Trade, Agribusiness and Industry Minister Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare says government is seeking a strategic investor to revive the Komenda Sugar Factory, a long-stalled agro-industrial project, as it intensifies efforts to rebuild domestic manufacturing capacity and expand exports. Answering questions in Parliament on Tuesday, Ofosu-Adjare said her ministry has prioritized the engagement of a transaction adviser to structure an investment deal for the Central Region plant, with provisions included in the 2026 budget to support full operationalization.
The Komenda Sugar Factory, commissioned in 2016, was designed to process 1,250 metric tonnes of sugarcane daily and serve as a major agro-industrial enclave. However, the facility has struggled for years with what the minister described as technical, financial and operational challenges that have prevented sustained production.
Ofosu-Adjare said government has set up an interim management committee to conduct a technical and financial assessment and develop a turnaround roadmap. She said she visited Komenda after taking office to engage chiefs, farmers and other stakeholders.
The minister also updated lawmakers on progress toward a Ghana Automotive Component Manufacturing Development Policy, which she said is intended to attract investment into vehicle parts production, strengthen standards, build technical skills and integrate local firms into regional and global supply chains under the African Continental Free Trade Area.
She said the draft policy has been circulated to relevant ministries for input and the government will hold discussions with Finance Minister Cassiel Ato Forson to align proposed incentives before the policy is submitted to Cabinet.
According to the minister, the automotive policy is expected to support skilled job creation, deepen industrialization and position Ghana as a regional hub for vehicle component manufacturing.
Beyond heavy industry, she said the ministry is pursuing export-led initiatives under the Accelerated Export Development Programme, including the distribution of more than 211,000 coconut seedlings to farmers to diversify export products, advisory support to 850 micro, small and medium-sized enterprises, and improvements in export facilitation.
She notes that government has also engaged the Bank of Ghana to extend the export proceeds repatriation period to 120 days from 60 days, while the Ghana Free Zones Authority has deployed a single-window export platform. The Ghana Standards Authority has strengthened certification and inspection systems to improve competitiveness, she said.
Ofosu-Adjare also highlighted the “Feed the Industry” initiative under Ghana FIRST, which links agriculture and agro-processing to secure raw material supply for manufacturers.
The minister said Cabinet has approved the establishment of two new cashew factories in the Bono and Bono East regions. The ministry is also pursuing three new garment factories through public-private partnerships and the revitalization of other industrial assets.
She further made note of an Accelerated Export Development Advisory Committee, chaired by President John Dramani Mahama, will provide strategic direction for value addition and diversification under the government’s 24-Hour+ Economy policy.
