President John Dramani Mahama on Thursday, October 8, 2026, commissioned a new evaporated milk production line at Nestlé Ghana Limited’s Tema factory, raising the plant’s annual evaporated milk capacity from about 12,960 tonnes to nearly 30,000 tonnes.
The new line replaces one that had served the factory for more than 30 years. It allows Nestlé to carry out filling, homogenisation, sterilisation and packaging of evaporated milk locally, with Ghanaian workers.
The President described the expansion as a clear demonstration of the government’s 24-hour economy policy in action, pointing to the factory’s round-the-clock operations.
The Tema factory, commissioned in 1971, makes brands including Ideal Milk, Milo, Cerelac, Nescafé and Carnation, and supplies both the Ghanaian market and export markets in Central and West Africa.
Nestlé Ghana evaporated milk capacity more than doubles
The upgrade lifts annual evaporated milk output capacity by roughly 17,000 tonnes, an increase of more than 130 per cent on the old line.
According to 3News, the new line can produce up to 500,000 cans a day, and the Tema factory already produces more than 75,000 tonnes of products every year.
- Previous capacity: about 12,960 tonnes a year
- New capacity: nearly 30,000 tonnes a year
- Increase: about 17,040 tonnes (more than 130%)
- Old line in service: more than 30 years
- Factory operations: 24 hours a day, seven days a week
What Mahama said about the 24-hour economy and Tema
Mahama said investments like Nestlé’s are needed to strengthen local production, create jobs and add value, helping Ghana move away from heavy dependence on imports toward stronger domestic production and exports.
He said Tema, conceived as an industrial city under Kwame Nkrumah, is regaining its place as a manufacturing hub. He cited the expansion of Tema Port, the resumption of Tema Oil Refinery operations, efforts to revive VALCO and progress at the Arise Industrial Enclave.
The President also urged Nestlé to use the added capacity to grow exports across Africa, noting that Ghana hosts the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat. He called for action against illicit imports and customs evasion to protect local manufacturers.
Nestlé Ghana MD on local manufacturing
Nestlé Ghana Managing Director Salomé Azevedo called the commissioning “a proud moment” for the company.
“This milestone reflects our commitment to local manufacturing and our confidence in Ghana’s very bright future,” she said.
She said Ghanaian-made products can meet international standards and compete regionally and globally. She also said the Tema factory has achieved zero waste to landfill and runs on 100 per cent green energy. More on the company’s operations is available from Nestlé Central and West Africa.
Ghana FDI rises to US$2.62 billion
Trade, Agribusiness and Industry Minister Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare said foreign direct investment inflows rose from US$652 million in 2024 to US$2.62 billion in 2025.
She said manufacturing recorded the highest number of new investment projects in 2025, with 99, ahead of mining, oil and gas, and general trade.
- FDI inflows 2024: US$652 million
- FDI inflows 2025: US$2.62 billion
- Manufacturing projects in 2025: 99
What the expansion means for workers and consumers
Nestlé Ghana supports about 1,200 full-time workers and 1,300 third-party workers, and Ghanaians make up 94.4 per cent of its employees, according to GBC.
Processing and packaging more evaporated milk in Tema keeps more of that work in the country. Mahama urged management to deepen engagement with local farmers, suppliers and businesses.
For shoppers, more local production of a household staple comes as Ghana watches food prices closely. Ghana’s inflation rose to 5.2% in September 2026, driven by food prices. Nestlé has not announced any change to retail prices.
What happens next
Mahama said the government plans to simplify customs procedures, review tax incentives and digitise public services to support manufacturers.
Nestlé will mark seven decades of operations in Ghana in 2027, the same year the country celebrates 70 years of independence on March 6.
Key details at a glance
- Mahama commissioned the new line at Nestlé Ghana’s Tema factory on October 8, 2026.
- Evaporated milk capacity rises from about 12,960 tonnes to nearly 30,000 tonnes a year.
- The new line replaces one used for more than 30 years.
- Filling, homogenisation, sterilisation and packaging will now be done locally.
- Nestlé Ghana supports about 1,200 full-time and 1,300 third-party workers.
- Ghana’s FDI inflows rose to US$2.62 billion in 2025 from US$652 million in 2024.
- Nestlé has operated in Ghana since 1957.
FAQs
How much evaporated milk can Nestlé Ghana now produce?
The new line raises the Tema factory’s evaporated milk capacity to nearly 30,000 tonnes a year, up from about 12,960 tonnes.
Where is the Nestlé factory in Ghana?
Nestlé Ghana’s factory is in Tema, Greater Accra Region. It was commissioned in 1971 and makes Ideal Milk, Milo, Cerelac, Nescafé and Carnation.
Who commissioned the new Nestlé Ghana production line?
President John Dramani Mahama commissioned the expanded evaporated milk line on Thursday, October 8, 2026.
The Tema expansion more than doubles Nestlé Ghana’s evaporated milk capacity to nearly 30,000 tonnes a year, keeps more processing and packaging in Ghana, and gives the government a showcase for its 24-hour economy and local manufacturing push as Tema’s industrial revival gathers pace.
