Young entrepreneurs in Ghana are being urged to explore opportunities in the rice value chain as a viable pathway to business growth, employment creation, and national food security.
The advice comes amid the success story of Jireh Aidoo Limited, a rice packaging enterprise founded by Ms Sarah Aidoo, which has transformed from a home-based operation into a growing local rice brand, Kyidom Long Grain Rice.
Ms Aidoo shared that her journey began in 2019, selling rice from her parents’ living room during the COVID‑19 pandemic.
Initially sourcing from local farmers in Hohoe, Asutuare, and Akatsi, she gradually formalised her business after a large order prompted her to improve packaging and register the enterprise.
A turning point came when she secured a GHS100,000 microcredit facility under the Post‑COVID Skills Development and Productivity Enhancement Project (PSDPEP), enabling her to purchase equipment, procure 11,000 packaging pouches, and strengthen supplier partnerships.
“Recently we supplied a shop in Accra, and within two weeks all the stock sold out. The improved packaging has made our brand competitive with imported rice,” Ms Aidoo said.
The company has since partnered with a milling facility in Techiman, Bono East Region, and currently employs four temporary workers. Ms Aidoo plans to establish a processing factory within five years to control the production value chain and expand nationwide supply.
She encouraged young entrepreneurs to enter the rice business by starting small, leveraging local production networks, and participating in trade fairs to promote their brands.
Ms Aidoo also called on policymakers to support local rice production by investing in storage facilities, engaging youth in farming, and funding research into improved rice varieties.
The PSDPEP, a five‑year initiative funded by the African Development Bank with support from the Government of Ghana, is designed to restore livelihoods, enhance productivity, build human capital, and promote private sector growth post-COVID‑19.
The Social Investment Fund is implementing aspects of the project alongside partner institutions.
This story underscores the potential of the rice value chain as a driver for business development, job creation, and local economic transformation in Ghana.
