GGBL To Use 70% Local Raw Materials By 2015

The Managing Director of Guinness Ghana Breweries Limited (GGBL), Mr Peter Ndegwa, has said the 50 per cent of the company�s raw materials which is from local sources will be increased to 70 per cent by 2015.

He disclosed this at a workshop on local raw materials organised by the GGBL.

The workshop was aimed at interacting with stakeholders on transforming Ghana�s agricultural supply chain for industry, as well as showcasing the local sourcing agenda of the business.

�Since December 2012, GGBL has significantly increased its usage of local raw materials, specifically sorghum, maize and cassava for the production of its premium brands after the government of Ghana passed the Customs and Excise Act 855, an excise duty concession on a sliding scale for breweries using local raw materials for the manufacture of excisable goods�, he said.

He further stated his believe that harnessing the economic power of agriculture and the multiplier effect of investment into commercialising agriculture in Africa could be much bigger than the economic impact of petroleum.

�GGBL�s vision is to generate long-term business value with locally and sustainably sourced raw materials which meet quality standards and has a positive impact on the communities and environment in which it operates�, he added.

He said currently, the project had impacted over 16,300 farmers and families by providing a sustainable source of livelihood, and expanded the revenue base, while adding value across the chain.

A Senior Tax Policy Advisor at the Ministry of Finance, Dr Larbi Siaw, indicated that the government was committed to supporting local raw material sourcing, and urged GGBL to continue in its effort to develop Ghana�s local supply chain.

In attendance were a Deputy Minister of Finance and Economic Planning, Mrs Moona Helen Quartey, the Chief Executive Officer of the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI), Mr Seth Twum-Akwaboah, as well as representatives from the Ministries of Trade and Industry, Food and Agriculture, aggregators, processors and technical development partners.

Source: Graphic Online