Olam Agri has commissioned Ghana’s first state-of-the-art pasta manufacturing facility in Accra, marking a major milestone for the country’s food manufacturing sector. The US$40 million investment significantly strengthens local food processing capacity while supporting Ghana’s goal of expanding domestic manufacturing and job creation.

According to Olam Agri, the commissioning ceremony was presided over by John Dramani Mahama, President of the Ghana, alongside Sunny Verghese, Co-Founder and Group CEO of Olam, as well as senior government officials, traditional leaders, and industry partners.

The newly inaugurated facility expands Olam Agri’s wheat milling and pasta manufacturing capabilities in West Africa. The plant has an annual production capacity of 40,000 metric tonnes and will initially produce premium spaghetti, with macaroni and other short-cut pasta variants planned in subsequent phases. All products will be fortified with essential micronutrients and vitamins to support improved nutrition.

As highlighted by Olam Agri, the facility is equipped with advanced manufacturing technologies designed to ensure high product quality, operational efficiency, and future scalability. The project is also expected to generate around 300 direct and indirect jobs across operations, engineering, supply chain, and distribution.

Addressing the event, President John Dramani Mahama emphasized the importance of industrial investments that translate policy into real economic outcomes. He noted that such projects contribute to job creation, local manufacturing growth, and greater food security.

Ghana imported approximately US$140 million worth of pasta between 2021 and 2024. According to Olam Agri, the new facility will significantly reduce reliance on imports and strengthen local production capacity. Baibhav Biswas, Country Head of Olam Agri in Ghana, stated that the plant will enable pasta consumed in the country to be produced locally using Ghanaian talent and infrastructure.

The strategic location of Ghana also positions the facility as a regional export hub, enabling Olam Agri to serve markets across West Africa and support intra-African trade.

The plant incorporates high-efficiency energy systems and optimized production processes aimed at reducing resource consumption while supporting sustainable growth.

The investment builds on Olam Agri’s longstanding presence in Ghana, where the company already operates the country’s largest wheat mill in Tema, producing brands such as First Choice and Royal Gold, as well as leading rice brands including Mama Gold. The new facility also complements Olam Agri’s broader pasta manufacturing network across Nigeria, Senegal, and Cameroon.

According to Sunny Verghese, Olam’s roots in Africa date back more than three decades, with Ghana being among the earliest markets where the company established operations. The commissioning of the new pasta plant reflects the company’s continued confidence in the country’s long-term growth and manufacturing potential.

Source: Olam Agri