According to PFAG, farmers now face threats from bird invasions and bushfires
The Peasant Farmers Association of Ghana (PFAG) has expressed deep concern over the ongoing grain glut, which is causing severe hardship for farmers across the country.
In a press release issued by the executives of the association, PFAG revealed that over 200,000 metric tonnes of unsold paddy rice and maize remain from the last farming season, while many rice farms are still unharvested.
Farmers now face threats from bird invasions, bushfires and limited harvesting capacity challenges that could jeopardize all their investments if drastic action is not taken.
According to the association, this situation has the potential to derail the government’s Feed Ghana Programme, as it could demotivate many farmers, especially the youth, from engaging in productive farming activities during the next planting season.
“Earlier, the National Food Buffer Stock Company (NAFCO) announced the release of GHS 100 million to purchase excess produce and set minimum guaranteed prices for maize, rice, and gari.
“Though these prices were not ideal, it was seen as a positive step, representing a better alternative to those offered by middlemen. Sadly, farmers are yet to witness the purchase of their grains by approved buying companies. To date, there is no information or data on which districts have benefited, raising concerns about accountability and transparency,” the association stated.
While commending the Ministry for swiftly releasing the GH¢100 million to address the crisis, PFAG urged greater transparency and efficiency in the process.
To restore farmers’ confidence in the government, PFAG is demanding:
The immediate publication of companies, locations, and quantities of grains procured with the initial GH¢100 million.
Clear timelines for the commencement of grain purchases under the new GHS 100 million allocation.
A published list of all approved Licensed Buying Companies, Millers, and Aggregators, along with their assigned locations, for direct farmer engagement.
PFAG emphasized that these measures should be implemented and announced immediately to protect farmers’ investments.
The association also reiterated its earlier recommendations, including:
Legislation mandating all state institutions—such as schools, hospitals, and security services—to procure only locally produced rice and maize.
Strengthened border controls to prevent the smuggling of inferior rice and a temporary ban on rice imports until the situation stabilizes.
Coordinated public campaigns by relevant ministries and stakeholders to promote local rice consumption.
PFAG believes that the immediate implementation of these measures will alleviate farmers’ distress and safeguard national food security. Failure to act, it warned, could result in reduced rice production and undermine Ghana’s goal of achieving rice self-sufficiency.
The association further called on the government and stakeholders to develop a long-term national strategy to address marketing challenges across all crops — including vegetables, cereals and legumes to prevent future crises.