US$4.8m investment to boost grain storage
GHANA is set to acquire a 21,000 metric-tonne-capacity grain storage facility under a US$4.8 million investment as part of efforts to reduce post-harvest losses and strengthen national food security. The facility is expected to ease pressure on existing warehouses as increased production of rice and maize under the government’s agricultural interventions exposes the country’s inadequate … The…
Ghana plans to construct a 21,000 metric-tonne grain storage facility through a US$4.8 million investment aimed at addressing post-harvest losses and enhancing food security. This announcement was made by the Minister of Food and Agriculture, Eric Opoku, at a signing ceremony in Accra alongside DMT Collateral, the project's partner. Opoku commended the partners for securing the necessary funding and assured them of the ministry's support in realizing the project.
Despite government efforts to aid the National Food Buffer Stock Company in purchasing surplus produce from farmers, inadequate storage capacity remains a significant hurdle. Opoku called for the expansion of the project, urging the partners to consider building more than 15 silos, potentially even 20, to adequately support the country's grain production.
The initiative aligns with broader agricultural value chain strengthening efforts, encompassing soil and seed testing, extension services, production, and storage. DMT Collateral's Managing Director, Paul Minlah, emphasized the importance of public-private sector collaboration in addressing the sector's challenges. He highlighted that the facility would not only preserve harvested grains but also establish a national emergency food reserve to manage shortages.
Minlah also indicated that the company would lead the technical and commercial development of the project, mobilize funding, and work with the Joint Project Implementation Committee. This partnership would foster local expertise through training in grain drying, quality management, and equipment maintenance.
Meanwhile, Omanbapa Agritech Limited has donated seven billboards, 500 branded caps, and 10 telescopic flags to support preparations for the Farmers’ Day celebration in the Bono and Ahafo regions. The company's Managing Director, Bernard Oduro Takyi, expressed the company's commitment to enhancing agricultural development through technology adoption and supporting the government's agricultural vision.
Written by urgent.news from Ghanaian Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
