A severe shortage of soya beans in the Ashanti region has brought processing factories to a grinding halt, with many forced to either shut down operations completely or substantially reduce production capacity. The crisis is attributed to the high export of the commodity to India and other Asian countries, where it commands higher prices, and the devastating effects of recent dry weather in northern Ghana.
GBC News visited two affected factories, Vester Oil Mill and Thomas W. Bellow Enterprise, and found that production had significantly decreased. Vester Oil Mill, which processes 100 tons of soya beans daily, has reduced its workforce and production due to inadequate raw materials.
“We don’t have raw materials… For the past three months, we’ve not been working,” said Akwasi Nyamekye, CEO of Vester Oil Mill. “I’ve no choice but to let some of the workers go home.”
The shortage has affected workers, who rely on the factories for livelihood. “The cost of living has become very difficult… Even while earning income, it’s never enough,” said Umar Francis Hafiz, Production Supervisor.
Thomas W. Bellow Enterprise has also halted production, with machines lying idle. CEO Thomas Bellow attributed the shortage to high demand from India and other Asian countries.
The Ashanti, Bono, Ahafo, and Bono East Zonal Chairman of the Association of Ghana Industries, Akwasi Nyamekye, called for government intervention to guarantee the commodity’s availability. “Government’s policy direction could help by buying, keeping, and selling the soya beans to us,” he suggested.
The shortage has far-reaching implications for Ghana’s food security, employment, and economic growth. With several factories struggling to sustain business, urgent action is needed to address the crisis and ensure the long-term viability of the soya bean industry.
GBC/ Ruth Abla ADJORLOLO
Ruth Abla ADJORLOLO
