Sugarcane farmers to demonstrate to demand action from government on Komenda Sugar Factory
On August 6, 2024, sugarcane farmers in the Central Region criticized the government and Komenda Sugar Factory management for breaching contract promises made in 2022, which led them to expand farms and take loans. The factory, which has not operated for six years, has not purchased their sugarcane as promised. The farmers have given the government a one-week ultimatum to address their concerns and clarify plans for procuring locally grown sugarcane. They also opposed the importation of semi-refined sugar without prior consultation. If unresolved, they plan to campaign against the government.
On Tuesday, August 6, 2024, sugarcane farmers in the Central Region voiced their frustration with the government and the management of the Komenda Sugar Factory over unfulfilled contract agreements.
The farmers claim that in 2022, the government and factory management encouraged them to expand their farms and promised to purchase their sugarcane, leading many farmers to take out loans for increased cultivation.
However, the factory has since failed to fulfil its promise.
The Komenda Sugar Factory, which has not produced sugar and is currently deteriorating six years after its commissioning, has left farmers in a dire situation.
In response, the sugarcane growers have given the government a one-week ultimatum to address their concerns and explain plans for procuring their sugarcane.
During an emergency press conference led by National Chairman Samuel Mensah, the farmers expressed their strong disapproval of the government’s decision to import semi-refined sugar for the factory without first consulting them.
They called on the Minister for Trade and Industry to clarify this decision and outline how they plan to purchase locally grown sugarcane to complement the imported product.
Nana Andoh VI, the Secretary of the group, emphasized that as sugarcane out-growers, they expected the government to prioritize purchasing their sugarcane while considering the importation of semi-refined sugar only as a supplementary measure.
He also highlighted the farmers’ disappointment with the government’s lack of support under the Planting for Food policy, which they hoped would boost sugarcane production to sustain the factory.
The farmers warned that if the government fails to engage with them, they will mobilize their members to campaign against the ruling government.
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