Ghana targets rice self-sufficiency by 2028; $18.8m REWARD project set to be launched
The Minister for Food and Agriculture, Eric Opoku, has announced that Ghana is targeting self-sufficiency in rice production by 2028, with a national target of 3.31 million metric tonnes of paddy production. pub
The Ghanaian Minister for Food and Agriculture, Eric Opoku, announced that the nation aims to achieve self-sufficiency in rice production by 2028, targeting a national paddy production of 3.31 million metric tonnes. This goal is supported by a US$18.8 million grant from the African Development Bank for the Regional West Africa Resilient Rice Value Chains Development (REWARD) Project.
Currently, rice production in Ghana meets only about 56% of national demand, with the remaining 44% being met through imports, resulting in an annual expenditure between US$320 million and US$500 million. The REWARD Project seeks to close the production gap and reduce Ghana's dependence on imported rice.
To achieve this, the government will develop 3,200 hectares of land for rice production in the Northern Savannah Ecological Zone and support over 20,000 smallholder farmers across several districts. Beneficiaries will receive quality seeds, mechanization, and agricultural machinery such as rotary tillers, seed drills, and combine harvesters.
Additionally, 10 rice processing centers will be established and equipped with necessary machinery, including mini GEM rice parboiling vessels. Hermetic storage containers will be provided to minimize post-harvest losses, and farmers will be linked to markets and private sector players to create jobs and increase income.
The Minister also highlighted that rice produced under the REWARD Project will supply schools, prisons, and other public institutions with quality locally-produced rice. Furthermore, Ghana is receiving a ¥394 million (approximately US$2.49 million) grant from the Government of Japan to strengthen the rice value chain, which will include combine harvesters, trucks, seed cleaning machines, and training for value-chain actors.
The Minister emphasized that the project aims to empower farmers, improve local production, and ultimately reduce the country's rice import bill, contributing to sustainable food and nutrition security.
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