Otumfuo Urges New Guinness Ghana MD to Prioritise Staff Welfare

The Occupant of the Golden Stool, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has charged the new Managing Director of Guinness Ghana Brewries, Mr Federick Feraille, to prioritise the welfare and dignity of workers, saying staff remain his primary concern in any investment deal.

“My main brief with any investor who takes over is my people. My people must be well looked after,” Otumfuo said during a meeting at the Manhyia Palace on May 8, 2026.

His Majesty emphasised that the country has the qualified personnel to run the operations and insisted that workers must be treated with respect in line with their qualifications and experience.

“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 stated.

Investment
The Asantehene traced Guinness Ghana’s history in Kumasi, noting that investment into the brewery had stalled at some point.

After Diageo took over, he said, the required capital injection did not follow.

“Now Castel has taken over. We believe strongly that the evaluation for us to know that it’s a win-win situation,” he said.

Otumfuo expressed optimism that the new investment would restore full operations, create employment, and benefit both the company and the community.

“You invest, we get the company running with needed employment… 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.

Prompt Supervision
Otumfuo also encouraged the new MD to make it a point to visit Kumasi promptly to supervise the brewery’s operations.

“You must divide your schedules to be in Kumasi. Don’t always stay in Accra.”

The King further committed his unwavering support to the company in resolving any challenge they may confront.

This was during a courtesy visit to introduce Mr Federick Feraille as the new Managing Director of the company following the takeover by Castel Group from Diageo PLC.

Investment Plans
In his remarks, Feraille announced plans for a 25% capacity expansion in Kumasi, stating that the visit was to understand the kind of investment the company could make.

“We are investing in additional capacity and intend to increase capacity in Kumasi by 25%. This includes real investment in new equipment such as vessels,” he said.

He also shared plans to continue Diageo’s product lines under license, while introducing other products from Castel’s portfolio.

“Castel is the first European company in wine. We manufacture a lot of wines in Europe, and we can do the same here,” he said.

Employment
The Managing Director highlighted the company’s employment footprint, noting that the brewery in Kumasi supports about 600 direct jobs, with an additional 500 in Accra.

About Castel
According to him, Castel has been operating in Africa since 1963.

“Mr Castel established the first brewery in Gabon, and today we are present in 23 countries. We are very happy because we only entered Ghana last August,” he said.

Gifts
The company also presented gifts to the Asantehene in honour of his birthday and enstoolment anniversary.

“We are grateful for your support over the many years of your reign. We pray for the next decade. You represent a pillar of peace. It was important for us to come and celebrate your birthday and 27th anniversary,” he said.

Story by Hajara Fuseini

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