Leading food and agri-business company Olam Ghana has partnered with Mitsubishi Corporation to donate hygiene supplies and deliver sensitisation to cashew farming communities in support of national efforts against COVID-19.
Specifically targetting farmers and their families in the cashew growing communities of the Bono and Bono East Regions of Ghana, the two companies have jointly donated around 1,000 hand sanitisers, 1,500 face masks, 1,000 packets of carbolic soap and 100 Veronica buckets.
Educational fliers and radio broadcasts are also being disseminated as part of a sensitisation campaign to educate the communities on key prevention protocols. The combined efforts make up an intervention package worth GH¢51,500.
The beneficiary communities are Asuna and Awisa in the Wenchi district of the Bono Region, and Yefri and Donkronwanta in the Nkoranza North and South districts in the Bono East Region of Ghana.
Mr. Yussif Amankwa, Branch Operations Manager of Olam Ghana Cashew, told newsmen ahead of the presentation: “The middle belt of Ghana, where there is a maximum number of cashew farms, may be one of the most vulnerable regions should there be any outbreak. This is because of proximity to countries like Burkina Faso, Niger, Mali and Ivory Coast which are more impacted by COVID-19, with free movement across borders. We want to support our communities and support the national effort to prevent spread of the virus”.
Mr. Makoto Saito, Managing Director of Mitsubishi Corporation (Nigeria) Limited, commented on the donation by saying: “Corporate Responsibility to society is one of the three corporate principles of Mitsubishi Corporation. In partnering with Olam Ghana, we believe we can reach and contribute to communities and people who are in serious need in the face of potential risks from COVID-19”.
Mitsubishi Corporation (MC) is a globally integrated business enterprise that develops and operates businesses in approximately 90 countries and regions worldwide, as well as a global network of around 1,700 group companies.
Olam’s cashew business in Ghana was voted the most ‘Outstanding Agribusiness Sustainability Company’ in the country at last year’s Agribusiness Excellence and Leadership Awards, and engages over 5,000 cashew farmers – providing them with input support, training on Good Agricultural Practices and livelihood improvement programmes.
