The sugar factory must be the first step

It is indeed gratifying to note that the Komenda Sugar Factory in the Central Region is now ready to take off.

One of the reasons for our joy is the fact that it will boost economic activities in the country and the Central Region in particular, and the factory will also create jobs.

A similar sugar factory was established in the country  in the 1960s and it produced brown sugar, considered one of the best forms of sugars.

With the capacity to process 1,250 tonnes of sugar cane per day (TCD), the Komenda Sugar Factory will also generate one megawatt surplus power to feed into the national electricity grid.

Evidence of the potential for job creation abounds. For a crushing season of 180 days, sugarcane requirement would be 225,000 tonnes. This translates into jobs for about 2,000 farmers; around 1,250 harvesting labourers, as well as 250 transporters.

With 10 per cent sugar recovery in 180 days, the plant will produce 22,500 tonnes of sulphurless white sugar. 

It is expected that the plant will generate direct employment for 151 staff and an additional 250 workmen.

When in full operation, the Komenda Sugar Factory is expected to produce half of the country's annual sugar imports, thereby reducing by half, the US$300 million sugar import bill of the country. 

The injection of new lease of life into the factory is a clear indication that the nation can pursue an industrialisation drive that could transform the structure of economy and create jobs for the youth.

We are also aware that the government has secured US$24 million to support sugar cane out-growers to feed the factory with sugar cane that will be processed into sugar. We entreat the youth to take advantage of the guaranteed buyer and venture into sugar cane cultivation.

It is instructive to note that the factory, which was originally scheduled to be completed in October, has been completed ahead of schedule; an indication of the seriousness the project owners attach to the factory.

We sincerely hope that the inauguration of this factory will mark the beginning of a journey that will lead to a reduction in our import dependence.

The Ghana cedi has not been able to remain strong against the major foreign currencies because of our strong appetite for foreign goods. Consequently, our currency has been depreciating consistently because the country does not generate enough foreign exchange to meet strong demand.

In the long term, one of the ways to strengthen the cedi against the major foreign currencies is to begin to support the local rice industry and curtail the high demand for foreign rice.

We must start somewhere since a journey of a thousand miles begins with a step, and that step has been provided by Komenda Sugar Factory. — GB