Komenda, Central Region, June 10, 2026 — Police have arrested three suspects in connection with the theft of critical machinery from the Komenda Sugar Factory, as investigations into the incident continue.

The suspects are currently in police custody, with authorities saying efforts are underway to recover the stolen equipment and identify any other individuals involved.

The theft targeted key components of the factory's utility and water-processing infrastructure. According to information gathered, seven industrial motors were removed from various sections of the facility. A large spray pump motor was reportedly abandoned at the scene.

The stolen equipment includes a primer motor from the spray pond cooling system, two pumps from the water reservoir station, a pump from the factory wastewater station, a pump from the fresh water pumping station, and a firefighting pump used for emergency response.

The incident has affected the factory's water management, processing and emergency systems.

Mr. Patel, representing West Africa Agrotech Company Ltd, a management partner of the factory, confirmed the theft but declined to comment further, stating that the matter is under investigation by the Ghana Police Service and the Criminal Investigations Department (CID).

However, internal communication seen by this reporter indicates management's concern over the circumstances surrounding the theft. In the communication, Mr. Patel questioned how the equipment could have been dismantled and removed while security personnel were on duty.

A security officer who spoke on condition of anonymity alleged that security personnel at the factory are owed 20 months of salary arrears by the government. The officer said staff have continued to report for duty despite the prolonged delay in payment.

The theft has also raised concerns about the security arrangements at the facility and whether the salary arrears may have affected operations.

Sources familiar with the investigation said management initially encountered delays after reporting the incident. According to the sources, police informed management that the CID officer handling the case was unavailable and requested that they return at a later date.

The sources further alleged that management paid for fuel for a police vehicle to transport investigators to the scene. They also indicated that forensic work was delayed due to the assigned officer's court commitments and workload.

The factory's firefighting and water infrastructure remain compromised following the theft, with management expressing concern over the impact on future operations.

The incident comes shortly after the Komenda Sugar Factory marked 10 years since its inauguration on May 30, 2016. The facility has remained largely inactive over the past decade despite efforts to revive operations.