The Peasant Farmers Association of Ghana (PFAG) has called on the government to urgently implement a rice import quota system and impose a temporary moratorium on rice imports to protect local farmers facing mounting losses due to unsold stocks.
In a press statement issued on June 4, 2026, PFAG described the government’s decision to introduce a rice import quota policy as a positive step towards strengthening Ghana’s domestic rice value chain. However, the association warned that any delay in implementing the policy could undermine efforts to achieve self-sufficiency in rice production.
According to PFAG, more than 90 percent of rice farmers across major rice-growing regions are currently holding significant unsold stocks despite various policy interventions announced by the government. The association said many farmers have indicated they may abandon rice cultivation altogether if immediate measures are not taken to help them market their produce.
“The livelihoods of farming families and Ghana’s food security now hang in the balance,” the association stated.
PFAG expressed concern that while local farmers have produced large quantities of quality rice, the market continues to be inundated with imported rice. The association blamed the situation on excessive imports, smuggling across Ghana’s borders, and the inability of state institutions to prioritize local procurement.
The association also criticized the National Food Buffer Stock Company Limited (NAFCO), noting that despite a presidential directive to purchase locally produced rice, the company has failed to effectively carry out the mandate.
PFAG argued that the inability of NAFCO to serve as a buyer of last resort has worsened the plight of farmers and weakened confidence in government support for the agricultural sector.
To address the crisis, the association is urging the government to immediately commence the full implementation of the rice import quota policy and introduce a six-month moratorium on rice imports to allow local stocks to be cleared.
It also called for intensified action against rice smuggling, including regular and publicly reported enforcement operations by national security agencies.
Additionally, PFAG wants government ministries, departments, agencies, state-owned enterprises, public schools, hospitals, prisons and the security services to be legally required to procure locally produced rice and other staples.
The association further recommended a comprehensive review of NAFCO’s operations, the establishment of a dedicated price stabilization fund for rice and other strategic crops, and increased investment in storage facilities, milling capacity and market infrastructure.
Beyond rice, PFAG warned that farmers producing cassava, maize, yam, soybean and cowpea are facing similar challenges, including poor market access, falling farm-gate prices and rising post-harvest losses.
The association therefore called for a broader Agricultural Market Stabilization Policy to address procurement, storage, market access and price volatility across key food crop value chains.
PFAG National President, Douglas Annor, reaffirmed the association’s commitment to working with government and stakeholders to improve food security, stressing that farmers are looking for immediate and concrete action to safeguard their investments and livelihoods.
“Farmers are watching, and they are waiting for action,” the statement concluded.
Story By: Eric Boateng
