Accra: Ghana's Deputy Minister for Finance, Thomas Nyarko Ampem, has made a strong appeal to investors and development partners to invest in Ghana's rice sector, aiming to transform it into a significant contributor to the nation's economic growth, food security, and industrialization. Speaking at the 2026 West Africa Rice Investment Roundtable in Accra, Nyarko Ampem emphasized the importance of repositioning agriculture, with a particular focus on rice, as a central element of economic transformation.
According to Ghana Web, the high-level forum was attended by representatives from various governments across the sub-region, the private sector, development finance institutions, investors, and regional bodies, including ECOWAS. Nyarko Ampem, representing Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, highlighted Ghana's efforts in creating a conducive policy and macroeconomic environment to attract investments into the rice value chain. He stressed the government's commitment to reducing import dependence and expanding domestic production, agro-processing, and value addition within the rice sector.
Nyarko Ampem noted that despite West Africa's vast agricultural potential, the region spends between $3 billion and $4 billion annually on rice imports, which he described as economically unsustainable. He stated that the challenge lies not in a lack of resources but in insufficient investment that can transform rice production at scale. He called for 'transformational capital'-long-term financing that extends beyond seasonal support to include investments in essential infrastructure like irrigation systems, storage facilities, logistics, milling, and agro-processing.
The Deputy Minister articulated that Ghana's economic reset agenda, under the leadership of President John Dramani Mahama and Vice President Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, prioritizes productive transformation, food security, and private sector-driven growth. Current government interventions are focused on fortifying agricultural value chains, enhancing market coordination, supporting price stability mechanisms, and fostering a predictable investment climate.
Nyarko Ampem further encouraged stakeholders to transition from discussions to practical financing arrangements that can propel large-scale rice production. He expressed optimism that the Roundtable would facilitate strategic partnerships and investment commitments, thereby strengthening regional food systems and reducing reliance on imported rice.