President John Dramani Mahama has ordered all schools, from basic to secondary, to purchase rice, maize, chicken, and eggs produced in Ghana, as part of efforts to support local farmers and strengthen the agricultural sector.
Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson announced the directive while presenting the 2026 Budget Statement in Parliament on Thursday, November 13, 2025.
He highlighted the government’s commitment to using agriculture as a tool for national renewal.
“The transformation has begun. Agriculture is not just an occupation; it is the engine of Ghana’s renewal,” Dr. Forson said, emphasizing the strategic role of farming in Ghana’s development.
In response to a food glut across the country, President Mahama has allocated additional resources to protect farmers’ incomes.
“President Mahama has directed the immediate release of an additional GH¢200 million to the National Food Buffer Stock Company to purchase and store the excess food to protect the investment and income of our cherished food crop and poultry farmers,” Dr. Forson stated.
The directive also focuses on schools sourcing locally produced foods.
“President Mahama has also directed all schools, from basic to secondary, to purchase rice, maize, chicken and eggs produced in Ghana only. The Ministry of Education, the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund), the School Feeding Programme, the Free Secondary Education Secretariat and the National Food Buffer Stock Company are accordingly directed to ensure strict compliance,” he added.
The move is part of the government’s broader strategy to boost local agriculture, create jobs, reduce dependence on imports, and integrate Ghanaian produce into national programs such as school feeding.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh
