Smallholder farmers in northern Ghana are strongly advocating for a Northern commodity exchange. They believe this platform will significantly enhance market access for their produce, stabilize prices, and strengthen agribusiness value chains across the region. This call comes as many farmers are still holding unsold harvests from 2025 due to prevalent market inefficiencies.
Hajia Rafiatu Iddisah, Chief Executive Officer of Boressa Investment Ltd, emphasized the urgent need for such a system. She spoke following the launch of the Private Sector and Innovation Promotion (PSINNO) Project at the University for Development Studies (UDS) Dungu Campus in Tamale. Weak market linkages, unstable prices, and limited access to buyers have left farmers with substantial amounts of unsold produce. This situation has unfortunately tied up essential capital, posing a significant threat to the upcoming farming season's production.
The issue of unsold produce and capital constraints reflects broader challenges within Ghana's agricultural sector. Price volatility often leaves farmers vulnerable, impacting their ability to plan for future seasons and invest in modern farming techniques. Ghana's economy relies heavily on agriculture, making stable prices and efficient market access crucial for rural livelihoods and national food security. Historically, limited infrastructure and poor market information have hampered farmers' bargaining power, leading to exploitation by middlemen.
Hajia Iddisah proposed a commodity trading platform directly linking all value-chain actors. She suggested that the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA) should lead this initiative. This platform would include formal agreements with agribusiness firms to guarantee timely purchases and improve farmers' incomes. Her proposals seek to create a more predictable and equitable market environment for agricultural producers.
The establishment of a commodity exchange could significantly alleviate the financial burden on farmers. It would facilitate better price discovery and reduce post-harvest losses. Furthermore, Hajia Iddisah urged the government to decrease imports of rice and maize. She advocated for stronger procurement systems that prioritize locally produced grains for public institutions. This would create a more robust domestic market for Ghanaian farmers.
Other critical challenges highlighted include limited access to finance for farmers, particularly land constraints faced by women farmers. Climate change impacts, such as prolonged droughts and delayed rainfall, also severely reduce yields for farmers relying on rain-fed agriculture. These issues collectively undermine agricultural productivity and food security.
To mitigate these challenges, Hajia Iddisah called for accelerated investment in vital infrastructure. This includes irrigation systems, mechanisation centres, and grain-processing facilities. She also urged the quick release of completed community warehouses, which remain inaccessible to farmers. These interventions would enhance food security, create jobs, reduce imports, and strengthen local value chains. The PSINNO Project, under which these discussions occurred, aims to promote private-sector growth and innovation in northern Ghana.
Decision-makers in the Ministry of Food and Agriculture and the Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry will need to evaluate these proposals carefully. Implementing a commodity exchange and supporting infrastructure requires significant government and private sector investment. Success rests on strong policy frameworks and effective collaboration among stakeholders.