He said the company has been well managed over the past years and therefore, needed to venture into other areas.

"Samartex cannot continue to produce only timber, they should go into other areas such as cocoa production, cocoa processing, afforestation and other timber species, Mr Darko-Mensah explained.

The Regional Minister, said this when he interacted with the management and staff of Samartex Timber and Plywood company in Samreboi.

He stated that if the company take up the initiative, they would be able to employ more people, support the Western Region and also help the economy to grow.

Mr. Darko-Mensah pleaded with companies who are already in the system to strive to increase their businesses and encourage new firms springing up to excel.

"If they can hand hold the smaller companies, their value chains can be given to the smaller firms and l think they can handle them and be better" he indicated.

The General Manager of the company, Mr. Richard Nsenkyire, expressed gratitude to the employees who have worked hard to sustain the company till date.

He said they have contributed towards socio-economic growth and development of Ghana with the focus on host communities.

The Wassa Amenfi West, Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Mr. George Agyiri thanked Samartex Timber and Plywood company for contributing immensely to communities in its operational area.