Sugarcane out-growers in the Central Region have announced plans to protest, alleging “unfair treatment” by the management of the Komenda Sugar Factory and the Ministry of Trade and Industry.
National Chairman of the Sugarcane Farmers Association, Samuel Mensah, voiced his dissatisfaction at a press conference, criticizing the factory’s management for persuading them to expand their farms with the promise of buying their sugarcane, only to leave them without a market.
He has requested a detailed update on the actual status of the factory. This discontent follows the announcement by Minister of Trade and Industry, K.T. Hammond, about the government’s plan to lease the Komenda Sugar Factory to West African Agro Limited, an Indian company, for a renewable term of 15 to 20 years.
In a previous press briefing, the sugarcane out-growers questioned the source of the company’s sugarcane and whether the factory is currently operational. They also sought information on when the company and the ministry would engage with them regarding their products.
The out-growers manage over 15,000 acres of sugarcane in regions including Shama, Wassa East and West, Cape Coast, and Gomoa East and West districts.
Mr. Mensah noted that in 2022, the out-growers entered into a contract with the Komenda Sugar Factory management to supply all their harvested sugarcane.
The Association claims that the company now plans to import raw sugar from Brazil, contradicting their agreement with the ministry. The contract also specified that if the company placed an order for harvesting but did not purchase the sugarcane, it would be liable to pay the full cost. The company has not adhered to this or other terms of the agreement.
As a result, the out-growers are demanding that the company fulfill its commitments to resolve the situation.