<<Print>>

The Kumasi Metropolitan Chief Executive (MCE), Mr Kojo Bonsu, has called for a ban on the importation of toothpick into the country. He said the local manufacturing industry should be helped to undertake ventures such as toothpick production for which the country had the raw material base to boost its economic development. The ban, he said, would encourage the local industry to generate revenue and create employment for the people. The MCE made the call when he visited the Bamboo Bike Limited in Kumasi to acquaint himself with its operations. He observed that Ghana was endowed with natural resources, especially bamboo trees, which could be used to bring more revenue to the country. Mr Bonsu gave the assurance that the government would promote the growth of the local industries in the metropolis and the country, adding that the quest of the company to become a hub of export in the metropolis was dear to the heart of the KMA. He expressed appreciation at the company�s bold initiative to help create employment in the Kumasi metropolis and peri-urban centres. He congratulated them on their contribution towards the development of Ghana, especially Kumasi, the second largest city. Mr Bonsu, however, lamented the situation whereby bamboo was not patronised and so left to go to waste in the forest. The Manager of the Bamboo Bikes Limited, Mr Akwasi Sarpong, indicated that the company manufactured bamboo bikes which were exported to Belgium. It also used some bamboos to produce toothpick. He expressed gratitude to the KMA boss for the visit and asked that the KMA should not relent in its efforts to seek the progress of the company. The Co-ordinator of Millennium Cities Initiatives (MCI) for West and Central Africa, Nana Abena Akuamoa-Boateng, said the company when supported, could help the facelift of the city.