The Naval Wives Association (NAWA) has inaugurated a detergent manufacturing factory in Tema, marking a significant step toward women’s economic empowerment and sustainable enterprise development within the naval community.

The facility is equipped with modern machinery, including mixing machines, compressors, pumps, and 2,000-litre storage tanks, with a minimum production capacity of 60,000 litres of various detergents per month.

It will produce liquid soap, floor cleaners, bleach, and antiseptics, all manufactured by trained personnel in line with established standards.

The facility was expected to generate income for naval families, create jobs, and supply products to both the naval community and the wider Tema market.

Speaking at the inaugural ceremony last Wednesday, the Metropolitan Chief Executive (MCE) of Tema, Ebi Bright, described the initiative as a practical demonstration of commerce and self-reliance by the spouses of Navy personnel.

“Today is not about the ceremony; today is about commerce.

This is what it looks like when women stop waiting for permission and start building enterprises,” she said.

Ms Bright said empowerment must go beyond rhetoric, stressing that economic independence is key to transforming households and communities.

The MCE commended NAWA for evolving from small-scale manual production into a fully operational factory, describing the journey as a model of discipline, persistence, and innovation.

She reaffirmed the Tema Metropolitan Assembly’s (TMA) commitment to supporting such initiatives through training, market access, and business development support.

President of NAWA, Gifty Agnes Bessing, described the inauguration as the realisation of a long-held vision rooted in self-reliance and sustainable development.

“This factory is not just a production centre; it is a platform for skills development and collective progress,” she said, urging members to take ownership and ensure its sustainability through discipline and unity.

Mrs Bessing expressed gratitude to the Chief of the Naval Staff and the Flag Officer Commanding of the Eastern Naval Command, Commodore Solomon Asiedu-Larbi, and his predecessors for their support, as well as past NAWA leadership for initiating the project.

Resilience

The Flag Officer Commanding, Eastern Naval Command, Commodore Asiedu-Larbi, described the project as a testament to resilience and collaboration.

He traced the association’s journey from operating in a modest wooden structure with manual production processes to establishing a modern, mechanised facility.

“This factory is more than a production facility; it is a platform for empowerment. It provides opportunities for our wives to acquire technical and entrepreneurial skills while enhancing their economic prospects,” he added.

Commodore Asiedu-Larbi, who also praised his predecessors Commodores Emmanuel Ayesu Kwafo and Maxwell Arhen for laying the foundation for the project, said empowering families within the naval community would ultimately strengthen the service as a whole.

The event also saw the official opening of a market constructed to support the sale and distribution of NAWA products, with participation from traditional leaders and New Town market women, highlighting the importance of community collaboration.