Former Minister of Lands and Natural Resources and Member of Parliament for Tamale Central, Inusah Abdulai B. Fuseini, has urged the government to ensure that the upcoming 2026 national budget addresses the persistent challenges confronting Ghanaian farmers.
Speaking on A1 Radio, the experienced legislator emphasized the need for policies that enhance farmers’ productivity, create ready markets for local produce, and limit the importation of foreign rice and maize, which continues to undermine local production.
Mr. Fuseini lamented that farmers are grappling with poor market access and price crashes despite rising input costs. “Last year, I sold maize for 300 cedis per 100kg bag, down from 550 cedis the previous year. The same applies to rice, which is now selling for just 3 cedis per kilo,” he said.
He attributed the price drop to unregulated rice imports smuggled through unapproved borders, which evade taxes and flood local markets.
He called on the government to mobilize sufficient resources to purchase surplus rice, maize, and soya from farmers to stabilize prices and encourage local production.
According to him, agriculture remains a risky and expensive venture, and without strategic state support, farmers may abandon their fields.
Mr. Fuseini added that President John Dramani Mahama’s directive for all secondary schools to serve locally produced rice offers a sustainable market if properly implemented.
“Ghana rice today can compete with imported brands in quality and is even more nutritious. If agencies follow through with the government’s directive, we can protect our farmers and boost the local economy,” he emphasized.
He therefore hopes the 2026 budget will reflect tangible interventions that promote food sovereignty and empower Ghanaian farmers.
Source: a1radioonline.com|101.1Mhz|Moses Apiah|Bolgatanga
