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500-acre tomato, pepper farms established in Akuse
A portion of the tomato farm at Akuse
Over 500-acres of tomatoes and pepper farms have been established in Akuse in the Eastern region of Ghana.
The colossal private sector venture, undertaken by Nikgroup Farms, is aimed at reducing Ghana’s high import numbers of tomatoes especially, from neighbouring countries.
Mr Nick Owusu, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Group told The Spectator in an interview that the company aims to produce the two crops in large quantities for the local market.
“Our focus is to meet the demands of the local market but when we are able to produce in abundance, of course we’ll consider the international market,” he said.
But what actually excites officials of the company is the estimated number of employment opportunities the project would create for Ghanaians.
“We are very particular about the project; it means so much to us because it will create jobs for the teeming unemployed youth. They would work on the vast tract of land,” he added.
Additionally, the project, described as ambitious by Mr Owusu, would also aim to boost the local production of tomatoes and pepper.
“These two are major vegetables needed or used in every home and must come at affordable prices but it’s not so all the time. It is the reason why we want to produce so much so that even when it’s out of season, people would store enough,” he stated.
Mr Owusu said “the decision to set up the large-scale farm comes at a crucial time when Ghana is grappling with the challenges of importing a significant portion of its tomatoes and pepper needs.”
He noted that “by investing in local production, Nikgroup Farm is not only contributing to the country’s food security but also promoting economic growth and self-sufficiency.”
According to him, the project envisions a future where Ghana can meet its tomatoes and pepper demands through domestic production.
“Moreover, the establishment of this farm will bring the much-needed employment opportunities for the youth in the local community. With a focus on engaging the youth, Nikgroup Farm is committed to providing training and skills development programmes to empower the next generation of farmers and agricultural entrepreneurs,” he said.
He said the company was opened to organisations and individuals that wished to invest or go into partnerships by acquiring plots on the land and determine which of the two crops they want to invest in.
He explained that such investors would have the services of trained farmers who would be responsible for the daily operations on the land until crops were harvested and sold.
By Spectator Reporter
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Health Minister leads delegation Mimi Darko’s appointment as AMA Director General
Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, Minister for Health and Member of Parliament has led a delegation to secure the appointment of Dr Delese Mimi Darko, Chief Executive Officer of the Food and Drugs Authority, as the Director General of the African Medicines Agency (AMA) during the ongoing 2nd Ordinary Session of the Conference of State Parties in Kigali, Rwanda.
This prestigious appointment, achieved through a competitive process, marks a proud and historic moment for Ghana and the entire continent.
It highlights Dr. Darko’s exceptional leadership, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to enhancing public health and regulatory systems across Africa.
The Minister expressed his deep appreciation to President John Dramani Mahama for his strong support and leadership throughout this process.
Mr.Akandoh congratulated Dr. Mimi Darko and Team Ghana for their incredibly successful campaign.
The AMA was established by the African Union on November 5, 2021, with the primary objective of improving access to quality, safe, and effective medical products throughout the continent. Its creation aims to facilitate the regulation and oversight of essential medicines at a continental level while promoting collaboration among African countries and regions.
The Agency’s mission is to provide leadership in creating an enabling regulatory environment for the pharmaceutical sector in Africa, ensuring that the African population has access to essential medical products and technologies.
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Police arrest five suspects involved in robbery cases in Ashanti Region
The Police Intelligence Directorate (PID) in the Ashanti Region has informed the public about a recent breakthrough in the fight against armed robbery in the Denchemuoso District.
Following a series of robbery incidents in the area, on April 22, 2025, PID/Ashanti operatives, acting on credible intelligence, apprehended one Michael Owusu Ansah, alias Baby Last, aged 32.
The suspect had been on the police wanted list since 2016 in connection with a robbery and the murder of Police Officer G/Cpl Frank Essel of SWAT/Ashanti, which occurred at the Open Space Hotel in Denchemuoso on May 19, 2016.
During interrogation, the suspect confessed to engaging in multiple street and residential robberies in Denchemuoso, Atwima-Techiman, Asuoyeboah, and surrounding areas.
He also disclosed that his gang operated with knives, pistols, and pump-action guns.
Further investigations led to the identification and arrest of his accomplices, namely:Emmanuel Owusu, alias Cassidy, Maxwell Gyimah, alias Nana Kwame, Sudais Oxford Ntiamoah, alias The Man Sudais and Rhano Okyere, alias Demon
These individuals were arrested from their hideouts within Atwima-Techiman and Denchemuoso.
However, one suspect, remains at large and efforts are underway to apprehend him and recover the weapons used in the robberies.
All five arrested suspects were arraigned before the Atasomanso Circuit Court on May 13, 2025.
They were remanded into police custody and are scheduled to reappear on June 4, 2025.
