Ghana’s National Food Buffer Stock Company (NAFCO) said it is awaiting additional government funding to enable it to purchase surplus rice and other grains from farmers, as it struggles to clear growing stockpiles across the country.
NAFCO said it requires about 770 million cedis to fully mop up excess production from farmers facing limited market access, but has so far received 100 million cedis to support initial purchases.
The agency said it is expecting further financial support, with the government indicating an additional 200 million cedis in the 2026 budget, which is yet to be released.
“We had told the government that we needed not less than GH¢770 million to be able to mop up what was with the farmers,” NAFCO spokesperson Emmanuel Arthur said on Citi FM’s Breakfast Show on Tuesday.
“Then, in the 2026 budget, the government indicated that they’re going to give us an additional GH¢200 million. We’re waiting for it,” he added.
Farmers have raised concerns over delays in state procurement under the Free Senior High School (Free SHS) programme, saying large volumes of locally produced rice remain unsold while institutions continue to receive imported supplies.
The government had previously directed NAFCO to prioritise locally produced rice for use in second-cycle schools as part of efforts to support domestic agriculture and reduce reliance on imports.
NAFCO said the pending funds are critical to scaling up its grain purchase programme and stabilising demand for local produce.
