By: Nana Antwi Boasiako
The National Executives of Sugar Cane Out-growers, led by Chairman Samuel Mensah, have given the government a one-week deadline to engage with them and explain arrangements for procuring their sugar cane for the Komenda factory.
At an emergency press conference, they expressed strong disapproval of the government’s decision to import semi-refined sugar without prior consultation. The farmers are seeking clarification from the Minister of Trade and Industry on the decision and a plan for purchasing their sugar cane to supplement the imported sugar.
Minister K.T. Hammond’s recent announcement has ignited debate, revealing that the government intends to lease the Komenda Sugar Factory to West African Agro Limited, an Indian-based company, for a renewable period of 15 to 20 years. This decision has prompted concerns among sugar cane farmers and stakeholders, leading to demands for clarification and engagement with the government.
The agitated sugar cane out-growers have threatened to mobilize their members to campaign against the ruling government if their demands for engagement are ignored. They are seeking a meeting with the government to discuss the future of the Komenda Sugar Factory and the impact of the proposed lease on their livelihoods. Failure to engage with them, they warn, will result in a strong opposition campaign against the government.