Factory Faces Decline After Years of Neglect
The Komenda Sugar Factory, a significant government investment aimed at driving Ghana’s sugar production, is in dire need of attention. Dr. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, the Member of Parliament for Klottey-Korle, and Hon. Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, the Member of Parliament for Techiman North and the newly appointed Minister for Trade, Agribusiness, and Industries, have called for an urgent overhaul of the factory.
Hon. Ofosu-Adjare, recently vetted and approved as Minister for Trade, Agribusiness, and Industries, has pledged her dedication to serving Ghana. She emphasized her commitment to reviving the nation’s industrial sector, starting with projects like the Komenda Sugar Factory.
Urgent Call for Action
During an inspection tour on Wednesday, Hon. Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare shared her concerns about the deteriorating state of the Komenda Sugar Factory. She criticized the poor planning and management that have left the facility non-operational since its commissioning in 2016.
“The Komenda Sugar Factory holds great potential for Ghana’s industrial and agricultural sectors. However, years of neglect, lack of strategic planning, and technical setbacks have brought us to this unfortunate state,” she stated.
Hon. Ofosu-Adjare urged the government to take immediate steps to audit the factory’s machinery, infrastructure, and operational needs. She also called for the implementation of a sustainable management system to ensure productivity.
Farmers Struggle Due to Inactivity
Farmers in the Komenda area have expressed their frustrations over the factory’s prolonged inactivity. Many who had invested in sugarcane production to support the factory are now struggling with losses.
“We were told this factory would change our lives, but it’s been years, and we are still waiting. We need a solution, and we need it now,” said Kwame Mensah, a sugarcane farmer in the area.
The factory was originally set up with a loan from India, with a projected annual production of 250,000 metric tons of sugar. Unfortunately, challenges like raw material shortages and funding issues have stalled operations.
Bipartisan Efforts Needed
Hon. Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare called on all political factions to work together and prioritize the revitalization of the factory. She stressed that it is not merely a regional issue but one of national importance.
“This is not about politics. It’s about creating jobs, supporting our farmers, and strengthening Ghana’s economy. We cannot afford to let this opportunity go to waste,” she emphasized.
Commitment to Serve Ghana
Reaffirming her dedication, Hon. Ofosu-Adjare pledged to resolve the challenges in Ghana’s industrial sector, with the Komenda Sugar Factory as her starting point. Ghanaians eagerly await decisive government intervention to ensure the factory contributes to the country’s industrial growth as envisioned.
