The Concerned Citizens of the Komenda Traditional Area have announced plans for a demonstration against the lease of the Komenda Sugar Factory to an Indian firm, West African Agro Limited.
Initially scheduled for August 13, 2024, the protest has been moved to September 17. The demonstrators are advocating for the reversal of the lease agreement, emphasizing the need for the factory to focus on processing locally grown sugarcane rather than importing raw sugar.
The decision to lease the Komenda Sugar Factory to an Indian firm for a renewable term of 15 to 20 years was announced by Trade and Industry Minister K. T. Hammond during a visit to the factory in Komenda Municipality. The Minister explained that the lease aims to revitalize the factory’s struggling operations
However, the Founding President of IMANI Africa, Franklin Cudjoe, has criticized the move, arguing that it demonstrates the government’s inability to manage the facility. He advocated for handing over the factory to the private sector instead.
While the lease may create jobs through increased operational activity, local residents fear that the focus on importing raw sugar will undermine the local sugarcane farming industry, potentially leading to job losses in agriculture.
The concerned citizens of the traditional area argue that prioritizing local sugarcane processing could provide a more sustainable economic model, benefiting farmers and the local economy.
They also contend that the agreement was made without adequate stakeholder consultation which raises questions about the transparency of the decision-making process and the potential long-term implications for local businesses and the community
The sugar industry in Ghana has faced numerous challenges, including competition from imported sugar and fluctuating global prices. The lease agreement with West African Agro Limited represents a strategic move to address these challenges through foreign investment and expertise. However, the backlash from local citizens highlights the tension between attracting foreign investment and ensuring local stakeholder interests are protected.
The demonstrators are demanding the reversal of the lease agreement, arguing that the factory should return to its original purpose of processing locally grown sugarcane instead of importing raw sugar. They contend that the lease agreement was made without proper procedural adherence and stakeholder consultation.
Find the statement below
