Ghana's Deputy Finance Minister, Thomas Nyarko Ampem, has called for long-term capital investment to transform the country's rice sector. He spoke at the 2026 West Africa Rice Investment Roundtable in Accra on June 2, 2026. The Minister urged investors and development partners to help make rice a major driver of economic growth, food security, and industrialisation.
Mr. Nyarko Ampem highlighted that West Africa annually spends between US$3 billion and US$4 billion on rice imports. This trend is economically unsustainable. Ghana is actively creating a strong policy and macroeconomic environment to attract investment into its rice value chain. The government aims to reduce import dependence while expanding domestic production and agro-processing.
This initiative fits Ghana's broader economic reset agenda under President John Dramani Mahama. The government priorities include productive transformation, food security, and private sector-led growth. Improving the agricultural value chains, market coordination, and price stability are central to this plan. Renewed investor confidence and macroeconomic stability are crucial for attracting long-term investment into key sectors.
Speaking on behalf of Finance Minister Cassiel Ato Forson, Mr. Nyarko Ampem stated, “Ghana’s message to investors is straightforward: we are doing the policy work, we are strengthening the enabling environment, and we are creating the conditions for long-term capital to thrive.” He emphasised that the challenge is not a lack of land or water resources. Instead, it is insufficient investment in irrigation, storage, logistics, milling, and agro-processing infrastructure. Practical financing arrangements are needed for large-scale rice production.
Moving forward, stakeholders will focus on mobilising practical financing to create bankable projects. This will attract significant long-term capital into the rice sector. The government anticipates that events like the roundtable will lead to strategic partnerships and investment commitments. These commitments are vital for strengthening regional food systems and reducing reliance on imported rice. Watch for specific investment announcements and changes in rice import figures in the coming year.