Nana Akua Adepa Fordjour II, the Mpuntuhen (development chief) of Anomabo-Oboadze in the Mfantseman Municipality of the Central Region, has launched the Nana Adepa Fordjour II Foundation (NAF 2 Foundation) to empower the youth in the area.
To achieve this vision, the Foundation had began processes to establish a $65,000 Cassava Processing Factory to be sited in Aboadze community with a vast cassava plantation and a fertile land to process cassava into gari and starch for local consumption and exports.
Nana Adepa Fordjour, known in private life as Madam Regina Nana Akua Fordjour, a miner in her early 40s, announced these initiatives during her coronation on Saturday, October 18 at Anomabo-Oboadze.
The programme was marked with rich traditional displays and attended by traditional and religious leaders.
She has planned to raise funds from corporate Ghana and individuals to support the project that seeks to add value to local agriculture, reduce post-harvest losses, increase farmers’ incomes and create jobs to stimulate the local economy.
As an established entrepreneur and religious leader for decades, Nana Fordjour had provided employment for nearly a thousand youth through her chain of businesses and assured the community that “the days of cassava glut in our area are gone.”
The benefits of cassava processing, according to her were broad, including economic, nutritional and industrial gains.
She said cassava, a drought-resistant, easy-to-grow crop vital for food security and income in tropical regions, would be processed into products like flour, gari, starch and ethanol to increase its value and market access.
Economically, she said it would create jobs across farming, processing and distribution chain, thereby supporting rural livelihoods and enabling export opportunities due to rising global demand.
“Processing also minimises waste by converting all plant parts into valuable byproducts such as animal feed, biofuel and raw materials for industries including paper, textiles and pharmaceuticals.
“Furthermore, processed cassava products improve food security, support sustainable agriculture and diversify industrial use, making cassava processing a key economic activity for many developing countries like Ghana,” she noted.
Nana Fordjour’s commitment to youth empowerment reflects her dedication not only as a traditional ruler but also as a role model, inspiring young people to pursue education, skills development and leadership.
As part of her vision, she revealed plans to also establish a Vocational Training Centre to promote skills acquisition and employment, particularly for vulnerable young girls.
“In communities like ours, a Vocational School will equip young people with practical technical skills tailored to both local needs and global opportunities.
“This will reduce unemployment, improve job readiness, and encourage self-reliance through vocational careers and small business development, driving sustainable socio-economic growth,” Nana Fordjour explained.
The Anomabo-Oboadze Mpuntuhen urged corporate Ghana and the people of the community to unite in supporting her ambitious development plans.
She emphasised that collective effort, investment and cooperation were essential to unlocking the full potential of the community for all people.
Nana Obokese Ampah, the Apegyahen of Asebu Traditional Area, rallied support for Nana Fordjour to achieve her noble vision for accelerated community development.
He said: “Nana Fordjour’s relentless industrious spirit, humility, expansive network and unwavering determination illuminate a path for the youth.
“Her nature shows that true wealth is built not just on ambition, but on the courage to empower others to rise alongside you.”
Dr Ebenezer Prince Kojo Arhin, Member of Parliament for the area and Mr Eric Stanley Acquah, the Municipal Chief Executive, formally declared their strong support for the vision.
They indicated that Nana Fordjour’s development drive aligned with the government’s industrialisation agenda and the vision of a 24-hour economy, aimed at fostering and sustaining the growth of local businesses.
Dr Arhin remarked, “Nana Fordjour’s journey from a humble village to becoming a revered shepherd of many is a testament to the boundless possibilities God bestows upon those with faith and resilience.
“She embodies the spirit of hope and transformation, inspiring generations to rise beyond their circumstances and lead with purpose.”
Source: GNA
The post Anomabo-Oboadze to get $65,000 cassava processing factory and TVET Centre appeared first on Ghana Business News.
Read Full Story
Facebook
Twitter
Pinterest
Instagram
Google+
YouTube
LinkedIn
RSS