The Sugarcane Farmers Association of Ghana (SUFAG) has suspended its planned demonstration against the Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry. They demand a clear government roadmap for the Komenda Sugar Factory's future by July 31, 2026.
This decision follows high-level interventions and initial engagements involving political and traditional leaders in the Central Region. SUFAG had planned to protest on June 16, 2026, due to the factory's continued idleness. The factory, commissioned on May 30, 2016, by President John Dramani Mahama, has remained non-operational since its launch.
The Komenda Sugar Factory's inactivity represents a significant setback for Ghana's industrialisation efforts and rural livelihoods. Its dormancy contributes to Ghana's reliance on sugar imports, affecting the national balance of trade. This situation echoes broader concerns about the management and operationalisation of state-owned enterprises in Ghana. Previous government interventions in similar sectors, like the collapsed local poultry industries, highlight challenges in industrial policy execution.
Okatakyi Nana Kweku Ackon, SUFAG's Director of Communications, stated, “As a law-abiding association, SUFAG has honoured this request in the interest of dialogue and peaceful engagement.” He emphasised this is a suspension, not a cancellation, of their protest. The association remains committed to its demands for effective management of the factory.
SUFAG is advocating for the Komenda Sugar Factory to be removed from the Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry's oversight. They propose placing it either under the Office of the President as a Special Initiative Project or under the 24-Hour Economy Authority. The association maintains that this change would promote better management, greater accountability, and improved operational efficiency. If these demands are not met by the July 31, 2026, deadline, SUFAG intends to picket peacefully at Jubilee House.
The outcome of these engagements will be closely watched by stakeholders in Ghana's agricultural and industrial sectors. A successful resolution could revitalise the local sugar industry, creating jobs and reducing import dependence. Conversely, continued inaction could further erode farmer confidence and perpetuate economic losses for thousands of sugarcane farmers. This situation demands a prompt and effective response from decision-makers to safeguard the factory's potential and support local farmers.