko, an employee of GGBL and winner of the internal logo competition for the project.

The project is expected to be completed by November 2013.