Guinness Ghana is a Viable Project – Otumfuo to Castel Group
The King of the Asante Kingdom, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has touted Guinness Ghana as a viable business, expressing confidence that the company’s new chapter under Castel Group will succeed with the right investment and commitment to staff.
Speaking during a courtesy call at the Manhyia Palace to introduce the new MD of Guinness Ghana Breweries PLC, Mr Federick Feraille, following the takeover by Castel Group from Diageo PLC, Otumfuo said the Kumasi brewery has the potential to thrive and deliver mutual benefits to Castel, the majority shareholder and the local economy.
“It’s a viable project and therefore it can work. Fortunately, the economy is back. With the investment and expansion you are talking about, it will be a win-win situation,” he said.
The Asantehene recalled the brewery’s history in Kumasi, noting that investment had slowed at some point after Diageo took over.
“Guinness has been in Kumasi for so long. Investment into Guinness at some point was not coming. Diageo took over and at some point we realised they were not pumping the necessary capital. Now Castel has taken over. We believe strongly that the evaluation for us to know that it’s a win-win situation. You invest, we get the company running with the needed employment.”
Otumfuo further stressed that worker welfare must be the priority for any investor taking over.
His Majesty insisted that the company’s existing staff are qualified and capable of running operations if given the right support and respect.
“My main brief with any investor who takes over is my people. My people must be well looked after. They can run it. I have the most qualified people here who can run it. Therefore, I insist that no matter the investment, my people must be looked after. Believe in them that they can run and therefore must be accorded all the needed dignity and respect in relation to their qualification and experience,” he said.
Castel Group recently completed the acquisition of Guinness Ghana from Diageo and has outlined plans for expansion and increased production at the Kumasi plant.
Story by Hajara Fuseini
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