A Member of the Association of Rice Farmers Ghana, Kwabena Amofa Akuoko, has challenged claims that Ghana is experiencing a rice glut, insisting that the country’s rice sector is instead grappling with a significant decline in demand for locally produced rice.
According to him, the current situation should not be described as an oversupply of rice, as there is no evidence that production has exceeded the country’s consumption needs or storage capacity. He argued that the narrative of a rice glut requires an objective assessment based on facts and national production targets.
He maintained that the real challenge facing local rice farmers is the sharp decline in patronage, which has left many producers struggling to sell their harvest despite the quality of their produce.
“How did we come to the conclusion that there is a glut of rice on the market? I think that narrative needs to be investigated objectively.
“There is no glut of rice. What has happened is there is weakened demand. Demand for local rice has gone down drastically. We should not talk as if we have overproduced.”
Mr. Akuoko further questioned the basis for describing the situation as a glut, arguing that any such conclusion should be measured against the country’s production goals and food security targets.
“This narrative of glut is the language of politicians doing propaganda. What was our target as a nation? How much have we achieved to now come to the conclusion that we have a glut? There is no glut.”
He called on policymakers and stakeholders in the agricultural sector to shift attention from what he described as misleading narratives and instead focus on measures that will revive demand for locally produced rice.
Mr. Akuoko urged government institutions, traders and consumers to prioritise Ghana-grown rice, noting that increased patronage, improved marketing strategies and stronger support for local farmers would strengthen the domestic rice industry, improve farmers’ incomes and contribute to the country’s food security.
