Sugarcane farmers urge Trade Minister to act on Komenda Sugar Factory promises

The Sugarcane Farmers Association of Ghana has made a strong statement. They urge the Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry to revive the Komenda Sugar Factory. The farmers warn that inaction could harm their livelihoods and the NDC government's credibility.

In a press release, Okatakyi Nana Kweku Ackon signed on behalf of the Association. They expressed disappointment with the Ministry's response to their earlier appeal. They found it "not convincing enough due to precedence."

The farmers pointed out that the previous NPP government failed to operationalize the factory. This happened despite several promises during its eight-year term.

They stated, “We campaigned and voted for John Mahama because we believed he could revive this factory.” The statement emphasized that Mahama established the new sugar factory.

According to the Association, no progress has been made since February 26, 2025. This was two months after the Trade Minister visited the factory. They noted that the factory was not mentioned in the government’s 2025 budget statement. This raised doubts about the administration’s commitment to reviving it.

The farmers believe if the Minister were serious, she would have engaged them already. “We are ready to feed the factory to produce sugar,” they said. They warned that failure to act could leave it dormant for four years.

To improve this situation, they called for an immediate board of directors for the factory. They also demanded a representative of sugarcane farmers be included on this board as a key stakeholder.

In conclusion, they reminded President John Mahama of his promise to transform Central Region into Ghana’s leading sugar-producing hub. “We are counting on his assurance to the people of Ghana,” they stated.