The ambitious dreams of Anita Asiedu, a 22-year-old university student, were tragically dashed by a devastating fire that consumed the YWCA-31st December Palm Oil Processing factory in Akyem Tafo, where she had been working as a laborer to fund her education.
Anita, who had deferred her studies at Christian Service University College in Kumasi to work as a laborer at the factory, hoped to save money for her education.
However, the April 3, midnight blaze, which raged for nearly five hours, has reduced the facility to ashes, along with crucial machinery and approximately 3000 gallons of palm oil valued at over 1.2 million cedis.
Anita is now jobless.
“After SHS I wanted to do nursing so I got admission at Christian Service University College. I started it but because of the school fees, I came to stay with my Auntie. But I am still in the house. I want you to help me to continue my education”.
She sadly added “Here when you come it is not easy to get money. A day you can get Ghc10, Ghc15 cedis it depends what you do before you get money it is not easy. See my dress how dirty it is but all because of money. Because the machines have burnt I am not getting any laborer work to do here again. Now that this place is burnt I don’t know what to do. I want to become a better person in the future, and help my family too”
The fire disaster affected not only Anita but also over 100 artisanal female palm producers and laborers, who now face uncertain futures.
The destruction of the factory, established in the 1990s, not only poses immediate economic challenges but also threatens the broader palm oil value chain, impacting hundreds of families reliant on this industry.
Palm oil from the factory was sold on the domestic market as well as in some West African countries and Europe.
Meanwhile, the Municipal Chief Executive for Abuakwa North, Alhaji Umar Bodinga, has appealed to the Gratis Foundation and other corporate entities to assist in rebuilding the factory.
Flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama, also dispatched a delegation led by Victor Smith, former Ambassador to the UK, to visit the site of the burnt YWCA-31st December Palm Oil Factory in Akyem New Tafo, Eastern Region.
The purpose of the visit is to extend condolences to the affected women and assess the damage caused by the fire outbreak to inform plans for rebuilding the factory if the NDC assumes power in 2025.
Source: Ghana/Starrfm.com.gh/103.5FM/Kojo Ansah
