The Industrial and Commercial Workers’ Union (ICU-Ghana) has commended government for reactivating the PBC Shea Limited Factory in the Savannah Region, describing the move as a lifeline for sustainable job creation.
A statement signed by General Secretary Mr. Morgan Ayawine, said the revival of the factory signaled hope that other distressed industries would also receive timely interventions to safeguard livelihoods.
“The initiative is very much welcomed, but it is important the government walk its talk by ensuring adequate funding for the company in good time,” the statement noted.
The ICU emphasized that consistent access to shea nuts was critical to maintaining production. It urged the government to ensure a sustainable raw material supply chain to guarantee the factory’s long-term viability.
“Issues of shortage of raw materials should be consigned to the past if we are to reap the full benefits from the revival of the PBC Shea Limited factory,” the statement added.
The union also encouraged management and staff to sustain the momentum of production to attract investors who could further expand operations.
Beyond the shea sector, ICU called on the government to provide urgent funding to PBC Plc, the parent company, to enable it to purchase cocoa beans in the upcoming major season.
“We are of the firm belief that PBC Plc, with its outlets strategically located across the country, when adequately funded, has the capacity to create more jobs for Ghanaians,” the statement said.
The union recalled PBC Plc’s significant contributions to Ghana’s infrastructure development in the past, stressing that the company could once again play a leading role in the cocoa value chain if properly supported.
As part of its message, ICU urged workers across industries to be responsible stewards in their workplaces, noting that their commitment would help sustain companies and expand employment opportunities.
It stressed that such ventures would have a multiplier effect on job creation and serve as a game changer in addressing Ghana’s youth unemployment challenge.
“We hope to see many more such ventures like the PBC Shea Limited Factory and allied companies within the cocoa industry in the country getting the required funding support in the coming months,” the ICU said.
