The Peasant Farmers Association of Ghana (PFAG) has urged the government to immediately implement a rice import quota system. PFAG stated that thousands of local farmers may abandon rice production if the current glut of unsold stocks is not addressed. This critical situation stems from an estimated GH₢10 billion worth of locally produced rice remaining unsold from the previous season.
An independent assessment by PFAG found that over 90 percent of rice farmers still hold significant unsold stocks. These farmers are now entering a new planting season with their warehouses and homes full of last season’s produce. The PFAG warns that this poses a direct threat to farmer livelihoods and Ghana’s broader food security ambitions.
This crisis unfolds within a broader context of Ghana’s efforts to boost local agricultural production and reduce reliance on imports. Government initiatives like the 'Planting for Food and Jobs' program aim to achieve food self-sufficiency. However, the persistent flooding of the domestic market with imported rice, even by some state agencies, undermines these objectives. Data indicates Ghana imports substantial quantities of rice annually, impacting local producers and the national trade balance.
“Thousands of rice farmers across the country have issued a grave warning that they will abandon rice production entirely unless an immediate and clear pathway to market their existing stocks is provided,” PFAG stated on June 4, 2026. The Association criticised the National Food Buffer Stock Company (NAFCO) for failing to act as a decisive buyer of last resort for rice farmers. This failure deepens the crisis and demoralises farming communities across Ghana.
The immediate implication is a potential exodus of farmers from rice cultivation, leading to reduced domestic supply and increased dependence on imports. Decision-makers must swiftly implement the proposed import quota and enhance local procurement to stabilise prices and restore farmer confidence. The government's actions in the coming weeks will be crucial in averting a significant setback to Ghana's agricultural sector and its food security goals.
PFAG also called for a minimum six-month moratorium on rice imports. This moratorium would allow existing local rice stocks to clear, providing financial relief to farmers. It would also help stabilise farm-gate prices. Furthermore, the Association demanded that National Security clamp down on rice smuggling. They describe illegal imports as economic sabotage against Ghanaian farmers.
The farmers’ group wants a legal framework to compel public institutions to procure only locally produced rice and other staples. This includes ministries, departments, agencies, state-owned enterprises, hospitals, schools, prisons, and the military. Compliance must be monitored and enforced, with clear sanctions for violations. PFAG also proposed that farmer organisations be allowed to supply produce directly to public institutions. This would cut out middlemen and ensure farmers receive fair prices.
A transparent review of NAFCO’s mandate, procurement processes, and financing arrangements is also necessary. PFAG believes NAFCO must be restructured and adequately resourced. This will enable it to serve as an effective buyer of local agricultural commodities, especially during market gluts. The establishment of a dedicated price stabilisation fund for rice is another key demand. This fund would provide a safety net for farmers during periods of price volatility.