At the Ghana Grains Forum held in Accra, Mrs. Emily Boahene, the Executive Secretary of the Ghana Grain Council, underscored the pressing need for targeted investments to address the country’s significant reliance on rice imports, which currently accounts for 60% of its consumption. She emphasized that this heavy importation not only poses a risk of vulnerability to global economic fluctuations but also jeopardizes Ghana’s food security. The event, themed “Climate Change and Sustainable Food Security: Collaborative Responses to Ghana’s Grain Crises,” highlighted the discussions around the potential repercussions of climate conditions, particularly the dry spells in northern Ghana, on local grain supply. Experts at the forum warned that the ongoing crises could exacerbate an already alarming food security situation, given that grains are staple foods central to the Ghanaian diet.
Mrs. Boahene proposed that the government and private sector must prioritize investments in critical areas to curtail the country’s reliance on rice imports. According to her, a focused strategy that emphasizes irrigation infrastructure, effective post-harvest management, and improved market linkages could dramatically elevate rice yields from a current average of 1.2 metric tonnes to as much as 4.8 metric tonnes annually. She cited examples from neighboring African nations like Nigeria and Ivory Coast, which, despite consuming more rice than Ghana, have managed to maintain lower import rates thanks to their strong local production systems. This highlights the potential benefits of fostering a more robust domestic production framework for rice.
In addition to rice, Mrs. Boahene pointed out the significant economic potential of soybeans, which could bolster Ghana’s export earnings and enhance local agricultural capacity. She noted that the country generates around $29 million annually from soybean exports, yet it still lags behind larger producers like South Africa, Zambia, and Nigeria. This situation reflects a broader challenge within the Ghanaian grain sector, where systemic improvements are needed to capitalize on agricultural opportunities and increase competitiveness in the regional market.
The Ghana Grains Forum also featured insightful panel discussions that included diverse stakeholders and experts from the grain industry. The discussions advocated for a multi-sectoral and decentralized approach to improving grain production in Ghana. The panel emphasized that engaging local communities in the grain supply chain could foster greater yields and create job opportunities, thereby strengthening the agricultural sector. To support this inclusive growth, the experts called for collaboration among various government ministries, including Transport, Finance, and Works and Housing, as well as with academic institutions to drive innovation and research within the sector.
Echoing the forum’s sentiments, Mr. Daniel Fahene Acquaye, the Founder of Agri-Impact Limited, urged the government to embrace innovative approaches to boost grain yields, particularly through the application of research findings from academia regarding new seed varieties. He proposed that leveraging scientific advancements could provide a pathway to achieving higher productivity levels, which is essential for reducing import dependence and enhancing food security. Dr. Abu Sakara Forster, an agriculturalist, further emphasized that interventions directed toward the grain sector should specifically target three pivotal sectors: finance, technology, and marketing. Enhancements in these areas are crucial for creating a conducive environment for growth and sustainability in Ghana’s grain production landscape.
In summary, the Ghana Grains Forum served as a crucial platform for addressing the country’s dependency on rice imports and exploring sustainable solutions for local grain production. The call for targeted investments in irrigation, post-harvest management, and market connections reflects a comprehensive strategy that could significantly uplift Ghana’s agricultural output. Coupled with the potential of crops like soybeans, there is a vast opportunity for Ghana to transform its food security narrative. The emphasis on multi-sectoral cooperation and localized initiatives underscores the need for a collective response to the challenges facing the agriculture sector. As Ghana strives towards a more resilient grain supply, the integration of research and innovative practices will be fundamental to achieving long-term success in its agricultural achievements.
