The Naval Wives Association (NAWA), in collaboration with the Eastern Naval Command (ENC) of the Ghana Navy, commissioned a modern soap manufacturing facility, NAWA Pride Ventures, in Tema on Wednesday, 29 April 2026.
The ceremony, which also witnessed the opening of a base market, marked a significant milestone in efforts to enhance economic empowerment and welfare within the naval community.
Delivering his remarks, the Flag Officer Commanding ENC, Commodore Solomon Asiedu-Larbi, described the commissioning as a testament to the resilience, vision, and entrepreneurial drive of NAWA. He noted that the initiative, which began on a modest scale with manual production, had evolved into a fully mechanised facility equipped with modern machines, compressors, and storage systems. He said the factory represents not only progress in production capacity but also a strategic platform for skills development, self-reliance, and sustainable income generation for naval families.
The President of NAWA, Mrs Gifty Bessing, highlighted the operational capacity of the factory, indicating that the facility can produce up to 60,000 litres of products monthly, including liquid soap, detergents, bleach, and antiseptics. She explained that the initiative is designed to equip members with entrepreneurial skills while contributing meaningfully to household incomes and the broader economy. She further urged members to take ownership of the facility and ensure its sustainability through discipline, unity, and effective management.
The Guest of Honour, the Tema Metropolitan Chief Executive, Hon. Ebi Bright, commended NAWA for translating vision into tangible economic outcomes. She observed that the establishment of the factory demonstrates practical empowerment through job creation, local production, and enterprise development. She further reaffirmed the commitment of the Tema Metropolitan Assembly to support such initiatives through policy guidance, market access, and capacity-building programmes to enhance sustainability and growth.
The event also featured the presentation of citations to deserving individuals, including Mrs Edwina Kpomeglo, in recognition of their contributions to the successful establishment of the facility. The ceremony brought together senior officers, representatives from partner organisations, traditional authorities, and members of the Newtown Market Women, reflecting strong collaboration between the military and the local community.
