Sugar cane out-growers have issued a one-week ultimatum to the government, demanding immediate engagement to discuss procurement arrangements for their produce for the Komenda Sugar Factory.
The ultimatum follows an emergency press conference held by National Executives, led by Chairman Samuel Mensah, where they expressed strong disapproval of the government’s decision to import semi-refined sugar without first consulting local farmers.
“We cannot accept this move without dialogue,” Mensah asserted, emphasizing the need for local farmers’ inclusion in the factory’s operational plans.
The farmers have also called on the Minister for Trade and Industry, K.T. Hammond, to explain the rationale behind leasing the factory to West African Agro Limited, an India-based firm, for a renewable term of 15 to 20 years.
The out-growers demand clarity on how the government plans to incorporate their sugar cane into the factory’s production alongside the imported semi-refined sugar.
“Our expectations were for the government to prioritize purchasing our sugar cane before considering imports,” stated Nana Andoh VI, Secretary of the out-growers’ group.
The farmers believe this approach is crucial to sustaining local agriculture and supporting the factory’s operations.
Adding to their grievances, the farmers criticized the government’s failure to support the cultivation of more sugar cane under the Planting for Food policy.
Andoh VI lamented, “The government has failed the entire country by not supporting us to increase sugar cane production.”
The out-growers warned that without immediate government engagement, they would mobilize their members to campaign against the ruling party, highlighting the urgent need for a resolution that supports both local farmers and the factory’s sustainability.
