Ghana sets up interim committee to revive Komenda Sugar Factory after years of inactivity
The newly formed committee will assess equipment, finances, and raw material supply to restart full operations at the factory.
GHANA – Ghana’s Ministry of Trade, Industry and Agribusiness has established an Interim Management Committee (IMC) to lead efforts aimed at reviving the long-dormant Komenda Sugar Factory.
The facility, located in the Komenda-Edina-Eguafo-Abirem municipality, was originally constructed more than a decade ago with the goal of creating over 7,000 jobs along the value chain.
However, it has remained largely non-operational due to challenges surrounding its operations and raw material supply.
Trade Minister Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, speaking during the announcement, referred to the factory as a significant national asset that had been idle for too long.
She highlighted that the project initially began in 2013 following a government agreement with Seftech India Pvt. The agreement led to the construction of a factory with a daily production capacity of 125 metric tonnes of sugar.
The total investment in the facility amounted to US$36.25 million, funded through a loan from India EXIM Bank and a grant from what is now known as Ghana EXIM Bank. The factory was designed not only to produce sugar but also to expand into ethanol production and power generation.
Despite efforts to restart the plant—including partnerships with private entities such as Park Agrotech in 2020 and West Africa Agro-Tech Company Limited under the One District, One Factory initiative—the factory has not operated consistently.
The newly constituted IMC has been tasked with a detailed review of the factory’s condition. This includes an assessment of machinery, financial standing, raw material sourcing strategies, and the identification of a potential strategic investor.
The committee is also expected to evaluate the Ministry’s previous plans and develop a new roadmap for bringing the factory into full operation.
Minister Ofosu-Adjare confirmed that government support will be provided to enable the committee to carry out its mandate effectively. Chairing the IMC is Kwame Owusu Sakyere, who pledged the team’s commitment to fulfilling its responsibilities within the expected timeframe.
Originally founded in 1964 by Ghana’s first President, Dr Kwame Nkrumah, the Komenda Sugar Factory has experienced several setbacks over the decades, but hopes remain for its successful revival
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