Komenda Sugar Factory to Create 7,500 Jobs – Trade Minister

The Minister for Trade, Agribusiness, and Industry Hon.Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, has underscored the urgent need to revitalize the Komenda Sugar Factory as part of the government’s Industrialization Agenda.

This move aligns with the government's 24-hour economy policy as the Minister continues her tour of various industries in Ghana, with focus on boosting industrialization and economic growth through the 24-hour economy policy which is expected to have a significant impact on the country's developments. The Sugar factory has remained dormant due to the shortage of raw materials, a persistent challenge that has significantly impeded its operations. The hon. minister said revitalizing the Komenda Sugar Factory, is a project she describes as crucial to reducing Ghana’s dependence on sugar imports.

She expressed the government’s commitment to working closely with relevant stakeholders to ensure the transformation of the sugar factory to fully operational and capable of creating over 7,500 jobs for the youth within the region. Highlighting the economic importance of the factory, Hon. Ofosu-Adjare pointed out that Ghana currently spends approximately $500 million annually on sugar imports adding that reviving the Komenda Sugar Factory, is a strategic move to reduce the country’s dependency on sugar import and enhance local production.

The Minister emphasized the need for a thorough assessment of the factory’s operational health before taking further steps. “The total health of the factory should be done after an evaluation. So I will work to ensure we know the actual health of the factory,” she noted. The Komenda Sugar Factory will start working soon. Raw materials will be made available under the 'Feed The Industry' project for farmers. Funding will be available for it to start production to reduce the importing of sugar into this country. Komenda Sugar Factory will be under the 24-hour Economy factories," she stated. 

The Member of Parliament for Komenda Edina Eguafo Abrem Constituency in the Central Region, Hon. Sammuel Atta Mills expressed appreciation to the Minister for her commitment and promised his support in ensuring that the factory is revived to provide the much-needed job for the youth in the region."It's good the minister is here to see the situation of the factory. People have pledged to give us the lands for us to do the job. What is sad is all our kids are outside. Either they are in Takoradi or Accra or even outside the country looking for jobs while we have a factory over here that can give us at least 7,500 jobs. Why are we not operationalizing this? I understand now. We built it, and we are going to make sure it works again," he said.

The Central Regional Minister, Hon. Ekow Panyin also pledged to collaborate with the sugarcane farmers ensuring they receive the high-yielding sugarcane varieties to support the factory’s operation.