The National Food Buffer Stock Company (NAFCO) has taken delivery of rehabilitated warehouses in Ghana's Northern Region, significantly expanding its storage capacity for key food items. This expansion, under the National Food Security Reserve Programme (NFSRP), aims to strengthen the nation's food reserves and support local agricultural production.
The upgraded facilities are located in Yendi, Kumbungu, and Wovogu. These strategic locations will increase NAFCO’s ability to aggregate and store essential grains such as rice, maize, and gari in the northern part of the country. The improvements are crucial for managing post-harvest losses and ensuring a stable food supply.
This initiative aligns with Ghana's broader economic strategy to bolster food security and reduce reliance on imports. The government has consistently emphasized the importance of local food production and efficient storage solutions to stabilize food prices and support farmer livelihoods. Previous efforts have included various agricultural programs designed to increase yields and improve market access for farmers.
George Abradu-Otoo, NAFCO Chief Executive Officer, expressed satisfaction with the completed rehabilitation works. He stated, “We need the space badly to step up our ability to buy, aggregate and store grains in various parts of the country. Once we buy, the local farmer is incentivised to continue farming to feed all of us.” Mr. Abradu-Otoo also commended the contractors and consultants, Architectural and Engineering Services Limited (AESL), for their timely execution of the projects.
The expanded capacity will have immediate implications for food availability and price stability, particularly in the northern regions. Increased storage means NAFCO can purchase more produce from farmers, providing a guaranteed market and encouraging continued cultivation. This will likely lead to more stable food prices for consumers and improved income for farmers. Decision-makers will monitor the impact on market dynamics and food inflation.
At Wovogu in the Sagnarigu Municipality, the 1,000-metric-tonne warehouse underwent extensive renovation. This included re-roofing, re-wiring, and painting. Flight-proof windows were installed to protect stored goods from rodents. The facility now boasts a 24-hour automated water supply system, refurbished administrative offices, a changing room for casual workers, and an improved laboratory. Security enhancements were also implemented.
The Kumbungu warehouse currently holds approximately 15,000 bags of rice under the NFSRP. Rehabilitation works addressed roof leakages, rewired the facility, and replaced damaged doors. Its laboratory and offices were refurbished, and a new drying platform was constructed to improve grain quality and reduce spoilage.
The Yendi warehouse, a critical hub, now holds close to 40,000 bags of national food reserve grains, including rice, maize, and gari. It also stores 2,097 bags of millet. This facility received two Mobile Storage Units (MSUs) donated by the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), further enhancing its capabilities. Rehabilitation at Yendi included a refurbished laboratory, installation of CCTV and fire alarm systems, construction of a perimeter wall, and a drying platform with drainage. The additional 250-metric-tonne capacity at Yendi increases its total storage to at least 4,400 metric tonnes, a significant boost for regional food security.
The rehabilitation works were funded by NAFCO itself, demonstrating the company's commitment to the National Food Security Reserve Programme. This investment is expected to yield long-term benefits for Ghana's agricultural sector and its citizens.