The government has inaugurated an Interim Management Committee (IMC) to lead efforts towards operationalising the Komenda Sugar Factory, a key industrial asset in the Central Region.
The committee, constituted by the Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, is expected to submit preliminary findings and recommendations within eight weeks.
Its mandate includes conducting a technical assessment of the factory’s assets, reviewing its financial and business viability, evaluating the sugarcane supply chain, identifying a strategic partner, and proposing a transition plan for full operations.
At the inauguration ceremony, Madam Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, described the factory as “a prized national asset” initiated under the previous National Democratic Congress (NDC) government but left to deteriorate due to operational and supply chain challenges.
She said the factory has the potential to create significant employment in the Komenda catchment area and reduce Ghana’s dependence on sugar imports.
Sharing the factory’s history, the Minister recalled that in 2013, government contracted Seftech India Pvt to construct a sulphurless sugar plant on a turnkey basis.
The $36.25 million project was funded through a loan from India EXIM Bank and a grant from EDAIF, now Ghana EXIM Bank.
The facility was designed to produce 125 metric tons of sugar daily, with plans to expand into ethanol production and power generation.
Despite subsequent efforts, including the engagement of Park Agrotech in 2020 and West Africa Agro-Tech Company Limited (WAATCO) under the One District, One Factory (1D1F) initiative, the factory has yet to achieve sustainable operations.
“In spite of these interventions, several attempts to operationalise the factory have not been successful,” Madam Ofosu-Adjare stated.
She assured the committee of the Ministry’s full support and resources to fulfil its mandate.
The IMC is chaired by Mr. Kwame Owusu Sekyere, with members including Ing. Douglas Mensah, Lt. Col. John Doku (Rtd.), Mr. George Afful, and Mr. Ransford Vanni Amoah.
In his remarks, Mr. Sekyere expressed gratitude to the President and the Minister for the opportunity to serve.
“We are honoured by the confidence reposed in us. We pledge to diligently work on the terms of reference and deliver within the timelines assigned to us,” he said.
A statement from the Ministry said the inauguration signals renewed government commitment to “breathe life into one of Ghana’s key industrial initiatives and transform it into a sustainable source of employment and import substitution.”