The Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry has set up an Interim Management Committee (IMC) to oversee the revival of the Komenda Sugar Factory.
Speaking at the inauguration on Monday in Accra, the sector minister, Mrs. Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, described the factory as a valuable national project started under the previous NDC government but left struggling due to operational and supply chain problems.
She explained that the factory was built in 2013 by Seftech India Pvt with funding from India EXIM Bank and a grant from what is now Ghana EXIM Bank.
“The $36.25 million plant was designed to produce 125 metric tons of sugar daily, with plans to expand into ethanol and power generation,” she stated.
According to the minister, despite past efforts, including partnerships with Park Agrotech in 2020 and West Africa Agro-Tech Company Limited under the 1D1F program, the factory has not operated sustainably.
“To address this, the government has appointed the IMC to identify and resolve the factory’s challenges. The committee will assess the plant’s condition, review its financial viability, evaluate sugarcane supply, find a reliable partner, review the Ministry’s plans, and propose steps toward full operation,” she added.
She noted the potential of the factory to create jobs and reduce sugar imports and assured the committee of the Ministry’s full support.
On his part, the IMC Chairman, Kwame Owusu Sakyere, thanked the government for the opportunity.
“We are honored by this trust and will work diligently to deliver results within the given timeframe,” he said.
Other members of the committee include Ing. Douglas Mensah, Mr. John Doku, Lt. Col. (Rtd.) George Afful and Mr. Ransford Vanni Amoah. It has eight weeks to submit its initial report.
Irene Wirekoaa Osei, ISD
