The government says GH₵38 million is still needed to operationalize the Walewale Watermelon Factory, which remains inactive months after its commissioning.
Commissioned in November 2024 by then Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the factory was expected to reduce post-harvest losses among watermelon farmers in Walewale and nearby communities.
The project, developed by Champion Foods and Beverages with financial backing from Ghana Eximbank, falls under the One District, One Factory (1D1F) programme.
However, the facility has yet to begin operations.
Addressing Parliament on Tuesday, July 8, Trade Minister Elizabeth Ofosu Agyare said efforts are underway to secure the necessary funds.
“As of now, they need GH₵38 million, and I’m working with Exim to help raise the amount. The factory hasn’t started production yet,” she told lawmakers.
She further explained that the current setup is built solely for concentrate production, and a second facility for bottling is yet to be established.
“There has to be a second factory before we can call it operational. The current structure only produces concentrate. Without a bottling plant, the project remains incomplete. Frankly, I don’t know what it was commissioned for,” she added.
