The Concerned Citizens of the Komenda Traditional Area have revised the location of their upcoming demonstration, which aims to voice opposition to the lease of the Komenda Sugar Factory to an Indian firm.

The protest previously scheduled for Komenda on Tuesday, August 13, 2024, has been relocated to Accra.

Through a press statement, the Concerned Citizens of the Komenda Traditional Area indicated that they will provide updates on the revised schedule when it is finalized.

“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”.
Concerned Citizens of the Komenda Traditional Area

The group also revealed that it is presently collaborating with pertinent stakeholders and authorities to finalize the important details for the Accra demonstration, ensuring a suitable and effective arrangement.

The group emphasized that engaging key stakeholders is crucial, as it will mobilize broad support, build robust solidarity, and significantly intensify the impact of their advocacy efforts, ultimately leading to a more successful operation.

The group clarified that they, as Concerned Citizens of Komenda Traditional Area, support investment initiatives, including collaborations with international partners that drive economic growth and benefits for the local community.

The Concerned Citizens of Komenda further emphasized their willingness to engage with investors who prioritize the welfare of local sugarcane out-grower farmers, provided that the government guarantees robust safeguards to address farmers’ concerns and ensure their fair benefits.

Accordingly, the group expressed its deep-seated concern and acute disappointment regarding the government’s handling of investment agreements, which they believe has been marred by opacity and a neglect of local interests.

The Concerned Citizens of Komenda specifically lambasted the government’s opaque dealings and glaring lack of consultation with local stakeholders, decrying the absence of meaningful engagement and inclusive decision-making processes.

Commitments To Boost Sugarcane Farming

Furthermore, the Concerned Citizens of the Komenda Traditional Area revealed that commitments have been made to introduce new sugarcane varieties, develop new farmland, and support out-grower farmers.

The group, thus, sought direct clarification on these commitments from the investor’s representatives, seeking a clearer understanding of the proposed initiatives.

They emphasized, however, that they will continue to exercise vigilance and demand unequivocal assurances directly from the government, ensuring transparent implementation of these commitments and equitable benefits for local sugarcane farmers.

As such, the Concerned Citizens of Komenda indicated that they firmly believe that escalating their protest to Accra, the nation’s capital, would yield greater impact and attention compared to holding it solely in Komenda.

“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”.
Concerned Citizens of the Komenda Traditional Area

The group once again emphasized its insistence on the cancellation of the lease agreement, advocating for the factory to return to its original intent of supporting local sugarcane farmers by processing their produce, instead of relying on imported raw sugar.

The group asserted that the lease agreement was negotiated and signed without following established procedures, neglecting to involve key stakeholders, including local sugarcane farmers, in meaningful consultations, thereby undermining the legitimacy of the agreement.

The group further emphasized that the agreement in question represents a significantly inferior deal compared to the more lucrative opportunity that would have arisen if the government had awarded the contract to local investors rather than foreign entities.

However, the government countered that it has not yet signed the aforementioned agreement, contrary to the claims made by the people of Komenda.