Ghana is set to partner with multinational brewery giant, Guinness Ghana Breweries Ltd (GGBL) by selling a stake of the Ayensu Starch Factory to the company

The factory, which was opened for production in February 2004 to cater for the nation’s cassava market both locally and internationally, has ceased operations twice as a result of operational, technical and financial challenges, falling short of expectations

Projected to operate at a capacity of 70 percent, the factory has been operating at 20 percent since September 2006

The country’s decision to sell to the brewery giant is in the light of planned revamping of the starch factory and the development of its local and international cassava market

“The essence of the relationship between Government and Guinness to boost the production of Ayensu Starch Factory is to significantly upscale the upstream environment which will lead to increased cassava yields,” Haruna Iddrisu, Minister of Trade and Industry said

Guinness Ghana, which uses about 30 to 45 percent of sorghum, maize and cassava to produce a number of its products, has Ayensu Starch factory as the major supplier of cassava, especially in the production of its new product, Ruut Beer.

“As part of our innovative drive, we anticipate to increase the use of local materials to 50 percent to produce quality products comparable to international standards,” The Managing Director of the GGBL, Mr Peter Ndegwa,

Due to delays in procurement requirements within the country, the deal would be concluded by June this year.

The stake that would be made available for sale to the brewery company has however not been stated