The Peasant Farmers Association of Ghana (PFAG) has called for the immediate suspension of rice imports for at least six months to allow existing stocks of locally produced rice to be sold, arguing that the measure would provide much-needed relief to farmers, stabilise farm-gate prices, and restore confidence in the domestic rice market.
According to the Association, the failure of the National Food Buffer Stock Company (NAFCO) to procure surplus rice as directed by President John Dramani Mahama has left about 90% of local rice farmers with unsold stock despite several government interventions aimed at supporting the sector.
In a statement issued on Thursday, June 4, PFAG said the situation has created significant financial difficulties for farmers and threatens the sustainability of local rice production.
“PFAG calls on the government to immediately order a moratorium on rice imports for a minimum of six (6) months to allow for the clearance of existing Ghanaian-produced rice stocks.”
The Association also urged the government to undertake an urgent and transparent review of the operational mandate, procurement processes, financing arrangements, and institutional capacity of the National Food Buffer Stock Company Limited (NAFCO).
“Enact a legal and regulatory framework that mandates all government ministries, departments, agencies (MDAs), state-owned enterprises, public hospitals, schools, prisons, the military, and other public institutions to procure only locally produced rice and other staples,” the statement added.
PFAG further called for the full and immediate implementation of the rice import quota policy as part of a broader strategy to strengthen the local rice industry and reduce dependence on imports.
The Association stressed that addressing the current challenges facing rice farmers would require a coordinated package of interventions aimed at building a resilient and sustainable domestic rice value chain.
“Invest in post-harvest infrastructure, including storage facilities, milling capacity, and market linkage platforms, to reduce post-harvest losses and improve the competitiveness of locally produced rice against imported alternatives,” the Association demanded.
PFAG maintained that without urgent intervention, many rice farmers could face severe financial hardship, potentially undermining efforts to boost local food production and achieve greater food security.
