The President of the National Seed Trade Association, Amos Rutherford Azinu, has called on the government to take decisive action against powerful entities engaged in large-scale rice importation, which he believes is hindering the growth of Ghana’s local rice industry.
Speaking on the Citi Breakfast Show on Friday, February 21, Azinu emphasized that without concrete measures to reduce rice imports, smallholder farmers across the country will continue to struggle against foreign suppliers. He advocated for a directive mandating the exclusive purchase of locally produced rice for government institutions, including schools, hospitals, and state functions.
“There should be a directive that if schools are to buy rice, then it should be Ghana rice. There needs to be a policy to drive demand because if people are still importing rice and using it in government functions, then the smallholder farmer will suffer,” Azinu stated.
He further highlighted the significant challenge the Minister for Food and Agriculture, Eric Opoku, will face in addressing the issue, noting that the industry is controlled by financially strong importers.
“I think the minister will have a huge task in this matter because the cabal in this industry is not just about talking about it. The guys who are importing have the financial muscle,” he explained.
Azinu also stressed the importance of strengthening the supply chain to ensure smallholder farmers can meet the increasing demand if rice imports are gradually reduced.
“When you are going to do that, then you have to look at the supply chain. These smallholder farmers—will they be able to increase their supply so we can keep reducing our imports?” he questioned.
He urged the government to implement a strong policy framework to promote the consumption of locally produced rice, ensuring that public institutions prioritize Ghanaian farmers over foreign suppliers. According to him, such a move would not only protect the livelihoods of local farmers but also enhance Ghana’s food security and economic independence.
As discussions on food sovereignty and import substitution intensify, stakeholders in the agricultural sector will be looking to the government for concrete policies that prioritize local production and foster a sustainable rice industry in Ghana.