Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, Ghana’s Minister-designate for Trade, Agribusiness, and Industry, has expressed her commitment to restoring operations at the Komenda Sugar Factory. Speaking during her vetting by Parliament’s Appointments Committee on January 22, 2025, she addressed the factory’s long-standing challenges and emphasized its importance to the nation’s economy.
“I’ve been informed that the Komenda Sugar Factory is not operational. One of the major issues has been the lack of raw materials to sustain production, along with missing parts and other unresolved problems,” Ofosu-Adjare stated.
The factory, launched in 2016 with significant national investment, was envisioned to reduce Ghana’s reliance on sugar imports and boost employment. However, persistent operational challenges have led to repeated shutdowns. Ghana currently spends approximately $500 million annually on sugar imports—a figure the minister-designate described as unsustainable.
“It’s clear that we need this factory to function effectively. The cost of importing sugar is too high for our economy,” she remarked, highlighting the urgent need to revive the facility.
Ofosu-Adjare revealed that funds had previously been allocated to address the factory’s issues, but its current condition remains uncertain.
“I understand that resources were released to resolve these challenges. A thorough evaluation of the factory’s state is necessary to determine what needs to be done, and I am committed to ensuring this happens,” she assured.
Once in office, the minister-designate plans to collaborate with stakeholders to restore the factory to full operation.
“I will work closely with the ministry and other stakeholders to assess the factory’s condition and ensure it benefits Ghanaians as originally intended,” she concluded.
The Komenda Sugar Factory remains a symbol of hope for reducing Ghana’s dependence on imports and creating local jobs, and the minister-designate’s commitment offers a renewed promise of progress.
