Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare
The Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, has announced the establishment of an Interim Management Committee (IMC) to oversee the revival and operationalisation of the Komenda Sugar Factory, following years of technical, financial and operational setbacks.
Answering questions in Parliament on Tuesday, the Minister acknowledged that although the factory was commissioned in 2016 as part of a national vision to develop self-sustaining agro-industrial zones, its strategic value has been undermined by inadequate capital investment, poor maintenance, deteriorating infrastructure and persistent raw material supply challenges.
She noted that the factory was constructed with the capacity to process 1,250 metric tonnes of sugarcane per day and produce between 112 and 150 metric tonnes of refined sugar daily.
At optimal capacity, it was expected to create about 80,000 direct and indirect jobs and serve as a socio-economic anchor for the people of Komenda in the Central Region and the country at large.
However, she indicated that technical deficiencies have prevented the factory from operating at full capacity since its commissioning.
According to the Minister, machinery and equipment have not been refurbished since 2016, with generators and motors requiring maintenance and the boiler top coil needing replacement to restore operations.
She further disclosed that the factory has been disconnected from the national electricity grid by the Electricity Company of Ghana and had its water supply cut off by the Ghana Water Company Limited due to unpaid bills.
Beyond the deteriorating equipment, the Minister indicated that the facility had accumulated significant debt, compounding its financial distress.
The Minister also cited the breakdown in the raw material supply chain as a major constraint, explaining that the farming community expected to anchor sugarcane production remains disengaged due to lack of institutional support and unclear procurement systems.
Following her assumption of office this year, Mrs. Ofosu-Adjare said she visited Komenda to engage chiefs, the Member of Parliament, local authorities, farmers and other stakeholders.
Based on consultations and a subsequent report to the government, she disclosed that the IMC was constituted to undertake a comprehensive technical, financial and operational review.
The Committee, she said, has been tasked to conduct a thorough technical assessment of installed equipment and production lines, review the factory’s financial position and business viability, and evaluate the raw material supply chain, including land availability and out-grower potential. It is also expected to propose a sustainable sugarcane supply model and develop a roadmap to transition the factory into full operation, she added.
The Minister revealed that the IMC had already produced an interim report and is working toward submitting a comprehensive status report.
Given the strategic importance government attaches to the project, she indicated that the Ministry has prioritised the engagement of a Transaction Advisor to package the factory and secure a strategic investor under the 2026 budget to operationalise both the factory and its associated farms.
By Ernest Kofi Adu, Parliament House