The Minister-Designate for Food and Agriculture, Eric Opoku, has announced plans to work closely with the Ministry of Trade and Industry to revamp the Komenda Sugar Factory and ensure its effective operation.
While addressing the current state of the sugar factory during his vetting as minister-designate, Eric Opoku emphasised the importance of local sugar production to reduce Ghana’s dependence on imports.
He recalled that before leaving office, Parliament had approved funding for sugarcane farmers to ensure a continuous and uninterrupted supply of raw materials for the factory.
“Before leaving office, we can recall that parliament had approved some facility for the farmers to produce sugarcane to feed the factory. We wanted to make sure that we produce sugarcane from January to December so that we can ensure a continuous and uninterrupted supply of sugar to reduce the huge sugar import bill confronting our nation.
Opoku further stressed the need for collaboration, stating, “When given the nod, even though it falls within the Ministry of Trade, we will work with them to revamp to ensure effective implementation and operationalisation of the factory.”
History of Komenda Sugar Factory
The Komenda Sugar Development Company Limited, established in 1964, has faced numerous challenges, halting operations for extended periods.
In 2016, the previous NDC government secured a $35 million loan from the Indian Export-Import Bank, supplemented by an additional $24 million investment, to revamp the factory.
Despite these efforts, the factory has struggled to meet domestic demand. In 2024, the Akufo-Addo-led government attempted to lease the facility to an Indian-based firm, West Africa Agro Limited, for a renewable term of 15 to 20 years.
The then-Minister of Trade and Industry, K.T. Hammond, explained that the initiative aimed to revive the company’s operations and reduce Ghana’s reliance on imported sugar.
Mahama’s Commitment
During his 2024 campaign, the then NDC flagbearer John Dramani Mahama reaffirmed his commitment to revamping the processing and manufacturing sectors. At the launch of the NDC’s manifesto in Winneba, he pledged to operationalize the Komenda Sugar Factory and revive other key industries, including the Pwalugu Tomato Factory and the Zuarungu Meat Factory.
He also promised to build tomato processing plants in the Bono Region.
The Komenda Sugar Factory remains a symbol of Ghana’s efforts to enhance local production and reduce its import dependency.
With renewed focus and collaboration between ministries, there is optimism about the factory’s future and its potential contribution to the economy.