Ghana is grappling with a significant surplus of rice and grains, a situation exacerbated by critically inadequate storage infrastructure that is preventing the National Food Buffer Stock Company (NAFCO) from effectively mopping up excess produce, despite the government’s allocation of GH¢300 million for strategic food reserves. This storage deficit is directly impacting farmers in major agricultural regions, forcing them to sell their harvests prematurely due to a lack of reliable facilities.
Deteriorating Storage Capacity Hinders Mop-Up Operations
The primary obstacle to managing the burgeoning rice surplus is the dilapidated state of existing storage facilities, according to Mr. Osmond Amuah, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of NAFCO. He highlighted that investments in storage capacity have been minimal or non-existent for decades, leaving most warehouses in disrepair, with issues such as leaking roofs and missing windows.
Mr. Amuah explained that recent agricultural programs have successfully boosted food production, leading to an abundance of produce. However, the limited usable storage space means NAFCO cannot fully utilize the allocated funds to purchase and store this excess grain.
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