Nana Agyei Ayeh II, President of the Ghana Rice Inter-Professional Bodies Farmers Association, has strongly criticized the Ghana Buffer Stock Company, labeling it as “useless” for failing to fulfill its mandate.
The Buffer Stock was established to stockpile and preserve foodstuffs to ensure food security during droughts or shortages, but according to Nana Agyei Ayeh II, it has fallen short of this responsibility.
His criticism comes in the wake of the government’s recent decision to ban the export of key grains, including maize, rice, and soybeans, as a response to the ongoing dry spell that has severely impacted agricultural production across eight regions.
While the measure, announced by the Minister for Food and Agriculture, Bryan Acheampong, aims to secure food supplies within the country, Nana Agyei Ayeh II believes the Buffer Stock’s failure has exacerbated the situation for local farmers.
Despite expressing frustration over the treatment of local farmers, Nana Agyei Ayeh II stated that they would comply with the government’s directive.
However, he urged the government to ensure that Ghanaians prioritize buying locally produced rice and called for the development of dams and irrigation systems to reduce farmers’ reliance on rainfall.
Nana Agyei Ayeh II shared these concerns during an interview on the Morning Drive with Don Kwabena Prah Jnr, emphasizing the need for immediate action to support local farmers and bolster food security in Ghana.
