Minister for Food and Agriculture Eric Opoku says government has intensified efforts to clear the current surplus of food crops and strengthen Ghana’s push toward food self-sufficiency.
Speaking on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem, he explained that President Mahama’s directive requiring state agencies to prioritise the procurement of local produce is aimed at supporting farmers who are grappling with excess stock.
According to him, contractors supplying food to government institutions will face sanctions if they are found sourcing products from outside the local market.
“If we discover that your supplies are imported when we have enough locally, we will simply take you off the job,” he cautioned.
Mr. Opoku added that the Ministry has halted the issuance of new import permits for items that can be produced domestically.
He noted that Ghana currently has an oversupply of maize, with the price of a bag—previously selling for around GH₵1,300—now reduced to between GH₵300 and GH₵400 due to the glut.
On rice production, the minister said although the national consumption gap remains significant, harvesting is ongoing, and many farmers are already struggling to secure storage space.
At the end of the season, the Ministry’s Statistical Research Information Directorate will conduct field assessments to determine the actual production levels.
Mr. Opoku believes that if Ghana manages to meet at least 80 percent of its rice demand locally, government will introduce stricter policies to cut down imports and channel more support to domestic producers.
He said these efforts align with the theme for the 2025 Farmers’ Day celebration: “Feed Ghana, Eat Ghana, Secure the Future.”
The minister further revealed that while earlier projections targeted 2028 for full rice self-sufficiency, the current momentum suggests Ghana may achieve that milestone ahead of schedule.
ALSO READ: