Residents of Aboso in the Prestea Huni Valley District are appealing to government to rebuild the Aboso Glass Factory, a once-thriving industrial hub that was demolished, leaving the community grappling with unemployment and rising social challenges.
The closure and demolition of the factory, which locals say was carried out under the watch of former GIHOC Chief Executive Officer, Hon. Maxwell Kofi Dwumah, has dealt a heavy blow to the town’s economy. Many young people, deprived of jobs, have drifted into illegal mining as an alternative means of survival.
In an interview, the chief of Aboso, Nana Kwesi Appiah II, accused the former GIHOC CEO of selling the dismantled plant to Chinese scrap dealers with the promise of rebuilding it within months, a pledge that never materialised. Residents are now calling for a full investigation into the matter.
Community leaders, youth groups and civil society organisations are urging government to not only restore the factory but also modernise it to produce renewable energy equipment. They argue that such a move would align with national economic goals while creating employment for local youth.
Traditional authorities have further appealed to the District Chief Executive, the area’s Member of Parliament and President John Dramani Mahama to prioritise the factory’s revival, stressing its potential to absorb local labour and ease the burden of unemployment.
“The glass factory is part of our history, but more importantly it is part of our future. Rebuilding it will restore dignity and opportunity to Aboso,” Nana Kwesi Appiah II said.
Source: metrotvonline.com
