Ato Forson Reveals What Government Plans to Do About Imported Rice and Other Food

Government is preparing to change public procurement laws to ensure that money spent by public institutions on rice and other basic food items goes towards supporting Ghanaian farmers and local food producers.

Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson announced the plan as part of the government’s proposed commercial agriculture pillar under the 2027 economic policy.

The proposed change could affect how schools, hospitals, security agencies, prisons and other public institutions purchase food for their daily operations. If the plan is passed and properly enforced, public funds used to buy rice and other staples would be directed towards food produced in Ghana rather than imported alternatives.

The announcement comes at a time when Ghana continues to face concerns about food imports, the cost of living and the ability of local farmers to find reliable markets for their produce.

For many farmers, one of the biggest challenges is not simply producing enough food but finding buyers who are willing to purchase their harvest at fair prices. Some farmers have struggled to sell their produce, while institutions and businesses continue to rely on imported food items.

The government’s plan appears to be an attempt to address this problem by using public spending to create a dependable market for local agricultural products.

Dr. Ato Forson’s announcement also suggests that the government wants commercial agriculture to play a stronger role in the country’s economic growth. Instead of depending heavily on imported food, Ghana is expected to increase local production and encourage institutions to support domestic farmers.

However, the proposed policy will require careful planning. Public institutions need regular supplies of rice and other food items, and local farmers must be able to produce the required quantities throughout the year.

There are also concerns about quality, pricing, storage and distribution. If locally produced food costs much more than imported alternatives, institutions could face higher expenses. Government will therefore need to ensure that local suppliers can meet the required standards without placing an unnecessary burden on public budgets.

Another important issue is whether the procurement changes will be properly monitored. Without strong checks, the policy could create opportunities for middlemen and politically connected suppliers to benefit instead of ordinary farmers.

The government will also need to explain how the new rules will treat food items that cannot be produced locally in sufficient quantities.