As this year’s Christmas festivities draw near, Ghanaians have been advised to prioritize locally made rice.
Although this year’s crucial General Elections have overshadowed the yuletide, some Ghanaians have begun making provisions for the festive season as they shop for items.
As the shopping spree picks up, the Ghana Rice Inter-Professional Body (GRIB) is touting locally produced rice as a preferred choice for its high quality and taste.
President of the GRIB, Nana Kwabena Adjei Ayeh II says the local rice has come a long way in terms of improvement and development compared to what it used to be 10 years ago.
He further revealed that patronage for the local rice has picked up, and he pleaded that consumers should consider the locally produced grain as their first choice as they shop for Christmas.
“We are just entering the season and if you hear what is happening, we are doing well but again, we will advise and plead with consumers of rice in Ghana to look at the Ghana rice. We have come a long way, from 10 years to now. Our grains have improved. Consuming Ghana rice or buying Ghana rice for your families this Christmas is a good thing to do,” Nana Kwabena Adjei Ayeh II indicated.
He further maintained, “I want the Ghanaian consumer who is sitting at home today to know that the Ghana-made rice has come a long way and we are neck to neck with the imported rice if not better than imported rice.”
Economists insist that patronizing locally produced rice, and to a large extent locally made goods has far-reaching economic and social benefits for the country. Choosing the Ghana-made rice could significantly reduce the country’s reliance on imported rice, which costs the nation millions of dollars annually. This would free up foreign exchange reserves, bolstering the local economy and improving the balance of payments.
Furthermore, a thriving local rice industry creates jobs for farmers, millers, and distributors, boosting rural economies and fostering inclusive development. Increased demand for Ghanaian rice also encourages investment in agricultural infrastructure, enhancing productivity and ensuring food security.
