Finance Minister reaffirms government’s rice quota policy to increase local consumption

Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson has reiterated the government's stance on the rice quota policy, which mandates rice importers to purchase half of locally produced rice before importing the remaining half. This policy aims to boost local rice consumption, reduce Ghana's dependence on imports, ensure markets for farmers and promote domestic production.

The minister's remarks came during a meeting with students at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), ahead of the 2027 budget, titled "New Economy". The proposed policy requires rice importers to demonstrate that they have bought at least 50,000 metric tons of rice from local farmers for every 100,000 metric tons they wish to import.

The minister emphasized the importance of taking practical steps to safeguard Ghana's agricultural sector and support its farmers. He also highlighted that public procurement for feeding students in Senior High Schools will now be sourced from Ghanaian producers. This move was prompted by the struggle faced by local rice farmers to find markets, despite the government's allocation of approximately GH¢4.5 billion to GH¢5 billion annually to the Free Senior High School program, with about GH¢3.5 billion going towards feeding students.

The Finance Minister is set to present the 2027 Budget Statement and Economic Policy to Parliament on November 12, 2026, at 6 pm. Parliament Speaker Alban Bagbin announced this on November 10, 2026, stating he approved the minister's request for an evening presentation due to its complexity. Bagbin also assured that Parliament's schedule would be adjusted to prevent fatigue before the minister's presentation, with sessions likely to begin around 6 pm.