The Sugarcane Farmers Association of Ghana has issued a stern warning to the Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, demanding immediate action to revive the Komenda Sugar Factory. Their frustration stems from the perceived inaction of the government, which they believe jeopardizes their livelihoods and undermines the credibility of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC). The farmers’ disappointment is rooted in what they consider an unsatisfactory response from the Ministry to their previous appeals, citing a lack of concrete progress and the absence of the factory’s revival plan in the 2025 budget statement. This perceived lack of commitment raises concerns about the government’s sincerity in addressing the factory’s operational challenges.
The Association’s press release, signed by Public Relations Officer Okatakyi Nana Kweku Ackon, emphasizes the farmers’ belief in President John Mahama’s ability to revitalize the factory, a key factor influencing their support during the elections. They recall Mahama’s campaign promise to transform the Central Region into Ghana’s sugar production hub, urging him to honor this commitment. The farmers contend that their active participation in the factory’s operations is crucial for its success, highlighting their readiness to supply sugarcane as a vital raw material. The statement underscores the farmers’ apprehension that continued delays could result in the factory remaining dormant throughout the NDC’s four-year term.
The farmers express their disillusionment with the government’s handling of the situation, drawing parallels to the previous administration’s unfulfilled promises regarding the factory’s operation. This historical context fuels their skepticism and underscores the urgency they attach to the current government’s response. They contend that two months after the Trade Minister’s visit to the factory, there has been no tangible progress, further eroding their confidence in the government’s commitment. This inaction, coupled with the factory’s omission from the budget, casts doubt on the government’s prioritization of this project.
To rectify the situation and steer the factory towards operationalization, the Association proposes two key steps. Firstly, they call for the immediate establishment of a board of directors to oversee the factory’s strategic direction and management. This board, they argue, would provide the necessary leadership and oversight to guide the factory’s revival. Secondly, they demand representation on this board, emphasizing their role as critical stakeholders in the factory’s success. Their involvement, they believe, would ensure that the farmers’ interests are adequately represented in the decision-making process.
The farmers’ plea for representation on the board underscores their commitment to the factory’s success and their desire to play an active role in its revival. They view their participation as not just a right but as a responsibility, recognizing their integral role in supplying the raw materials necessary for sugar production. This direct involvement, they believe, would facilitate communication and collaboration between the factory management and the farmers, ensuring a steady supply of sugarcane and fostering a sense of ownership among the farming community.
In essence, the Sugarcane Farmers Association’s statement serves as a wake-up call to the government, urging it to prioritize the Komenda Sugar Factory’s revival. The farmers’ frustration is palpable, stemming from broken promises and perceived inaction. Their demands for a board of directors and representation on that board reflect their determination to be active participants in the factory’s future, contributing not just as suppliers but as stakeholders invested in its long-term success. They believe that the factory’s revival is crucial not only for their livelihoods but also for the economic development of the Central Region, echoing President Mahama’s own vision for the area.
