A wave of emotion swept through the Volta farmlands this week as local rice farmers from Ketu North, Central Tongu, North Tongu, and Akatsi made a passionate appeal to the government — “Let us feed Ghana.”
Speaking on behalf of the farmers, Mr. Philip Aziedu, a prominent rice farmer and advocate for rural agrarian development, lamented what he described as “government’s neglect and weak planning” in supporting Ghana’s rice industry.
“We have the land, we have the water, we have the will — but every year, imported rice floods our markets while our own produce sits unsold,” Mr. Aziedu said with deep emotion.
“All we ask is a fair chance. Let there be a quota system on rice imports so that local farmers can survive and Ghana can stand on its own feet.”
The farmers say they are left on their own to find storage or buyers, even as they struggle with high costs of fertilizer, limited access to machinery, and unreliable irrigation support. Many lamented that their sweat and harvests often go to waste, while foreign rice dominates the shelves in Ghanaian markets.
Mr. Aziedu further called on the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA) and the National Food Buffer Stock Company (NAFCO) to procure and reserve local rice as part of Ghana’s food security strategy.
“If the government truly wants to achieve food sufficiency, it must prioritize local farmers. We can feed Ghana — but we cannot do it alone,” he added, his voice breaking with emotion.
The News Volta team, which visited some rice fields in Ketu North, observed vast acres of maturing rice swaying under the afternoon sun — a symbol of both potential and frustration. Farmers there say they only need better access to market, fair prices, and timely government intervention to make local rice the pride of the nation.
Agric policy experts have since echoed the farmers’ concerns, urging the Ministry to introduce a quota system on rice imports, reduce the cost of farm inputs, and support processing and packaging hubs in rice-growing districts.
As the 2025 harvest season peaks, the cry from Volta’s rice belt is clear and urgent —
“Don’t let our hard work die in the fields. Support us to feed Ghana.”
Source Hebrews Pouyeli Kumako ll News Volta
