The Paramount Chief of the Komenda Traditional Area, Okatakyi Komey VIII, has appealed to President John Dramani Mahama to operationalize the long-idle Komenda Sugar Factory as part of his much-publicized 24-hour economy agenda, which is expected to be a game-changer for job creation in Ghana.
Speaking in an interview during President Mahama’s visit to the Central Region, Okatakyi Komey VIII emphasized the factory’s potential to drive economic growth and employment opportunities for the people of Komenda and beyond.
He urged the President to prioritize its revival, stating that its continued inactivity over the past eight years has been a major setback for the region’s development.
The chief also used the occasion to remind President Mahama about the poor state of roads in the area, stressing that the dust and deteriorating conditions are causing severe respiratory health issues among residents.
He further expressed gratitude to the President for nominating their daughter, Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, as his running mate, making her Ghana’s first female Vice President.
He assured the President of the traditional council’s unwavering support for his administration.
In response, President Mahama acknowledged that it was unacceptable for the Komenda Sugar Factory to remain non-operational for eight years.
He revealed that he has directed the Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness, and Industry to present a comprehensive report on the factory’s current state, after which he will take decisive action to restart its operations.
He assured the chiefs and people of the Central Region that once revived, the factory would make the region the largest producer of sugar in Ghana.
Adding his voice, the Member of Parliament for Komenda-Edina-Eguafo-Abrem (KEEA), Samuel Atta Mills, thanked President Mahama for his commitment to reviving the factory.
He criticized former President Nana Akufo-Addo for failing to operationalize it during his eight-year tenure, arguing that this delay deprived many young people of employment opportunities.
He expressed confidence that President Mahama would fulfill his promise and create sustainable jobs for the unemployed youth in the area and across the country.
