Ghanaian farmers are set to benefit from a government intervention aimed at preventing a potential oversupply of grains ahead of the 2025 harvest.
The Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA) has directed the National Food Buffer Stock Company (NAFCO) to purchase surplus grains nationwide. The move addresses concerns that the expected high yields, combined with unsold 2024 stocks, could create a market glut.
According to MoFA, this is the first time NAFCO has been allocated such resources for large-scale grain purchases. Officials explained the initiative will help minimise post-harvest losses while guaranteeing strategic food reserves to protect the country against future shortages and emergencies.
“The general public is assured that MoFA, working with all relevant agencies and stakeholders, is fully engaged in ensuring that every grain produced by Ghanaian farmers finds a sustainable and profitable market,” the Ministry said in a statement.
The intervention is expected to stabilise prices, provide relief to farmers, and strengthen Ghana’s overall food security outlook.
The move comes after warnings from the Chamber of Agribusiness Ghana (CAG), which described the sector as “on the brink of crisis,” citing more than 100,000 metric tonnes of unsold maize and rice from the 2024 harvest. CAG said cheap imports and smuggling have trapped farmers in debt, forced sales below production cost, and threatened local processors.
“With the 2025 harvest season fast approaching, the problem could intensify, undermining livelihoods, collapsing mills, and placing national food security at risk,” the Chamber warned.
CAG also raised alarm over smuggled rice and maize evading duties and quality checks, alleging collusion between smugglers and corrupt border officials. “This not only jeopardises farmer incomes but also weakens the domestic value chain, making Ghana increasingly dependent on foreign imports and eroding food sovereignty,” the Chamber noted.
By taking proactive steps, the government aims to ensure that farmers have a reliable market for their produce while protecting the nation’s food supply from potential disruption.
