NAFCO builds GH¢100m food buffer as Ghana moves to strengthen food security

The National Food Buffer Stock Company (NAFCO) has significantly expanded its National Food Reserve Programme with a GH¢100 million government investment, aiming to bolster Ghana's resilience against food crises and price fluctuations. The initiative, initiated to address surplus grains, particularly rice and maize, was reported to be fully stocked by December 31, 2025, with 36,597 bags of maize, 21,287 bags of rice, and 5,982 bags of gari stored across various warehouses in Tamale, Badu, Kumbungu, Dzodze, Wenchi, and Kumasi.

NAFCO CEO, George Abradu-Otoo, emphasized the programme's role in stabilizing inflation, minimizing post-harvest losses, and backing government agricultural interventions. This development is part of NAFCO's broader efforts to fortify Ghana's food security framework, which includes restoring and enlarging storage facilities across the nation, a process underway with support from the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, ECOWAS, and the World Food Programme.

The program further includes upgrading laboratories, procuring testing equipment, implementing tracking and digital systems, and conducting personnel training and retraining.

The initiative has also seen a transformation in NAFCO's operational efficiency. All 16 regional offices are now fully functional, and the company reported a net profit before tax of GH¢91.7 million in 2025, marking a significant improvement from a GH¢19.4 million loss the previous year. This tax-paying milestone of GH¢20.3 million in 2025, the company's highest annual contribution, is attributed to structural reforms such as the formation of a dedicated Procurement Department, enhanced Internal Audit Department, fortified Food Safety Department, and restructured Board and sub-committees.

Improved supplier payments and enhanced regional office resources have further contributed to this positive trajectory, positioning NAFCO for future growth and consolidation.