Komenda Sugar Factory to Be Operational by End of 2026 — Trade Minister Assures

The Minister of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, has assured that the Komenda Sugar Factory will be fully operational by the end of next year, marking a major step toward revitalising Ghana’s sugar industry.

She revealed that land had already been secured in the Komenda enclave for sugarcane cultivation, adding that an Interim Management Committee (IMC) had been inaugurated to conduct a comprehensive technical assessment of the factory and recommend clear steps for its operationalisation.

“We have acquired land for the plantation of sugarcane in the Komenda area. We do not need to teach anyone how to farm sugarcane; those who live in this enclave already know how to. When we engaged the farmers, they were ready, willing and happy. We hope to operationalise the Komenda Sugar Factory by the end of 2026,” she said.

Mrs Ofosu-Adjare made the announcement during a visit by the Vice-President, Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, to the ministry in Accra last Thursday.

Regulatory Reforms to Boost Business Confidence

The minister highlighted ongoing reforms aimed at improving regulatory transparency and creating a predictable environment that supports private sector growth, positioning Ghana as the most business-friendly destination in Africa.

“People have come to Ghana and left out of frustration — sometimes just obtaining a registration certificate was enough to drive them away. With these reforms, we are creating an enabling environment for businesses to thrive,” she noted.

She outlined several initiatives, including the introduction of Ghana’s Be Ready self-assessment reports, an online reform management and progress-tracking system, and an interactive portal for public-private consultations.

The Business Regulatory Reform Bill, she said, is being finalised for submission to the Attorney-General’s Office. Once passed, it will legally require regulatory agencies to provide key information within defined timelines, strengthening compliance and streamlining administrative processes.

She added that the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre Act is also under review, noting that the current minimum capital requirement has discouraged medium-scale investors capable of generating significant employment. “Removing this requirement will attract more investment,” she said.

Industrial Expansion and Job Creation

Mrs Ofosu-Adjare outlined ambitious industrial development plans, particularly in the garment sector. The Dignity DRT garment factory currently employs about 6,000 workers—60 per cent of them women—and provides supportive facilities such as childcare services.

In 2026, the government plans to support the establishment of three additional garment factories in the Central, Bono East and Eastern regions. These facilities are expected to create 27,000 jobs and operate on a 24-hour production cycle. “Contracts have already been secured, ensuring demand-driven production,” she said.

Agro-Processing Plants to Be Fully Operationalised

The minister also announced that seven agro-processing plants in the Northern, Central, North East and Western North regions will be fully operationalised next year. These plants will process yam, fish, poultry, cashew, rice, shea butter and palm kernel, guaranteeing farmers reliable off-takers.

Two additional cashew processing plants, to be financed by EXIM Bank, will be established in Techiman and North Jaman (Sampa) to boost local value addition and job creation.

She further disclosed that the government will attract strategic investors to partner state-owned enterprises—including Volta Star, Northern Star, Zuarungu Meat Factory and the Pwalugu Tomato Factory—to enhance efficiency and productivity.

Mrs Ofosu-Adjare concluded by noting that key policy documents covering garments and textiles, pharmaceuticals, agribusiness and manufacturing are ready and awaiting approval from the Minister of Finance.

“Once approved, Ghana will be ready to attract significant investment. Investors are willing to invest because of the predictability and incentives provided by your leadership,” she said.

---Graphic Online