Komenda Sugar Factory protesters reschedule demo to Accra

Concerned Citizens of the Komenda Traditional Area have announced a change in location for their planned protests against the lease of the Komenda Sugar Factory to an Indian company.

The demonstration, which was originally set for Tuesday, August 13, 2024, in Komenda, will instead take place in Accra on a date to be disclosed.

The protestors are requesting that the leasing deal be reversed, and that the facility return to its original purpose of processing locally grown sugarcane rather than importing raw sugar.

They claim that the leasing agreement was drafted without sufficient procedural adherence and stakeholder involvement.

In a statement issued on Sunday, August 11, 2024, the organization stated that the move to Accra seeks to "amplify our voices, escalate our demands, and ensure that our concerns receive the attention they deserve at the highest levels of government."

The organization is presently in discussions with various stakeholders and authorities to set a new date for the protest, which they hope would "galvanise support, foster greater solidarity, and ultimately contribute to a more effective and impactful advocacy campaign."

Full statement below;

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: Lead News Online