The One District One Factory (1D1F) Shea Processing Factory in Wa-Nakore, earmarked for commissioning since promises were made in October 2020, has taken an unexpected turn.
The factory, initially intended for shea butter processing, has been transformed into the Nakore-Chansa Technical Institute, where students will study Wood Work, Cosmetology, and other technical programs.
This redirection has sparked concerns and raised questions about the fate of the initially proposed industrial venture.
The project, situated in Wa-Nakore, underwent inspection in October 2020, with the Wa Municipal Chief Executive, Mr Issahaku Tahiru Moomin, and Second Lady, Madam Samira Bawumia, declaring it 90% complete.
According to Wa local news reports, machines were yet to be assembled and mounted for the factory's commissioning, as stated by the Wa Municipal Assembly at the time.
However, recent developments reveal that the Shea Processing Factory has been fully constructed, and work has been completed, with the installation of machines currently underway.
The factory falls under the broader initiative of the Akufo-Addo-led NPP government's 1D1F Policy, aimed at industrializing the country.
Kperisi Shea-Butter Processing Centre
In a related development, the Kperisi Shea-Butter Processing Centre, located in Kperisi in the Wa Municipality, was expected to be upgraded and absorbed under the 1D1F policy.
The centre's expansion was anticipated to enhance its capacity to support the Sungbawiera Shea-Butter Processors group, benefiting over 170 members of the community.
Dr Hafiz Bin Salih, Upper West Regional Minister, expressed support for the 1D1F initiative during a visit to the Kperisi facility in September 2019.