The national agricultural emergency declared by CAG has drawn major attention across Ghana’s agricultural landscape. The Chamber of Agribusiness Ghana (CAG) announced that the country’s food supply chain faces its most serious crisis in years, with more than 1.2 million metric tonnes of rice, maize, and soya beans currently stranded in storage.
CAG said the problem stems from weak policies, excessive imports, and low domestic demand for locally grown produce. According to the Chamber, Ghana consumes roughly 1.9 million tonnes of rice annually, yet only 900,000 tonnes are produced locally, leaving farmers with large unsold surpluses. Similar patterns exist in the maize and soya sectors, where yields remain below national consumption levels.
To ease the pressure, the organisation has urged government to impose a three-month ban on rice imports. This measure, it said, would allow local stock to clear and help stabilise producer prices. The Chamber also called for the repeal of Legal Instrument L.I. 2432, which restricts soya bean exports and has depressed farm-gate prices.
In addition, CAG proposed the creation of a Strategic Grain Reserve Procurement Programme under the National Food Buffer Stock Company (NAFCO). This initiative would enable government to purchase surplus grain directly from farmers and maintain emergency food reserves.
CAG further recommended a five-year Ghana Rice Production Strategy, focused on irrigation, mechanisation, and investment in modern milling facilities. These reforms, the Chamber explained, could make Ghana self-sufficient in rice production and position it for regional exports.
CAG CEO Anthony Kofiuto Morrison emphasised that bold policy actions are essential to prevent long-term damage to Ghana’s grain value chain. He added that this declaration should serve as a national wake-up call to secure food sovereignty and protect farmers’ livelihoods.
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