The planned protest against the Komenda Sugar Factory’s leasing to an Indian company has been rescheduled by the Concerned Citizens of the Komenda Traditional Area.
Originally slated for Tuesday, August 13, 2024 in Komenda, the protest will now occur in Accra at an unspecified date.
The protesters want the facility to go back to processing sugarcane grown nearby rather than importing raw sugar, and they want the leasing deal to be reversed.
They contend that appropriate procedural observance and stakeholder consultation were lacking in the creation of the lease agreement.
The group clarified that the move to Accra is intended to “amplify our voices, escalate our demands, and ensure that our concerns receive the attention they deserve at the highest levels of government” in a statement dated Sunday, August 11, 2024.
A new date for the demonstration is being discussed by the group with pertinent authorities and stakeholders in an effort to “galvanise support, foster greater solidarity, and ultimately contribute to a more effective and impactful advocacy campaign.”
CALL TO ACTION
As concerned residents of the Komenda Traditional Area, we support investment agreements, even those involving foreign capital, as long as they safeguard the interests of regional stakeholders and local sugarcane outgrower farmers, and as long as the government guarantees that the farmers’ needs will be met and their gains will be guaranteed.
We feel obliged to voice our severe concerns and dissatisfaction with the way the government has handled investment agreements, especially with regard to the lack of openness and communication with regional stakeholders.
We have directly questioned investment representatives about the promises made to encourage outgrowers, expand farms, and introduce new sugarcane types. But in order to ensure that these promises are kept and that local sugarcane farmers receive a fair share of the benefits, we continue to be watchful and seek clear
DEMONSTRATION UPDATE
After giving it some thought and talking to the relevant parties, we have decided to move our demonstration from Komenda to Accra. This calculated move attempts to raise our voices, intensify our demands, and guarantee that our issues are given the consideration they merit at the highest governmental level.
After more discussion with pertinent authorities and stakeholders, a new date for the demonstration will be announced soon. We have no doubt that this action will increase unity, mobilize support, and ultimately lead to a more successful and significant lobbying effort.
