The government has activated the National Food Buffer Stock Company (NAFCO) to purchase surplus grains from farmers nationwide as Ghana braces for an exceptional harvest season in 2025.
The Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA) explained that the directive comes against the backdrop of two consecutive years of strong yields, with large volumes from the 2024 harvest still sitting in storage.
Officials say the move is designed to avoid a glut on the market, protect farmer incomes, and curb post-harvest losses.
For the first time since NAFCO’s creation, significant resources have been allocated to fund large-scale grain procurement and storage.
MoFA in a statement dated September 23 said the intervention would also boost the country’s strategic food reserves, ensuring stability during shortages or national emergencies.
“To address the issue of a likely glut situation, Government has, for the first time since the establishment of the National Food Buffer Stock Company (NAFCO), provided significant resources to enable NAFCO to purchase surplus produce for storage. This intervention will not only reduce post-harvest losses but also guarantee the availability of food reserves to cushion the nation against future shortages and emergencies,” the Ministry assured in a statement.
The initiative comes after the Chamber of Agribusiness Ghana (CAG) warned earlier this month that the grain sector was “on the brink of crisis,” with over 100,000 metric tonnes of maize and rice from last year’s harvest unsold.
By stepping in, authorities hope to not only shield farmers from losses but also strengthen Ghana’s food supply chain, reduce reliance on imports, and build resilience in the face of future uncertainties.
Below is the statement
Source: Starrfm.com.gh
