The Crisis of Grain Surplus in Ghana
The Peasant Farmers Association of Ghana (PFAG) has raised alarms over a growing grain surplus that is jeopardizing the livelihoods of thousands of farmers throughout the country. According to the association, more than 200,000 metric tonnes of unsold paddy rice and maize from the previous harvest are still stored in warehouses and on farms, with some rice yet to be harvested.
A statement issued by PFAG’s National President, Wepia Addo Awal Adugwala; National Secretary, Isaac Pabia; and Acting Executive Director, Bismark Owusu Nortey, highlighted that the situation has placed many farmers at risk of bird invasions, bushfires, and post-harvest losses. This crisis threatens not only the investments made by farmers but also the government’s “Feed Ghana” initiative.
“This unfortunate situation has put the investments of farmers and the ‘Feed Ghana’ programme at risk. Without urgent intervention, many farmers—especially the youth—may abandon cultivation next season due to growing frustration and financial distress,” the PFAG warned.
Earlier this year, the National Food Buffer Stock Company (NAFCO) announced the release of GH₵100 million to purchase excess produce and set minimum guaranteed prices for maize, rice, and gari. While farmers considered the prices low, they welcomed the move as a better alternative to what middlemen offered.
However, the PFAG noted that farmers have yet to see any real purchases by approved buying companies. “To date, there is no information or data on which districts benefited, raising concerns about accountability and transparency,” the statement said.
In response to continued appeals, the Ministry of Food and Agriculture recently announced an additional GH₵100 million to tackle the crisis. Although PFAG welcomed this swift action, it called for greater transparency and efficiency to restore farmer confidence.
Demands for Transparency and Accountability
The association is therefore demanding an immediate publication of the companies, locations, and quantities of grains procured with the initial GH₵100 million, as well as clear timelines for grain purchases under the new allocation. It also called for the publication of a list of all approved licensed buying companies, millers, and aggregators, along with their assigned operational areas, to enable direct engagement with farmers.
PFAG further reiterated its call for legislation mandating all state institutions—including schools, hospitals, and security services—to procure only locally produced rice and maize. It also urged stronger border controls to prevent the smuggling of inferior rice and recommended a temporary ban on rice imports until the local market stabilises.
Additionally, the association proposed coordinated public campaigns by relevant ministries and stakeholders to promote the consumption of locally produced rice. It stressed that immediate implementation of these measures would help ease farmers’ distress and safeguard national food security, warning that failure to act could reduce rice production and derail Ghana’s goal of achieving self-sufficiency in rice.
A Call for Long-Term Solutions
PFAG also called on the government and stakeholders to develop a comprehensive, long-term national strategy to address marketing challenges across all crops—including vegetables, cereals, and legumes—to prevent similar crises in the future.
This multifaceted approach aims to ensure that farmers are supported not just during times of crisis but also in the long term. By addressing the root causes of the current grain surplus, the PFAG hopes to create a more resilient agricultural sector that can withstand future challenges.