Ghana’s ballooning rice import bill estimated at GH¢6.8 billion (US$560 million) annually continues to weigh heavily on the economy, even as local rice mills across the country struggle to secure raw materials for processing.
Senior Lecturer at the University of Cape Coast’s Department of Crop Science, Dr. Frank Ackah, says it is time for government to take bold steps to reduce dependence on foreign rice and channel greater support to domestic producers.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with The High Street Journal, Dr. Ackah proposed a phased approach to cut rice imports by up to 70% in the medium term, arguing that a balance can be struck between imports and sustainable local production.
“Government should, if not a total ban, reduce importation by 60% or 70%. And so we will just have to import 30%, and then the 70% or 60% can be through local production,” he stressed.
Struggling Mills, Underutilized Potential
Across rice-producing areas, especially in the Volta Region, several milling factories operate well below capacity not due to lack of demand, but because of insufficient paddy supply. Investors who pumped millions into milling facilities now face the paradox of idle plants in a country still spending heavily on rice imports.
Dr. Ackah attributed this to low yields, poor seed quality, limited irrigation infrastructure, and inadequate fertilizer support, noting that while cocoa enjoys heavy subsidies, rice farmers receive little comparable assistance.
“If you really want to intensify rice production, the same attention given to cocoa subsidised fertilizers and pesticides must also be extended to rice farmers,” he said.
Policy, Incentives, and Market Reforms
According to Dr. Ackah, past government-led campaigns promoting the consumption of local rice temporarily spurred investment and raised farmer confidence, but inconsistent policy support caused momentum to fizzle out. He argued that strong marketing strategies, rebranding, and consumer education are essential to drive demand for Ghana-made rice.
He further urged government to design special investment packages for private players, including duty-free access to farm equipment, affordable loan facilities, and protection against unfair competition from cheaper imports.
“If there’s a very nice package for rice investors, it will encourage production. But their investment also needs protection especially against imported rice,” he explained.
A 5-Year Transition Plan
To make Ghana self-sufficient, Dr. Ackah suggested a five-year transition plan, where importers would gradually be nudged to invest in domestic production before a full or partial import ban is implemented.
“Let importers know that in the next four or five years, we are going to ban importation of rice. They will begin investing in local production,” he noted, adding that large-scale producers could guarantee supply if government backed them with purchase assurances and storage facilities.
Consumer Dynamics and Cultural Value
Despite quality challenges, Dr. Ackah insisted that local rice remains central to Ghanaian culture and diets across regions, from Enchi to the North. However, affordability and quality processing remain critical to persuading consumers to choose it over imported brands.
He concluded that without deliberate state action, Ghana risks deepening its dependence on imports while local mills collapse from lack of raw materials. “We need to reduce importation significantly, support farmers, and create a sustainable rice value chain,” he emphasised.
