The Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry says plans are underway to bring the Komenda Sugar Factory back into operation by the end of 2026, marking a renewed effort to revive one of Ghana’s long-standing but dormant agro-industrial projects.
According to the Ministry, a major step toward restarting the factory has already been achieved with the successful acquisition of land for large-scale sugarcane cultivation. The sugarcane grown on this land will serve as the primary raw material for the factory once production begins.
A Factory with a Long, Troubled History
The Komenda Sugar Factory, located in the Central Region, was originally established in 1964 as part of Ghana’s post-independence industrialisation drive. The factory was designed to process locally grown sugarcane into refined sugar, reduce imports and create jobs along the agricultural value chain.
However, over the decades, the factory has faced persistent operational and technical problems, including outdated equipment, inconsistent raw material supply and management challenges. These difficulties eventually forced the facility to shut down, and it has remained inactive for several years despite multiple attempts at revival.
Government Takes Fresh Steps
In a renewed push to address these long-standing challenges, the Ministry announced that in early August, it set up an Interim Management Committee. The committee was tasked with:
Assessing the current condition of the factory’s machinery and infrastructure
Reviewing the factory’s financial position and business viability
Evaluating the availability and sustainability of the sugarcane supply chain
This assessment is intended to ensure that previous mistakes—especially inadequate raw material supply and poor planning—are not repeated.
Minister Confirms Progress
Speaking during a working visit to the Ministry by Vice President Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, the Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, said preparations for the factory’s restart are progressing steadily.
She indicated that the focus is not only on the factory itself but also on ensuring a reliable and sustainable sugarcane farming system to support continuous production.
According to the Minister, the Ministry has already secured land in the Komenda area specifically for sugarcane cultivation, removing one of the key obstacles that affected the factory in the past.
Support for Local Farmers and Investors
Mrs Ofosu-Adjare also appealed to private investors and financial institutions to partner with government by providing funding, farm inputs and technical support to local sugarcane farmers.
She explained that the Komenda enclave has a long history of sugarcane farming and that farmers in the area are experienced and ready to participate once support systems are put in place.
“We have secured land for sugarcane plantations around Komenda. Farming sugarcane is not new to the people here—it is part of their livelihood. When we engaged them, they showed readiness and enthusiasm. With the right support, we are confident that the Komenda Sugar Factory can begin operations by the end of 2026,” she said.
Why the Revival Matters
The revival of the Komenda Sugar Factory is expected to:
Create direct and indirect jobs, especially for young people
Support local agriculture and improve farmer incomes
Reduce Ghana’s heavy dependence on imported sugar
Strengthen the country’s agro-processing and industrial base
If successfully implemented, the project could serve as a model for reviving other idle state-owned industrial assets across the country.
