The Minister of Trade and Industry, Alan Kyerematen has paid a working visit to one of the best alcoholic beverage coverage companies in Ghana, Joy Industries at its headquarters in Akwadum in the Eastern Region to acquaint himself with the operations of the company.
Mr. Kyerematen was received and conducted round the facility by the top officials of the great company, including the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the company, Dr. Manfred Takyi, Deputy CEO, Dr. Harrison Tetteh, and Head of Productions, Dr. Nutifafa Takyi.
Speaking on the visit, the CEO, Dr. Manfred Takyi averred that Joy Industries over the years have employed over 1,000 workers but due to financial constraints, the company had to cut some workers off so it can minimize its costs.
“Looking at the system we are in now, we started this business from a very humble beginning but through hard work and perseverance, we were able to grow beautifully from where we started. We got to a point where we realized that as a business entity you need more capital to expand. We did everything in our capacity to achieve that goal. In course of that, we approached some of the banks for financial assistance of which they accepted”.
“We were able to do the expansion in case we were to supply the West African market we will have that capacity in doing so. It got to a point we needed capital for production where we can easily produce. Unfortunately, on our part, the banks that we were dealing with were affected by the clean-up in the financial sector.
“Our prayer now is that the government will support us immensely. We are located in a remote area, yet we still produce good and quality products for people to consume. We are pleading with the government to come to our aid because we want to create more employment for people. We are pleading that the government will infuse our company in the 1D1F program, by so doing we can create more employment for the unemployed.”
For his part, Mr. Kyerematen said with a company employing over 1,000 people but due to financial constraints can’t employ such huge numbers again needs the support of the government and has therefore assured management of the company to keep their fingers crossed as he believes Joy Industries is capable of creating employment for the people if the government includes the company in the 1D1F program.
“The Company has applied for 1D1F status, we have done an extensive review of the company’s performance over the years, and for me our decision to support the company is validated by this visit. They’ve also told me their products are unique because there are other companies that are doing the same products but are using flavors imported from other countries. What I think sets this company apart is the fact that they’re doing extract from the herbs and using that as the base for their products. Which is very commendable.”
Mr. Kyeremanten who was impressed with the company’s performance over the years added that he is glad a company like Joy Industries still does their herbs extraction locally but not import flavors from foreign companies.
“Because they can import the same extracts from other countries but they are doing their product extraction from local herbs. This means that almost all their raw materials are procured locally which is another reason why 1D1F is pleased to support a company like this. This Company has demonstrated that they deserve the government’s support.” He affirmed.
The tour afforded the Minster an opportunity to experience how production is done in the company and commended the company (Joy Industries) for working under a strict and hygienic condition, whilst offering glimpses into issues ranging from quality assurance to sustainability.
Source: Source: Mybrytfmonline/Joseph Asare
