The Asian African Consortium (AAC), a subsidiary of the Jospong Group, has officially launched Jospong Rice, a new product aimed at enhancing Ghana’s agricultural landscape.
The unveiling took place during Agrifest 2024 in Accra, where Minister of Food and Agriculture Bryan Acheampong endorsed the rice as “Authentic Ghanaian rice,” highlighting its adherence to international quality standards and its potential to provide a nutritious option for consumers.
This initiative is part of a broader effort to reduce Ghana’s reliance on imported rice, which costs the country over GH₵6.8 billion (approximately $560 million) annually.
Jospong Rice seeks to align with the government’s import substitution agenda, ultimately strengthening the local economy and supporting farmers across the country.
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of AAC, Mrs. Adelaide Agyepong, also speaking at the ceremony to launch the product emphasized that the initiative is crucial to ensuring Ghana’s food security and resilience against climate challenges.
At Agrifest 2024, AAC showcased its commitment to sustainable agriculture through modern agricultural equipment and mechanization services, drawing interest from various stakeholders including agrochemical suppliers and financial institutions.
This engagement aims to build on strategic partnerships that will strengthen the agricultural sector in Ghana.
The launch of Jospong Rice comes at a time when rice consumption in Ghana has nearly tripled over the past decade, with individuals consuming an average of 45 kilograms per year.
The urgent need for local rice production is accentuated by the financial strain caused by rising imports, making initiatives like Jospong Rice essential for economic stability.
In 2023, AAC partnered with key players in the rice industry from Thailand and Ghana to develop an integrated rice farming project. This collaboration is designed to enhance local production capabilities and align with national goals for economic growth through agriculture.
