The United States Government, through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) is investing $440,480 (over 7 million Ghana Cedis) in dried fruits production to boost trade and create jobs in Ghana.

This funding will expand the processing capacity of Pure and Just Limited, a Ghanaian company which transforms fresh fruit like mango, papaya, pineapple, and banana, into all-natural dried products through climate-smart agro-processing.

“U.S. government efforts are boosting agricultural productivity, increasing local ownership and strengthening businesses right here in the Eastern Region and across Ghana. Pure and Just is a shining example of how such investments can unlock Ghana’s economic and agricultural potential,” said USAID/Ghana Acting Mission Director Grace Lang, during the opening of the expanded Pure and Just factory in Nsawam.

“This facility represents more than just an investment in infrastructure; it embodies a commitment to innovation, quality, and the future of Ghana’s agro-processing sector,” she added. The expanded factory built under the USAID-supported Feed the Future Africa Trade and Investment Activity, is equipped with advanced fruit-drying machines which can process six tons of fresh fruits per day—an upgrade from the previous one ton per day. The factory has the potential to process 144 tons of fresh fruits a year, generate 28 million Ghana Cedis in annual revenue, create jobs, and provide economic opportunities for up to 1,500 farmers.

“This is a big break for us!” explained Yvette Tetteh, Chief Executive Officer of Pure and Just. “We are also celebrating our first export of seven metric tons of dried fruits to Germany. This is a significant milestone for Ghana’s agro-processing industry, and with USAID’s support, we look forward to entering the U.S. market in the coming year,” she added.

The United States is Ghana’s largest development partner. In 2023, bilateral support through USAID totaled over $140 million dedicated to supporting economic growth and agriculture, health, education, and more.

Source: US Embassy Ghana

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Ghana, Accra, Mankessim. Ishmael Awudi is a journalist and a media entrepreneur. He founded Ghana News Guide. GNG is an online news platform that focuses on news stories within Ghana and across the world on a regular basis. The primary objective of GNG is to ensure that news stories are reported as they are, with no filters applied. In its news coverage, GNG strives for professionalism.He also founded Wetour, a local tourism agency aimed at boosting the tourism space in Ghana with the youth at focus.Ishmael works with The Afriam Network as the head of business development. Afriam Network is a global company based in Ghana, Accra that offers a variety of services such as Customer Service, Debt Collection, Order Taking, Lead Generation, Customer Surveys, and Telesales. Ishmael holds a bachelor's degree from the Ghana Institute of Journalism. He won the best online media personality award in 2019 at level 300.He has contributed to several media houses in Ghana including.

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