The Minister of Food and Agriculture, Eric Opoku, has disclosed that locally produced rice is now cheaper than imported brands, crediting the success to the government’s agriculture campaigns that have attracted massive youth participation.
He, however, mentioned that if Ghanaian consumers continue to purchase the imported cereals, it will continue to hurt the local economy.
Speaking on the Citi Breakfast Show on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, Mr. Opoku said the shift in production was creating opportunities for Ghanaian farmers, but urged citizens to support the effort by prioritising local produce over imports.
“Because of the campaign, many young people have participated in the space, and today, I can confirm that the price of local rice is cheaper than the imported ones in our market,” he said.
The minister stressed that sustaining the gains of the agricultural sector required a change in consumer behaviour.
“Ghanaians must understand this, we cannot continue to want everything for free and not pay. We must understand that nobody will come and save this country for us. We must do everything on our own. When you go to the market and you see local rice and imported rice, yet you choose to buy the imported rice, you are creating jobs in the country where the rice came from at the expense of your own people.
“If the jobs have been created here, our children will be employed, and we will build the economy together. So, it is part of the education we are working on,” he said.
Mr. Opoku revealed that some cereal importers had already raised concerns about losses on their investments, but insisted that the government would not shift its stance.
“I also have instances where some of these cereal importers have come to me saying that they have imported, but they are losing their investment. But I told them we are not into buying those that have been imported. So, they should hold on,” he added.
The minister reiterated the government’s commitment to promoting food self-sufficiency and job creation through the “Feed Ghana” initiative, stressing that consumer choices were central to sustaining the momentum.
Feed Ghana Programme behind bumper harvest across Ghana – Agric Minister
