President John Dramani Mahama has pledged to make the long-dormant Komenda Sugar Factory operational under his administration.
Speaking at a “Thank You” rally in Cape Coast, he assured residents that his government remained committed to ensuring the factory’s revival, positioning the Central Region as the country’s leading sugar producer.
Mr. Mahama said he had directed the Minister of Trade, Agribusiness, and Industry to provide an update on the factory’s status to facilitate the necessary steps for its reopening.
The factory was inaugurated by Mr. Mahama in May 2016 after the then-NDC government secured a $35 million loan from the Indian Export-Import Bank, followed by an additional $24 million investment.
The facility, expected to employ 7,300 people along the value chain, ceased operations shortly after its launch. The previous NPP government made efforts to revive it, including multiple test runs, but cited a lack of raw materials as a key challenge.
Last August, then-Trade and Industry Minister K.T. Hammond announced plans to lease the factory to West African Agro Limited, an India-based firm, for a renewable term of 15 to 20 years.
He had previously told Parliament that the retooling process was 98% complete.
Despite efforts to restart operations, local sugarcane farmers have voiced frustration over what they describe as a lack of transparency in the factory’s management.
They argue that key details regarding its operational state remain unclear.
Mr. Mahama reiterated his commitment to supporting farmers by improving irrigation schemes and modernising agriculture in the region.
