Change in management of Guinness Breweries must lead to job creation – Otumfuo

The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has said the change in ownership of the Guinness Ghana Breweries Plc, (GGBL) must translate into the creation of more jobs for his people. “I’m aware that the new investor is buying over 80% shares. I hope that it will be a good investor. The investment here in Kumasi is so dear to my heart and you know that. It’s been here for years and I’m looking forward to long term relationship where this company will do well, ”the King said.

His Majesty made the call when the Management of Guinness Ghana formally informed him about the impending ownership reforms.

Ownership
French company, Castel Group has acquired 80.4% shareholding in GGBL from the parent company Diageo Plc.

According to the Chairman of the company, Dr Felix E. Addo, processes are underway to secure regulatory approval to formalise the new deal.

The chairman explained that, the reforms will not affect the Guinness brand and the quality standard of their products as they will be licensed to operate by Diageo under a long-term licence and royalty agreement. “Castle Group have about 640 production points all over Africa. They are the biggest player on the African soil and we are glad that they have shown interest in acquiring our Guinness shares,” the board chairman stated.

Expectation
The Asantehene stated that he was looking forward to an investor that will prioritise the expansion Diageo couldn’t do at the plant in Kumasi. “The investment should manifest in relation to how we expand the plant here because I know that if you are outgrowing your production, then it has to expand. If the reason is that Diageo is not prepared and someone is buying, I suppose we need to see an expansion and continuity that will lead to creation of more employment.”

“I also insist that I want my people to be trained and given the technological knowledge so that they assume the reins. I have the manpower here. We train people here at KNUST. They can run the company,” he said.

Delegation
The delegation to Manhyia led by the Board Chairman, Dr Felix E. Addo, included Samuel Markin, Director of Supply Chain; Kelvin Boateng, Legal Officer; John Boadu, Board Member; Kofi Sekyere, Board Member, and Silvia Owusu, Corporate Affairs Officer.