The Upper East Regional Chairman of the Conference of Heads of Assisted Secondary Schools (CHASS) has weighed in on concerns raised by rice farmers over the lack of a ready market for their produce, stating that schools would readily accept local rice if it is properly communicated and supplied.
“If they insist suppliers bring local rice and communicate the brand to us, we won’t receive anything else. But without that communication, once the rice is good, we will accept it. Our role is to receive,” he said.
Speaking on the DayBreak Upper East show on A1 Radio, Mr. Akumbase noted that a 100% local rice supply to schools would have a greater impact on local producers, given the large number of students fed daily.
“If it was 100% local rice, the impact would have been greater because the number of mouths we feed daily is huge. That would give a good market to our local producers. But for now, I’m unable to tell the level of impact,” he said.
According to Mr. Akumbase, schools across the country consume large quantities of rice, creating a major market opportunity. However, he appealed to local producers to also ensure quality.
“My appeal is that while we agitate for local rice, we must also do the right thing by producing the best quality rice,” he said.
The comments come amid ongoing calls from Upper East rice farmers for guaranteed markets, especially within public institutions such as schools.
A1 Radio | 101.1 MHz | David Azure | Bolgatanga
