MTN Foundation, as part of its economic empowerment programme, has commissioned a GH¢740,000.00 palm oil processing plant at Juaso, in the Asante-Akim South Municipality.

In excess 200 women, engaged in oil palm production in the town and surrounding communities, are expected to benefit from the facility.

These had already received technical training on how to operate the machines and financial management capacity building, on how to run their businesses, to ensure higher returns on their incomes and improve their livelihoods.

The training, sponsored by the MTN, was facilitated by the National Board for Small Scale Industries (NBSSI).

Most of the women, had hitherto been producing with obsolete equipment, in open spaces scattered across the township, at different locations and at the vagaries of the weather.

However, the newly-commissioned facility, with modern equipment, not only brings all the women producers under one roof, but also provides the technical capacity to increase production levels, whiles also offering the women a comfortable working environment.

Mr. Selorm Adadevoh, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of MTN, in a brief remark, commended the chief of Juaso, Nana Asafoakaa Agyei Tabi, for his passion to improve the lives of his people.

He said the chief approached MTN to establish the facility to help improve the work of palm oil producers in the town in terms of efficiency, shelter and income.

As an institution that believes in giving back to society, he said, the Company saw the need to support the women, who were faced with numerous challenges in their operations.

He said with the completion of the facility, the expectation was that the lives of the women would improve through increased productivity and efficient operations.

The CEO said the MTN Foundation was committed to investing in the areas of health, education and economic empowerment as a way of touching the lives of its numerous customers across the country.

He stated that the palm oil processing plant at Juaso brings to 145, the number of projects executed by the Foundation in the country and gave the assurance that it would continue to transform lives.

He stressed the need for proper maintenance and sustainability to prolong the lifespan of the machinery for the benefit of posterity.

Mr. Simon Osei Mensah, the Ashanti Regional Minister, applauded the telecommunication giant, for establishing the plant which, he noted, would not only benefit the women, but also boost the local economy.

He said it was always a great joy to partner private institutions providing opportunities for Ghanaians, adding that MTN had been tremendous in that direction.

He commended the Chief of Juaso, for releasing the land for the project and urged the women to take good care of the facility, to enhance their livelihoods.

Nana Asafoakaa Agyei Tabi, thanked MTN, for the huge investment, to address the plight of his people and encouraged all to patronize the products of MTN.

He said, with the completion of the plant, no woman should be seen producing palm oil anywhere outside the centre.