President John Dramani Mahama has issued a firm directive that all government institutions must immediately source their agricultural produce locally, warning that it is “unacceptable” for public programmes to rely on imports while Ghanaian farmers struggle with unsold food.
Mahama has appealed to Ghanaians to report any institution that disobeys this directive for the necessary action.
His warning comes at a time when over 1 million metric tonnes of paddy rice, valued at GH¢5 billion, reportedly remain unsold and abandoned in warehouses and barns across the Upper East, North East, and Northern Regions.
Speaking at the 41st National Farmers’ Day celebration in Ho under the theme “Feed Ghana, Eat Ghana, Secure the Future” , President Mahama said it was an “insult” to local farmers that the School Feeding Programme continues to buy imported rice, especially from Vietnam, despite Ghanaian farmers holding large rice inventories from the previous year.
“It is unacceptable that suppliers of the School Feeding Programme buy rice from Vietnam when our own farmers have unsold rice. For rice, for maize, for poultry—we must ensure that at least these three products are procured locally,” Mahama warned.
He stressed that his government’s agricultural reforms, particularly the Feed Ghana programme, will only succeed if the state provides a guaranteed local market for farmers.
Volta Hosts Farmers’ Day After Past ‘Embarrassment’
Mahama also praised the organisers for selecting the Volta Region to host the event, referencing what he described as an “embarrassing partisan incident” in 2019, when a local leader was abruptly removed as chairman for the programme.
He said the honour restored this year signaled a break from partisan interference and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to ensuring the region receives its “fair share of the national cake.”
Infrastructure Push: Roads, Water Systems and Regional Development
The President highlighted progress under the Big Push initiative, noting that several road projects in the Volta Region are underway, including the long-delayed Denu–Aflao road, which he described as vital for trade with neighbouring Togo.
He further announced plans to extend water supply systems by completing the abandoned third phase of the Adidome Water Treatment Plant, which stalled over the last eight years.
He assured residents that within 18 months, “many of these roads will be nearing completion” and water supply to Ho and surrounding communities will improve substantially.
New Irrigation Model: Boreholes and Solar Pumps for Year-Round Farming
Mahama unveiled a new irrigation approach that moves beyond reliance on rivers and dams. The Ministry of Agriculture, he said, will drill boreholes and install solar-powered water pumps for farmers with as little as 10 acres.
“You don’t need electricity. With solar pumps, you can plant and harvest three times a year,” he stated.This, he said, will drastically increase food production and reduce Ghana’s import bill.
Credit for Farmers to Drop Below 10% Interest
The President also pledged reforms to agricultural financing, criticising the high interest rates currently charged by commercial banks.
“If farmers take loans today, they are working for the bank, not themselves. Credit for agriculture must be at single-digit interest rates,” he said, promising rates below 10% under his administration.
Support for Women Farmers and New Seed Breakthroughs
President Mahama praised the work of female farmers’ associations and announced new credit support tailored to women in fisheries and agriculture.
He also highlighted breakthroughs from local research institutions, including a weevil-resistant cowpea variety, which allows beans to be stored longer without spoilage.
A School Agriculture Revolution Ahead
Mahama revealed plans to require all secondary and tertiary schools to operate their own farms, producing poultry, livestock, vegetables, and other staples. A national coordinator has been appointed, and the programme will be launched soon.
Poultry Boost: Three Million Chickens Distributed
He touted the success of the Nkukon Kitenkite initiative, which is distributing three million chickens to farmers nationwide—each receiving 50 vaccinated, four-week-old birds along with feed.
He narrated the story of a young nurse who earned over GH?100,000 from one poultry cycle, using it as an example of agriculture’s profitability.
US Removes Tariffs on Ghanaian Agricultural Exports
Mahama commended the United States government for lifting tariffs on Ghanaian agricultural exports, including cocoa, avocado, citrus, onions, yams, and peppers.
He said this offers a new opportunity to grow Ghana’s agricultural export revenues beyond the current US$100 million annually.
A Nation’s Gratitude to Farmers
Concluding his address, President Mahama praised Ghana’s farmers and fishers for their unwavering contribution to food security despite climate challenges, financing constraints, and the devastation caused by illegal mining.
“Our farmers remain the heartbeat of our economy and the custodians of our food security,” he said.“Ghana is deeply grateful for your sacrifice.”
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to modernising agriculture through irrigation, fertiliser support, new seeds, farmer service centres, and agro-processing investments under the Feed Ghana programme.
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The post Mahama Orders State Institutions to Buy Ghanaian Food Only appeared first on The Ghanaian Chronicle.
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