The National Food Buffer Stock Company (NAFCO) has disclosed that it requires at least GH¢770 million to purchase excess rice and other grains from farmers across the country, amid growing complaints from producers over limited market access.
The disclosure comes after some farmers accused NAFCO of failing to fully implement President John Dramani Mahama’s directive to procure locally produced rice for schools, while some second-cycle institutions allegedly continue to rely on imported rice.
NAFCO spokesperson Emmanuel Arthur said the current GH¢100 million released by the government is insufficient to absorb the large quantities of unsold grains held by farmers.
According to Mr. Arthur, the government acknowledged the funding gap but opted to release a smaller amount as an initial intervention.
“But the issue is this: when the order was given, some amount of money was given — GH¢100 million. In fact, we had told the government that at the time we needed not less than GH¢770 million to be able to mop up so much that was with the farmers,” he said.
“But the government said, ‘There isn’t much, so we’ll give you GH¢100 million for a start.’ That was in 2025,” he explained.
He further disclosed that in the 2026 national budget, the government indicated it would provide an additional amount to support the grain procurement exercise.
“Then, in the 2026 budget, the government indicated that they’re going to give us an additional GH¢200 million. We’re waiting for it,” he added.
NAFCO’s comments come amid increasing pressure from local rice farmers, who say delays in grain purchases are affecting their incomes and leaving large volumes of produce unsold.
The government had earlier directed NAFCO to buy rice from local farmers for use in the Free Senior High School Programme, as part of efforts to support domestic agriculture and reduce dependence on imported food products.
