Minister-designate for Trade, Agribusiness, and Industry, Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, has pledged her commitment to revitalising the Komenda Sugar Factory, a project she describes as crucial to reducing Ghana’s dependence on sugar imports.

The Komenda Sugar Factory, commissioned in 2016, was envisioned as a cornerstone of Ghana’s industrialisation agenda. However, operational and management challenges have stalled its progress.

Addressing the challenges faced by the factory, Madam Ofosu-Adjare acknowledged its current non-operational state, citing a lack of raw materials and missing parts as significant obstacles.

She revealed that funds had previously been allocated to address these issues, but a comprehensive evaluation of the factory's condition is required.

“I have been told that as we speak, the Komenda Sugar Factory is not operational, and one of the major challenges the factory has suffered is the lack of raw materials to feed that industry and some missing parts,” she stated during her vetting on Wednesday, January 22.

The Minister-designate emphasised the need for a thorough assessment of the factory’s operational health before taking further steps.

“The total health of the factory should be done after an evaluation. So I will work to ensure we know the actual health of the factory,” she noted.

Highlighting the economic importance of the factory, Madam Ofosu-Adjare pointed out that Ghana currently spends approximately $500 million annually on sugar imports. Reviving the Komenda Sugar Factory, she argued, is a strategic move to reduce this dependency and enhance local production.

“Once I take office, I will work together with the ministry to ensure we assess the health of the factory and ensure Ghana benefits from that monumental project,” she assured.