The Concerned Citizens of the Komenda Traditional Area have announced a change in location for their upcoming demonstration against the lease of the Komenda Sugar Factory to an Indian firm.
Originally set to take place in Komenda on Tuesday, August 13, 2024, the protest will now be held in Accra on a yet-to-be-announced date.
The protesters are demanding the reversal of the lease agreement, advocating for the factory to resume its original purpose of processing locally-grown sugarcane rather than importing raw sugar.
They contend that, the lease agreement was executed without proper adherence to procedures and without adequate consultation with stakeholders.
In a statement on August 11, the group explained that the decision to relocate to Accra is intended to “amplify our voices, escalate our demands, and ensure that our concerns are heard at the highest levels of government.”
The group is currently in discussions with relevant stakeholders and authorities to finalize a new date for the demonstration.
“We are confident that this move will galvanize support, foster greater solidarity, and ultimately contribute to a more effective and impactful advocacy campaign,” they added.
Read below the statement
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CALL TO ACTION
As Concerned Citizens of Komenda Traditional Area, we welcome investment agreements, including those with foreign investors that benefit local stakeholders and protect the interests of local sugarcane outgrower farmers, with government assurance that farmers’ concerns will be addressed and their benefits ensured.
We are compelled to express our deep concern and disappointment regarding the government’s handling of investment agreements, particularly the lack of transparency and consultation with local stakeholders.
Commitments have been made to introduce new sugarcane varieties, develop new farmland, and support outgrowers, which we have sought clarification on directly with investor representatives. However, we remain vigilant and demand direct government assurance and transparency to guarantee these commitments and ensure local sugarcane farmers benefit equitably.
DEMONSTRATION UPDATE
Following careful consideration and consultation with stakeholders, we have resolved to relocate our demonstration from Komenda to Accra. This strategic decision aims to amplify our voices, escalate our demands, and ensure that our concerns receive the attention they deserve at the highest level of government.
A new date for the demonstration will be announced shortly, pending further engagement with relevant stakeholders and authorities. We are confident that this move will galvanize support, foster greater solidarity, and ultimately contribute to a more effective and impactful advocacy campaign.
Source: Adomonline
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