Accra: Dr Charles Nyaaba, the Chief Executive Officer of the Upper East Farmers' Cooperative Credit Union, has called on the government to tighten regulations on the importation of food commodities, with a particular emphasis on rice. He argues that such measures are necessary to ensure a stable market for locally produced crops and to protect the livelihoods of Ghanaian farmers.
According to Ghana News Agency, Dr Nyaaba highlighted the challenges posed by the influx of imported food products, many of which enter the country through unapproved border routes. This situation, he claims, is undercutting local agricultural production by saturating markets and leaving local farmers without buyers for their produce. In an interview conducted in Bolgatanga, Dr Nyaaba shared his concerns about the growing frustration among farmers who have made significant investments in production but are struggling to sell their goods.
"Our number one recommendation is that government should stop the influx of illegally imported rice that comes through unapproved borders. That is the major cause of the market challenges confronting our farmers," Dr Nyaaba emphasized. Despite efforts by the government, such as through the National Food Buffer Stock Company (NAFCO) to purchase maize and rice from farmers, he noted that these efforts account for less than 10 percent of the available produce.
Dr Nyaaba pointed out that a significant amount of rice and maize is stuck in warehouses across farming communities due to the lack of buyers, which discourages many farmers from expanding their production. "I have travelled to farming communities in Bongo, Sandema, and other districts, and you still find warehouses full of rice. Some farmers have even brought their produce outside to dry because it has remained unsold for so long," he explained.
He further elaborated that the inability to market produce serves as a major disincentive for farming, as farmers are left questioning the viability of increasing production when they cannot recover their investments. Dr Nyaaba urged the government to enhance border controls to prevent the illegal influx of imported food commodities, some of which, he claimed, were expired.
"If we stop the influx of these commodities, it will automatically create a huge market for local farmers. Once farmers are assured of a market, their enthusiasm to produce will increase," Dr Nyaaba asserted. He also recommended that the government should regulate food imports based on the country's production deficit. In situations where local rice production does not meet national consumption requirements, the government should issue import licenses solely to cover the deficit, thereby protecting local producers from unfair competition.
Drawing a parallel with neighboring Burkina Faso, Dr Nyaaba mentioned that their authorities have implemented measures to safeguard local producers by restricting imports, contributing to the country's agricultural growth. He called on the Ghanaian government to adopt similar measures and ensure that policies support domestic production and bolster farmers' incomes.
Furthermore, Dr Nyaaba urged the government to honor its commitment to source more food for the School Feeding Programme from local farmers. He believes that increased local procurement would significantly reduce post-harvest losses and stimulate agricultural production.