Rice farmers in the Ketu North Municipality have received a major boost after the National Food Buffer Stock Company (NAFCO) announced plans to operationalize an abandoned warehouse in the area and purchase rice directly from farmers.
This intervention, secured through the efforts of the Member of Parliament for Ketu North, Mr. Eric Edem Agbana, is expected to end years of post-harvest losses and marketing challenges that have plagued local producers.
For many years, farmers in Ketu North, despite recording good yields, have struggled to sell their produce at competitive prices. The absence of a structured market meant that large quantities of rice went unsold, often leading to discouragement among producers. The new partnership with NAFCO signals a turning point for agribusiness in the municipality and aligns with Ghana’s broader agenda of food self-sufficiency.
From Abandoned Facility to Beacon of Hope
The warehouse, constructed under a previous government, had been left unused for years, becoming a symbol of wasted potential. Following an appeal by Mr. Agbana to the Chief Executive Officer of NAFCO, Mr. George Abredu-Otoo, the facility is now set to be revived and put to use under the NAFCO Food Reserves Programme.
Mr. Abredu-Otoo, accompanied by the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Mr. Martin Amenaki, toured the facility to assess its readiness for operations. He assured farmers that the warehouse would soon be fully operational, serving as a reliable hub for rice collection, storage, and distribution.
“Our role as NAFCO is not only to stabilize prices but also to give our farmers confidence that their produce will always have a home in the national reserves. This warehouse will soon become fully operational to serve the people of this municipality.”
Mr. Abredu-Otoo
A Lifeline for Local Producers
The intervention has been warmly welcomed by farmers who have long yearned for a sustainable and guaranteed market. Many have described NAFCO’s entry into the Ketu North rice industry as a “lifeline” that will prevent their hard work from going to waste.
Mr. Agbana expressed deep gratitude to NAFCO for responding swiftly to his request, emphasizing that the move would transform the livelihoods of local farmers. “This intervention is a lifeline for our hardworking rice farmers. For years, they have struggled with post-harvest losses due to lack of a structured market. With NAFCO stepping in, we can now assure our farmers that their sweat will not go to waste,” he said.
Local farmer associations also echoed this sentiment. Mr. Gabriel Atsu, a rice farmer from Avalavi, described the development as a “dream come true.” He noted that with a guaranteed buyer like NAFCO, farmers would be encouraged to expand their farms, increase yields, and support their families better.
Boosting Food Security and Agribusiness
Beyond providing relief for farmers, the initiative holds wider implications for Ghana’s food security. According to Mr. Abredu-Otoo, Ketu North has the potential to become a leading rice production hub in the country, contributing significantly to national reserves and reducing dependence on imports.
Stakeholders also believe that the operationalization of the warehouse will trigger a chain reaction of economic benefits. With reliable markets now assured, farmers can focus on scaling up production. This, in turn, will create opportunities in rice milling, packaging, transportation, and distribution, thereby generating jobs for the youth.
The MCE, Mr. Martin Amenaki, hailed the move as a practical step towards promoting agribusiness and rural development.
“Ketu North is known for rice cultivation. With this development, farmers can focus more on increasing yields without the fear of market losses. It also means more employment opportunities in areas such as milling, packaging, and transportation.”
Mr. Martin Amenaki
Restoring Confidence in Local Farming
For years, one of the greatest challenges facing smallholder farmers in Ketu North has been the lack of assurance that their efforts would pay off financially. Many were discouraged from cultivating large farms, fearing they would be unable to sell their produce. The NAFCO intervention changes this narrative by restoring confidence in farming as a sustainable livelihood.
The guaranteed market also sends a strong signal to potential investors in the agriculture sector. With stable pricing and structured distribution now in place, agribusiness in Ketu North is likely to attract more capital, both from the private sector and development partners.
The partnership between NAFCO and rice farmers in Ketu North is being viewed as a model for how targeted interventions can unlock the potential of Ghana’s agriculture sector. By bridging the gap between production and marketing, the initiative ensures that farmers not only produce more but also earn sustainable incomes from their labor.
As the warehouse becomes fully operational, stakeholders are optimistic that Ketu North will emerge as a major hub for rice production, playing a central role in Ghana’s quest for food self-sufficiency. Farmers, policymakers, and the local community all agree that this marks the beginning of a new chapter for agriculture in the municipality.
“This is not just about rice; it is about hope, livelihoods, and the future of our people. With NAFCO’s support, Ketu North will no longer be left behind in Ghana’s agricultural revolution.”
Mr. Martin Amenaki
READ ALSO: Bryan Acheampong’s Camp Dismisses Early NPP Poll Results
