By Ashiadey Dotse
The National Food Buffer Stock Company (NAFCO) says it needs at least GH¢770 million to buy excess rice and other grains from farmers across the country.
The announcement follows complaints from farmers who say they are struggling to sell their produce due to limited market access.
Some farmers have also accused NAFCO of failing to fully carry out a directive by former President John Dramani Mahama to purchase locally produced rice for schools. According to them, some senior high schools are still using imported rice instead of local supplies.
Speaking on the Citi Breakfast Show on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, NAFCO spokesperson Emmanuel Arthur said the GH¢100 million released by the government is not enough to buy the large quantities of grains currently held by farmers.
He explained that NAFCO had earlier informed the government that it needed no less than GH¢770 million to fully absorb the surplus produce. However, the government released the GH¢100 million as an initial amount in 2025 due to financial constraints.
Mr. Arthur added that the government has promised to provide more funds in the 2026 national budget. He said an additional GH¢200 million has been indicated, but NAFCO is yet to receive the money.
The situation has increased pressure on the government as many local rice farmers say delays in purchases are affecting their income and leaving large volumes of produce unsold.
The government had earlier tasked NAFCO to buy rice from local farmers to support the Free Senior High School programme and reduce the country’s reliance on imported food.
