1D1F project: I only see block factories being established – Alabi

Flagbearer aspirant of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) Prof. Joshua Alabi has said contrary to the Akufo Addo government’s campaign pledge to establish a factory in each of the 275 constituencies across the country, all he sees around is the establishment of cement block manufacturing factories.

In its 2016 manifesto, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) promised to establish a factory in each of the 216 districts to transform Ghana’s economic fortunes, while creating employment for the youth.

The ‘One-District-One-Factory’ programme is aimed at establishing, at least, one factory or enterprise in each of the 216 districts of Ghana as a means of creating economic growth poles that would accelerate the development of those areas and create jobs for the teeming youth.

Government recently released GH¢465 million for the commencement of the one-district-one-factory project.

And making good his pledge, the President recently cut the sod for the construction of the Ekumfi Fruits and Juices Company Limited, the first factory to be established under the One District, One Factory initiative.

The initiative, otherwise known as district enterprises, is to establish medium-to-large-scale factories or industrial enterprises that have the potential to fundamentally affect the economy of the districts.

But speaking on Starr FM Monday, the former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA) said very little is being done by the government to honour its campaign pledge and urged the government to work hard.

“They need to lift their game, the promises were too many and people bought into the promise. One District one factory programme for example, I’ve been going round and the factories I see are just block manufacturing factories. I don’t think they[government] created them but these are the factories I see and I think that they should do well when it comes to the promise of one district-one factory.”