The Chief Executive Officer of the National Food Buffer Stock Company (NAFCO), George Abradu-Otoo, has raised concerns over a growing rice glut in Ghana, warning that it poses a threat to farmers’ livelihoods and market stability.

Ghana’s rice sector has faced persistent oversupply in recent years, leaving tens of thousands of tonnes unsold. The glut has been attributed to increased local production, cheap imports, and smuggling.

In late 2025, the Peasant Farmers Association of Ghana (PFAG) reported that more than 200,000 tonnes of paddy rice and maize remained unsold, with some farms left unharvested due to a lack of buyers.

Speaking on Channel One TV’s Face to Face programme on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, Abradu-Otoo acknowledged that despite efforts to streamline the supply chain, oversupply remains the sector’s biggest challenge.

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“Our main concern right now is the glut,” he said, cautioning that the surplus could depress prices and undermine market sustainability.

To address the issue, he revealed that NAFCO has licensed 14 companies to participate in the rice supply chain. These firms operate through agents authorised to purchase rice directly from farming communities such as Asutsuare.

“So far, we’ve licensed about 14 companies. They have their agents. Once you are licensed, you can go to places like Asutsuare to buy rice, deliver it to our warehouse, and provide proof,” he explained.

While the licensing initiative is expected to improve coordination and absorption of local produce, Abradu-Otoo stressed the urgent need for stronger interventions to align production with market demand and protect farmers from severe losses.

SA/MA

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