The government plans to soon reactivate the Komenda sugar factory with the goal of creating around 7,500 jobs.
Elizabeth Ofosu Adjare, the Minister for Trade, Industry, and Agribusiness, visited the factory on February 26 to assess its current condition and gather firsthand information on the challenges preventing its progress. She emphasized that the government is focused on ensuring the factory resumes producing sugar from locally grown sugarcane.
“We will begin planting sugarcane, processing it, and sugar right here,” she declared.
The Minister also expressed concern over the factory’s current state.
“This is a large facility that has unfortunately fallen into disrepair. This factory is a national asset, and we are committed to restoring it to full operation,” she said.
Adjare further highlighted that the factory would be part of the “24-hour Economy” initiative and pledged to work with other stakeholders to ensure its successful operation as per the directives of President Mahama.
In addition, Ekow Panyin, the Central Regional Minister, assured that the concerns of local sugarcane farmers would be addressed as the government moves forward with plans to revitalize the factory. He noted that a special high-yielding variety of sugarcane would be provided to farmers to support the initiative.
Samuel Atta Mills, the Member of Parliament for the Komenda Edina Eguafo Abirem Constituency, expressed confidence that the factory’s reopening would tackle youth unemployment in the area.
“Many of our young people have to leave for places like Takoradi, Accra, or even abroad to find work, despite having this factory here that can provide at least 7,500 jobs. We built this facility, and we are determined to ensure it serves the people of Komenda,” he stated.
