Talks ongoing to revive Komenda Sugar Factory - President Mahama

President John Dramani Mahama has disclosed that the government is engaged in ongoing negotiations with a prospective investor to revive the long-idle Komenda Sugar Factory, with discussions centred on restoring production and strengthening Ghana's local sugar industry.

According to the President, efforts to revive the factory began before his administration assumed office, following earlier engagements between the previous government and the investor.

Speaking during his tour of the Central Region on Saturday, June 27, 2026, President Mahama said the Ministry of Trade has since held further discussions with the investor to evaluate the proposal and determine the viability of restarting operations at the factory.

He revealed that one of the investor's key proposals is for the government to ban the importation of refined sugar to guarantee a ready local market for sugar produced at the Komenda factory.

However, the President stressed that the government would only consider such a policy after thoroughly assessing the investor's production capacity to ensure the country would not face shortages.

"What he wanted was a ban on imported sugar so that he would have the local market. But we also need to assess his capability before we issue a ban. Otherwise, supply may not be able to meet demand," President Mahama said.

Sugarcane farmers confident Komenda factory revival will get 2026 budget allocation

He noted that discussions with the investor are still ongoing and indicated that the government may adopt a gradual approach to reducing sugar imports while promoting local production.

"We are still engaging the investor, and we may gradually reduce imports to create space for local production while ensuring that the country's demand is adequately met," he added.

The Komenda Sugar Factory, which has remained largely dormant despite significant public investment, has long been viewed as a strategic asset capable of boosting local sugar production, creating jobs, and reducing Ghana's dependence on imported sugar if successfully revived.