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Chiefs from the Komenda Traditional Area in the Central Region have formally petitioned President John Dramani Mahama to urgently intervene and facilitate the revival of the dormant Komenda Sugar Factory, warning that continued inactivity is deepening unemployment and slowing economic growth in the area.
The traditional leaders said the once-promising industrial project, established to boost local sugar production and create jobs, has remained largely non-operational for years despite several attempts by successive administrations to restore full production.
According to the chiefs, the prolonged shutdown has negatively affected farmers, traders and young people who had anticipated employment opportunities through the factory’s operations and related value chains.
Speaking on behalf of the traditional authorities, representatives stressed that reviving the factory would not only restore livelihoods but also strengthen agro-industrial development in the Central Region and reduce reliance on imported sugar.
They noted that large tracts of arable land around Komenda remain underutilised because farmers lack a guaranteed market for sugarcane cultivation following the halt in factory activities.
“The youth in our communities are ready to work, but the opportunities expected from the factory have not materialised,” a spokesperson for the chiefs said, adding that urgent presidential intervention could restore investor confidence.
The petition further called on government to consider granting the facility special initiative status to attract private sector participation, improve management structures and ensure sustainable operations.
Local leaders argued that the revival of the factory aligns with national efforts to promote industrialisation, enhance food security and create long-term employment opportunities across rural communities.
They also appealed for transparent stakeholder engagement involving chiefs, farmers and technical experts to develop a workable roadmap for restarting production.
Observers say the renewed appeal highlights growing pressure on authorities to resolve longstanding operational challenges surrounding the factory and unlock its economic potential for the region and the country at large.
Yaw Boagyan
Rafiq Adam
