Rice farmers at Twifo Afosua in the Twifo-Atti-Morkwa District of the Central Region are considering selling their farms to illegal miners if the government does not purchase their rice.

The farmers say they have invested heavily in rice cultivation, relying on bank loans, but the lack of buyers has severely affected their livelihoods.

Eric Offei, leader of the Twifo Praso Rice Farmers Cooperative Union, has called on the government to establish a Rice Board similar to the Cocoa and Gold Boards.

He emphasised that many farmers are under distress due to financial difficulties arising from unsold produce.

Agya Yaw, a machine operator at Twifo Nuamakrom, noted that promoting rice farming could help reduce unemployment and discourage youth involvement in illegal activities such as illegal small-scale mining (galamsey) and robbery.

He urged the government to urgently intervene to forestall any harsh decisions by the farmers.