- Protest against Komenda Sugar Factory lease relocated from Komenda to Accra.
- Protesters demand reversal of lease agreement, citing improper procedures.
- Factory should process local sugarcane, not import raw sugar, protesters say.
- Accra protest aims to amplify voices and get government attention.
The Concerned Citizens of the Komenda Traditional Area have announced a significant change of plans for their upcoming demonstration against the lease of the Komenda Sugar Factory. Initially, the protest was scheduled to take place on Tuesday, August 13, 2024, in Komenda. However, the group has now decided to relocate the demonstration to Accra, the nation’s capital.
The date for the Accra protest is yet to be announced, but the group is working tirelessly to finalize the details. The demonstrators are unwavering in their demands, calling for the reversal of the lease agreement between the government and an Indian firm. At the heart of the controversy is the factory’s shift from processing locally-grown sugarcane to importing raw sugar. The Concerned Citizens argue that this move goes against the factory’s original purpose and will have devastating consequences for local farmers.
The group also claims that the lease agreement was made without proper procedural adherence and stakeholder consultation. They believe that this lack of transparency and accountability is unacceptable. In a statement released on Sunday, August 11, 2024, the Concerned Citizens explained their reasons for relocating the protest to Accra. They aim to “amplify our voices, escalate our demands, and ensure that our concerns receive the attention they deserve at the highest levels of government.”
By taking their protest to Accra, the group hopes to galvanize support, foster greater solidarity, and contribute to a more effective and impactful advocacy campaign. The Concerned Citizens are currently engaging with relevant stakeholders and authorities to determine a new date for the demonstration. They are confident that their efforts will ultimately lead to a reversal of the lease agreement.
The group’s determination and persistence have sent a clear message to the government: the people will not stand idly by while their interests are ignored. As the protest preparations continue, one thing is certain – the Concerned Citizens of the Komenda Traditional Area will not rest until their demands are met and the Komenda Sugar Factory returns to its original purpose.
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.
