Ghana to a professional cold chain Note: This project has been cancelled, because it seemed not to be feasible to set up an integrated cold chain company in Ghana the way it was foreseen.In Ghana, a professional cold chain (temperature controlled storage and refrigerated transport) does not exist. A lot of food is spoiled, has a short shelf life and causes health hazards to consumers. The expanding middle class is demanding more animal protein, while the current consumption is far below world average.Wegdam Food Link B.V. and Labianca Company Ltd have set up a joint venture (Give & Take Holding Ltd) to establish the first professional cold chain for frozen meat and fish products, spread over rural areas in Ghana (Kumasi, Tamale and probably Techiman). The first cold storage in Techiman has been finalized, the cold storage in Kumasi is under construction and the third project site still needs to be identified. In all three sites the joint venture will provide cold storage, tracked logistics and freeze services. Employees will be extensively trained to efficiently work with coordinate these activities.The project will contribute to food safety, less wastage and local storage opportunities for farmers. The outcome can spur similar services in different rural locations for more value added goods. In the spin-off phase, this project can also deliver its services to the Ghanaian fruit and vegetable sector.Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)The project in itself is focused on food safety. The project will operate according to British Retail Consortium principles. Furthermore, the project partners will promote a gender and ethnic diversified work force (the owner of Labianca Company Ltd is also a woman), minimise negative impact on the environment, and will offer good working conditions to its employees.Impact•	Employment and working conditionsThe lowest-paid workers will receive 30% above Ghana's minimum wage. Most employees will get a permanent labour contract. Fringe benefits that the project will offer are: a pension scheme, vacation, transport, housing, meals, health insurance, education and child care. Good and safe working conditions are guaranteed by proper training and protocols.•	Innovation / Transfer of knowledgeThere are no integrated cold chain facilities in Ghana. There usually is a break in the cold chain somewhere between producer and consumer. There are multiple cold storages, but most are in the harbour and lack quality standards. Furthermore, the volume current cold storage can facilitate is far below the demand. The cold chain will apply British Retail Consortium (BRC) Global Standards. A freezing facility for fast freezing products is completely new for Ghana as well.•	Chain effectsThe projects clients will be professional business users and other wholesalers. They will benefit from the project since a higher credibility and preservation of their food products will be achieved and less food is wasted. The end consumers will benefit from higher food safety standards. The project will contribute to the reduction of cases of food poisoning.•	Impact on the sectorEventually, the project can also have positive influences on food producing companies that can adapt or increase their production. If a cold chain infrastructure will be available to them, they can start producing (more) perishable food products.If this project will work out, the project partners believe that the business concept will be copied by other entrepreneurs in Ghana.•	EnvironmentThere will be less food waste.•	Position of womenAs the owner of Labianca is also a woman, the project partners will try to employ as many women as possible (especially in office functions). However, most cold store workers and truck drivers will be male.•	Impact on food safetyThe project will ascertain a higher quality food will be available to Ghanaian consumers. To establish a cold chain facility company, storing 18,000 tons of meat and fish per year, transporting 16,200 tons of meat and fish per year and freeze 1,5 tons of food products.