The government has directed the National Food Buffer Stock Company (NAFCO) to procure surplus grains from farmers nationwide for storage in response to forecasts of a significant harvest in 2025.
The Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA) stated that this measure seeks to address a potential market surplus, given the expected high yields this season and the presence of unsold stocks from the 2024 harvest.
According to the Ministry, this is the first time since NAFCO’s establishment that significant resources have been allocated to enable large-scale grain procurement for storage.
Officials explained that the initiative will help reduce post-harvest losses and ensure the availability of strategic food reserves to safeguard the country against future shortages and emergencies.
MoFA also urged farmers to remain confident, assuring them that NAFCO will participate actively in the market to purchase their produce, thereby ensuring market access and price stability.
“The general public can be assured that MoFA, in collaboration with all relevant agencies and stakeholders, is fully committed to ensuring that every grain produced by Ghanaian farmers secures a sustainable and profitable market,” the Ministry stated in a release.
This intervention is expected to provide relief to farmers, stabilize the food supply, and improve Ghana’s food security outlook.
This initiative follows concerns raised by the Chamber of Agribusiness Ghana (CAG) regarding the grain sector being “on the brink of crisis,” with over 100,000 metric tonnes of maize and rice from the 2024 harvest remaining unsold.
CAG noted that the surplus—exacerbated by low-cost imports and the smuggling of inferior grains—has left farmers in debt, compelled many to sell at a loss, and jeopardized the viability of local processors.
“With the 2025 harvest season rapidly approaching, the situation could worsen, threatening livelihoods, causing mill closures, and endangering national food security,” the Chamber cautioned.
Concerns have also been raised regarding the smuggling of rice and maize that are bypassing duties and quality inspections, resulting in an influx of these products into the Ghanaian market at unreasonably low prices. The CAG has alleged that there is collusion between smugglers and corrupt border officials, emphasizing that this illegal trade is robbing the government of essential tax revenue.
The Chamber remarked, “This not only threatens the incomes of farmers but also undermines the domestic value chain, leading to an increased reliance on foreign imports and diminishing food sovereignty.”
