Accra, Ghana — The Peasant Farmers Association of Ghana (PFAG) has called on the government to impose an immediate six-month moratorium on rice imports to enable local farmers to sell accumulated stocks and improve the fortunes of Ghana’s domestic rice industry.
According to the Association, a significant quantity of locally produced rice remains unsold due to the inability of the National Food Buffer Stock Company (NAFCO) to procure surplus produce as directed by President John Dramani Mahama.
In a statement issued on Thursday, PFAG indicated that nearly 90 percent of rice farmers across the country are struggling with unsold stock despite various government initiatives aimed at supporting local production.
The Association warned that the situation is creating severe financial pressure on farmers and could undermine efforts to boost domestic rice production and strengthen food security.
PFAG urged the government to suspend rice imports for at least six months, arguing that the move would help clear existing stocks, stabilize farm-gate prices, and restore confidence in the local rice market.
Beyond the import ban, the Association called for a comprehensive review of NAFCO’s operations, including its procurement processes, financing arrangements, institutional capacity, and overall mandate.
PFAG also proposed the establishment of a legal framework requiring all government institutions, including ministries, departments, agencies, public schools, hospitals, security services, and state-owned enterprises, to prioritize the purchase of locally produced rice and other staple foods.
The farmers further appealed for the full implementation of the government’s rice import quota policy as part of broader efforts to reduce the country’s dependence on imported rice and strengthen local agricultural value chains.
Additionally, PFAG emphasized the need for investments in post-harvest infrastructure such as storage facilities, modern milling equipment, and market linkage platforms to reduce losses and enhance the competitiveness of Ghanaian rice.
The Association maintained that urgent and coordinated interventions are necessary to protect the livelihoods of rice farmers and ensure the long-term sustainability of the country’s rice sector.
