The government has allocated an additional GH¢100 million to the National Buffer Stock Company (NAFCO) to purchase excess farm produce, following a presidential directive aimed at easing the burden on farmers grappling with a severe grain glut.
Minister for Food and Agriculture, Eric Opoku, announced the development on Citi FM’s Breakfast Show on Monday, confirming that President John Dramani Mahama had instructed NAFCO to buy surplus rice, maize, gari, and other grains directly from farmers across the country.
“The National Buffer Stocks is procuring rice, maize, gari, and many other grains from the farmers,” Mr. Opoku stated, emphasizing that the intervention is designed to stabilize falling market prices and prevent financial distress among producers.
The minister revealed that an initial GH¢100 million allocation had already been fully exhausted. “As we speak, the initial GH¢100 million that the government gave to them has been fully utilized,” he said, adding that he had personally inspected NAFCO storage facilities and reviewed procurement records.
“I have gone to the stores to look at the quantities they have, and I also have the paper receipt in relation to how much they have procured,” Mr. Opoku confirmed.
With the new GH¢100 million injection, NAFCO will continue on-the-ground purchases, particularly in major grain-producing regions, to further absorb the surplus and support farmer livelihoods.
The move comes amid mounting complaints from farmers about unsold produce flooding local markets, leading to sharp price drops and income losses. The glut has been attributed to bumper harvests combined with limited storage and export challenges.
President Mahama’s intervention signals a proactive approach to food security and agricultural stability, ensuring that excess production does not go to waste while safeguarding rural economies.
