Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has officially inaugurated a GHC50 million watermelon processing factory in Walewale, located in the North East Region of Ghana. The factory, which is part of the government’s "One District, One Factory" initiative, is expected to create 800 direct jobs and 8,000 indirect jobs, providing a significant boost to the local economy.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony on November 22, Dr. Bawumia highlighted the success of the “One District, One Factory” program, noting that over 150 factories have been established across the country under this initiative. He emphasized that the Walewale watermelon factory will play a crucial role in addressing unemployment in the region, offering new economic opportunities to local residents.
Dr. Bawumia also responded to critics who doubted the progress of the project. He recalled a recent comment by a member of the opposition party who claimed the factory was merely an "empty container" and not a functional facility. In a direct challenge to these claims, Dr. Bawumia invited the critic to visit and see the completed factory for themselves.
The factory, which processes locally grown watermelons, is expected to create a ripple effect, stimulating the economy through both direct employment and the development of related industries. It will also contribute to the wider agricultural and manufacturing sectors in the region.
Minister of Finance, Dr. Mohammed Amin Adams, also addressed the gathering, speaking on the country’s macroeconomic recovery. He assured the public that the government has restored stability to Ghana’s economy, with positive growth indicators. Dr. Adams noted that in 2023, Ghana’s economy grew by 2.9%, surpassing the 1.5% target, and in the first half of 2024, the country recorded a growth rate of 5.8%, exceeding the GDP growth from 2019.
The successful completion of the watermelon factory is seen as a testament to the government’s commitment to creating sustainable jobs and fostering economic development in rural areas. With the opening of this new facility, Walewale residents are hopeful that more such projects will follow, further transforming the region’s economic landscape.
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