The Concerned Citizens of the Komenda Traditional Area have announced a change of location for their planned demonstration against the lease of the Komenda Sugar Factory to an Indian firm.
The protest, initially scheduled for Tuesday, August 13, 2024, in Komenda, will now take place in Accra on a date yet to be announced.
The demonstrators are demanding the reversal of the lease agreement, calling for the factory to return to its original purpose of processing locally-grown sugarcane instead of importing raw sugar.
They argue that the lease agreement was made without proper procedural adherence and stakeholder consultation.
In a statement dated Sunday, August 11, 2024, the group explained that the relocation to Accra aims to “amplify our voices, escalate our demands, and ensure that our concerns receive the attention they deserve at the highest levels of government.”
The group is currently engaging with relevant stakeholders and authorities to determine a new date for the demonstration, which they believe will “galvanise support, foster greater solidarity, and ultimately contribute to a more effective and impactful advocacy campaign.”
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.