The Oti Regional Minister, Mr. John Kwadwo Gyapong, has begun moves to attract Chinese investment into the region’s agricultural sector by promoting the establishment of a cassava processing factory to transform local farming and boost economic growth.
Meeting with a delegation from Tiast Group, led by Chief Executive Officer Mr. David Tai and Director of Business Development Madam Priscilla Fiati, at the Oti Regional Co-ordinating Council (ORCC), the Minister emphasized that the project would create jobs, increase farmer incomes, and strengthen the cassava value chain.
Madam Fiati explained that Tiast Group is offering a comprehensive package that combines factory construction, financial leasing, technical training, and market access.
Under the plan, the company will provide systematic training for operators, workshop managers, and technical directors, support farmers and investors with 2–5-year financing packages for equipment purchase and installation, huarantee off-take services for agricultural produce such as cassava starch, maize starch, rice, bulk tomato paste, and fibre.
Further it will facilitate access to the international market, ensuring processed products are sold at globally competitive prices, cover up to 80% of the financing burden for investors looking to establish automated agro-processing factories.
She described the project as part of Tiast Group’s mission to revolutionize agriculture in West Africa through industrialization and value addition.
According to Mr. Lawrence Owusu, Development Chief, the proposed project will include a 2,000-acre cassava plantation and a factory valued at a minimum of US$5 million. The facility will operate on an out-grower model, partnering with local farmers to supply cassava for starch processing.
The initiative is expected to benefit between 150 and 200 farmers directly and indirectly, providing them with a reliable market for their produce, as well as technical training to improve farm productivity.
Mr. Owusu expressed optimism that with key meetings scheduled before the end of 2025, the factory could begin operations in early 2026, delivering much-needed jobs and stimulating economic activity in the Oti Region.
Minister Gyapong praised Tiast Group for its interest in the region and assured the investors of the full backing of the ORCC.
He highlighted the government’s ongoing commitment to agriculture, noting that 24,200 hectares of irrigation farms have already been allocated to two districts in Oti to boost production.
He described the proposed factory as “a blessing to the region,” stressing its potential to unlock opportunities in cassava processing, boost exports, and reduce post-harvest losses.
“The Regional Co-ordinating Council is ready to work hand-in-hand with investors to bring development and jobs to the residents of the Oti Region. This project will significantly improve livelihoods and strengthen the regional economy,” Mr. Gyapong said.
Cassava is one of Ghana’s most widely cultivated crops, providing livelihoods for over a million farmers nationwide. Beyond being a staple food, cassava is increasingly in demand for industrial starch, ethanol production, animal feed, and export markets.
However, limited processing capacity has often left farmers vulnerable to gluts and low farm-gate prices.
With investor interest growing and strong government backing, the cassava processing factory could mark a turning point for the Oti Region’s agricultural economy, transforming smallholder farming into a commercially viable and globally competitive enterprise.
