President John Dramani Mahama has reaffirmed his commitment to making the Komenda Sugar Factory in the Central Region operational under his administration.
Speaking at a “Thank You” rally in Cape Coast, he assured the gathering that his government would prioritize the revival of the factory to establish the Central Region as Ghana’s leading sugar producer. He further disclosed that the Minister of Trade, Agribusiness, and Industry had been directed to provide an update on the factory’s status to facilitate the necessary interventions.
Accompanied by Vice President Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, President Mahama received a warm welcome at Victoria Park, where hundreds of enthusiastic residents, including chiefs, academics, clergy, and other key stakeholders, had gathered.
The National Democratic Congress (NDC) government, under President Mahama, secured a $35 million loan from the Indian Export-Import Bank, along with an additional $24 million investment, to revamp the factory. It was officially inaugurated in May 2016; however, it ceased operations shortly afterward.
The facility was projected to employ 7,300 people across the sugar production value chain but has remained largely dormant since its commissioning. Subsequent efforts by the New Patriotic Party (NPP) administration to revive the factory, including multiple test runs, faced setbacks primarily due to inadequate raw material supply.
In August last year, then Minister of Trade and Industry, K.T. Hammond, announced that the government had leased the Komenda Sugar Factory to West African Agro Limited, an India-based firm, for a renewable term of 15 to 20 years. He also informed Parliament that the retooling of the factory was 98% complete.
Concerns from Farmers
Despite these interventions, outgrower farmers have expressed frustration over the lack of transparency regarding the factory’s operations. Many have raised concerns about limited engagement with management and the undisclosed status of the facility.
President Mahama reiterated his administration’s commitment to supporting farmers by enhancing irrigation systems and implementing policies aimed at modernizing agriculture in the Central Region.
Completion of Anomabo Fisheries College
During his address, the President also touched on the long-standing delay in completing the Anomabo Fisheries College. He noted that the project was at an advanced stage before the NDC left office in 2016 but had since stalled.
To rectify this, he announced that budgetary allocations would be made in March to ensure its completion and inauguration before the end of the year.
Development Plans for the Central Region
President Mahama underscored the Central Region’s historical and economic significance, emphasizing its potential in agriculture, tourism, and education. He pledged to invest in agribusiness and infrastructure to improve the livelihoods of residents.
Expressing gratitude to the region for its unwavering support in the elections, he assured that his government would deliver on its campaign promises.
“As President, I see myself as a son of this region and remain committed to its development—whether in education, healthcare, or economic empowerment. Together, we will work to uplift the lives of all residents,” he stated.
He further stressed that the Central Region would receive its fair share of national development projects under his leadership.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
