The Concerned Citizens of the Komenda Traditional Area have postponed their planned demonstration against the lease of the Komenda Sugar Factory, aligning instead with the National Democratic Congress (NDC) for a joint protest on September 17th.
Samuel Awadzah, Convener of the group, criticized the lease agreement, asserting that it will lead to increased hardship for local sugarcane farmers who were encouraged to expand their farms in anticipation of the factory’s operations.
Awadzah emphasized the negative impact on these farmers, who now face uncertainty as the government plans to import raw sugar from India and Brazil instead of processing locally grown sugarcane.
Awadzah further expressed frustration over the government’s failure to consult with stakeholders before finalizing the lease.
He pointed out that the factory was established with significant input from local farmers and chiefs, and that the government’s decision disregarded their contributions and concerns.
He lamented that the Minister responsible for the lease did not even inform the Chief of Komenda about the agreement, which has been criticized for its timing and procedural shortcomings.
The Concerned Citizens are now demanding the reversal of the lease, insisting that the factory should return to its original mission of supporting local sugarcane production.
They argue that the factory’s current lease to an Indian firm was granted without proper consultation and due process, and they are calling for the government to rectify the situation to support local agricultural stakeholders.
