Norpalm Ghana Limited, an agro-based -processing company, has distributed crude palm oil to 21 selected institutions in the Western Region.
The institutions comprised 16 senior high schools (SHS), two nursing training colleges, one correctional institution and two special schools, and received two drums each for feeding the students.
Speaking at the 15th edition of the palm oil distribution at Kejebril in the Ahanta West municipality of Western Region, Emmanuel Nagel – Managing Director of Norpalm Ghana Limited – explained that the programme started in 2008 with 13 SHSs within the company’s catchment area.
So far, he said, the company has spent a total of GH¢284,765 on the programme as a way of giving back to society. “We have a corporate social responsibility structure that revolves around four thematic areas: namely support for health, education, community development, and business development”.
He said in 2016 when government introduced the Free SHS policy, it had overwhelming benefits; however, there were challenges which were not addressed and eroded some of those benefits. One such challenge is the poor quality of meals served to students due to delay in the release of funds.
This, according to him, informed management’s decision to scale up the number from 13 to 21 institutions.
“We also contribute to education within our catchment area in various ways; such as infrastructure development, speech and prize-giving days, mock examinations, sports and festivals, among others. As a socially responsible company striving to remain sustainable, giving back to society is one of the key goals to ensure we build a lasting relationship with our stakeholders.”
Nana Nwinwanwnwa, Divisional Chief of Hotopo in the Ahanta West municipality, commended the company for being consistent in their distribution of palm oil over the past years.
He encouraged management of the various institutions to use the palm oil in feeding their students.
Nurudeen Adam, the company’s Internal Audit Manager said: “The palm oil is meant for students and has a lot of health benefits; do not share among yourselves, let it benefit the students under your care,” he advised.
About Norpalm
Norpalm Ghana Limited is an agro-based processing company that has been in operation for the past 23 years. The company produces crude palm oil and palm kernel oil for industry.
