Ekumfi MP: 24-Hour Economy Will Boost Firms Like Ekumfi Juice to Expand and Create More Jobs 

Kwainoe Ekow Othniel, Member of Parliament for Ekumfi, has expressed strong support for Ghana’s proposed 24-hour economy policy, emphasizing its potential to enhance the operations of local enterprises such as Ekumfi Fruits and Juices Limited. He believes that implementing a round-the-clock economic model will provide companies with the opportunity to increase production, meet rising demand, and create more jobs for Ghanaians.

Ekumfi Fruits and Juices Limited, established under the government’s One District, One Factory (1D1F) initiative, has been instrumental in processing locally sourced fruits into high-quality juices. The factory currently employs approximately 700 workers and has the capacity to process 10 tons of fruit per hour. However, due to limited raw material supply, the factory operates below its full capacity, cultivating only 1,500 acres of pineapple out of a potential 7,000 to 9,000 acres. 

The management of Ekumfi Fruits and Juices has welcomed the 24-hour economy initiative, viewing it as an opportunity to scale up production and meet both local and international demand. They have secured a contract requiring 24-hour production, which is expected to create over 12,000 jobs in the Ekumfi district. 

Distributors and retailers of Ekumfi Juice have also called on the government to support the company’s integration into the 24-hour economy. The Ekumfi Juice Distributors and Retailers Association, comprising over 400 members, believes that increased investment in umbrella and tricycle sales teams will create more jobs for Ghanaian youth.

They highlight the success of their sales model, inspired by MTN’s space-to-space strategy, and its potential to expand to over 3,000 sales points nationwide. 

The association emphasizes the social impact of Ekumfi Juice sales, noting that many young men who previously engaged in illegal mining (galamsey) have transitioned to selling juice, earning daily profits of over GHS200.

They advocate for government intervention to protect their trade and ensure that local sellers can continue to access the product, even as the company expands its exports. 

The 24-hour economy initiative is seen as a catalyst for economic growth, particularly in the agro-processing sector. By enabling companies like Ekumfi Fruits and Juices to operate at full capacity, the policy aims to create sustainable employment opportunities, reduce poverty, and promote Ghanaian-made products both locally and internationally.