The Honorary Consul of Indonesia in Ghana, Paskal A.B. Rois, is wooing Indonesian investors to invest in commercial okra production at Akrofu in the Volta Region. 

Akrofu is known for its quality okra production, making the vegetable from the area a highly sought-after commodity in the local market.

Mr Rois said the time had come for mechanised commercial production of okra in the area to bring back the glory days at Akrofu.

He gave an assurance that there was sufficient land for interested investors willing to venture into commercial production of okra in the area.

Mr Rois, a native of Akrofu, was speaking to journalists ahead of the arrival of Indonesian officials in the country.

"There are opportunities in mechanised and commercial production of okra in my area," he said, adding that it would provide more sustainable benefits and development for the people of Akrofu.

 Mr Rois explained that the objective was to create long-term economic growth within Akrofu and its environs.

Developmental needs

In addition to promoting agriculture development, Mr Rois also advocated the restoration and improvement of vital infrastructure at Akrofu.

“One of the key concerns is the deteriorating condition of the only clinic which serves as the primary health facility for the community,” he said.

He, therefore, appealed to Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) to step in and assist with the rehabilitation of the clinic, which was in dire need of repairs and additional resources to provide adequate health care to the residents.

On education, Mr Rois said Akrofu’s educational system needed attention, adding that the only school lacked the necessary facilities and resources.

He, therefore, appealed to the government and other stakeholders to ensure that the children of Akrofu had access to quality education in an environment conducive for learning.

Roads

Touching on roads and mobile connectivity situation in the area, he said despite the presence of electricity and potable water, infrastructure such as roads and mobile network connectivity remained inadequate.

Mr Rois said the roads connecting Akrofu to Ho, the regional capital, were in poor condition and the mobile network was so weak that making and receiving calls often became a strenuous task.

He made a specific appeal to the Minister of Roads, Kwame Agbodza, and the Minister of Communications, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, to help address those pressing issues.

“A properly functioning road network and enhanced mobile connectivity will not only ease daily activities for the people of Akrofu but also facilitate economic development by improving access to markets, services and information,” the honorary consul stressed.

Festivals

On festivals, Mr Rois said 2025 would be the turn of Akrofu to celebrate the SASA Festival, which was celebrated rotationally among four related towns - Sovie, Akrofu, Saviewofe and Alavanyo.

“As a royal of the Buoh Alorsor Clan of Akrofu, I am encouraging the chiefs and the people of Akrofu to smoke the peace pipe to enable the development of the town to the benefit of everyone. Unity is key for every development," Mr Rois said.