The Association of Ghana Industries (AGI) paid a solidarity visit to member company Duraplast Limited after a devastating fire affected part of the company’s factory last Thursday.
The AGI delegation was led by the President, Pharm. Kofi Nsiah-Poku, and included the Chief Executive Officer, Mr Seth Twum-Akwaboah; Accra Chairman, Mr Tsonam Cleanse Akpeloo; Sector Chairman for Energy, Mr Kwame Jantuah; Executive Member for the Accra Region, Mr Eric Amanquandor; Mr Steven Owusu; Director for Membership, Mr Humphery Jojo Quayson; Senior Manager for Public and International Relations; and Mr John Defor, Director for Research and Policy.
The team was received by Mrs Mireille Hitti, Executive Director of Duraplast Limited; Mr Hemant H. Nesarikar, Managing Director; and Mr Pandey Awadhesh, Financial Control Bureau Officer. The visit aimed to express AGI’s sympathy and solidarity with Duraplast, assess the incident’s impact, and explore ways the Association can support the company’s recovery and return to full operations.
Despite the significant losses suffered, Duraplast’s management expressed strong determination to rebuild and emerge stronger. The company noted that its most valuable asset remains its people, and confirmed that there is currently no risk to employees’ jobs.
A particularly encouraging aspect of the tragedy was the support Duraplast received from neighbouring industries and members of the industrial community. During the fire, companies in the surrounding area immediately stepped forward to assist. Neighbouring businesses provided support, including trucks to help move items to safety, while others offered whatever assistance was needed to contain the situation and protect Duraplast’s operations.
Duraplast’s management expressed appreciation for the solidarity shown by these companies, describing it as a demonstration of the strong sense of community and mutual support within Ghana’s industrial sector. The company is working closely with the relevant authorities, including the Ghana National Fire Service, ECG, the Police and its insurance providers, as assessments and restoration efforts continue. Duraplast is also leveraging its production facility in Kumasi to maintain part of its supply to customers while recovery efforts are underway.
The engagement also highlighted broader industry concerns, including the need for improved industrial-area planning, reliable water supply, and effective fire-fighting infrastructure to protect businesses, investments, and jobs. AGI President Pharm. Kofi Nsiah-Poku assured Duraplast, “We are beside you. We are with you,” reaffirming the Association’s commitment to supporting the company through its recovery and, where necessary, engaging relevant authorities to facilitate a speedy return to full operations.
AGI commended the resilience of Duraplast’s management and staff and reaffirmed its commitment to stand with its members in times of difficulty and support their efforts to rebuild, recover, and grow stronger.
Together, industry stands stronger.