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El Samuels: MBN360 News
The partners of the Eat Ghana Rice Campaign are sounding the alarm on the urgent need for Ghanaians to prioritize the consumption of locally produced rice. With approximately 1.3 million metric tonnes of paddy rice currently unsold and stored in warehouses across the country, the campaign warns that the situation poses a serious threat to the livelihoods of thousands of farmers.
The campaign notes that while the government and the National Food Buffer Stock Company (NAFCO) have made efforts to purchase some of the excess rice, government interventions alone cannot resolve the crisis. The partners are therefore calling on Ghanaians to join the efforts and play their individual roles in helping tackle the challenge.
The campaign highlights the advances made in local rice production, citing modern milling technologies that have eliminated stones and foreign materials from locally produced rice. According to the group, Ghana Rice grains are now beautifully polished, consistent in size, and deliver the non-sticky, fluffy texture that is essential for traditional dishes like Jollof, Waakye, and plain rice. Locally produced rice is also fresher, more nutritious, and affordable.
The campaign partners, including the John A. Kufuor Foundation, Competitive African Rice Platform (CARP), and others, are urging Ghanaians to see consuming Ghana Rice as a patriotic act and a direct investment in the local economy. By increasing domestic consumption of Ghana Rice, Ghanaians can help create jobs, support women and youth in agriculture, and stabilize the cedi by reducing import expenditure.
The campaign cites data from the Ghana Statistical Service’s 2024 Trade Report, which shows that rice accounted for 7.8% of total food imports, costing the nation about GHS 3 billion last year. By choosing Ghana Rice, individuals, households, restaurants, and institutions can help strengthen the local economy and ensure food security.
