Ghana Not Yet Ready for Rice Import Ban – Minister
The Minister for Food and Agriculture, Eric Opoku, has stated that Ghana has not yet achieved rice self-sufficiency and therefore does not have sufficient grounds to impose a ban on rice imports.
Speaking to the media, Mr. Opoku explained that the Ministry currently lacks the necessary data to conclude that domestic rice production is capable of fully meeting national demand. He stressed that any policy decision to restrict imports must be based on accurate production figures and a clear assessment of national food security needs.
His comments come in response to calls from the Peasant Farmers Association of Ghana, which has urged government to impose a six-month ban on rice imports to protect local farmers and stimulate domestic production.
According to the Minister, while government remains strongly committed to promoting local rice production, Ghana is not yet at a stage where local output can sufficiently replace imports. He noted that the country continues to rely on imported rice to bridge a significant supply gap and ensure stable market availability.
Mr. Opoku added that government is actively working to strengthen the rice value chain through targeted interventions aimed at improving productivity, expanding irrigation infrastructure, and enhancing farmers’ access to markets. He said these measures are intended to gradually reduce import dependence while ensuring food security is not compromised in the short term.
He emphasised that the long-term goal of government is to achieve self-sufficiency in rice production, but cautioned that this will require sustained investment, improved farming systems, and stronger support for smallholder farmers across the country.
Meanwhile, the Minister also addressed concerns regarding reports of alleged disbursements of more than GHS 1.6 billion from the Ministry of Finance. He dismissed claims of any disagreement between his ministry and the Finance Ministry, stressing that both institutions are working in close coordination as part of a unified government economic management team.
Mr. Opoku reiterated that collaboration between key economic ministries remains strong and focused on delivering food security, agricultural transformation, and broader economic stability.
He assured stakeholders that government will continue to engage farmer groups and industry actors in shaping policies that balance local production growth with national food supply needs.
