Under the proposed policy, an importer seeking to bring in 100,000 metric tonnes of rice would first have to buy 50,000 metric tonnes from Ghanaian farmers.

Published 10 Nov 2026, 07:28 GMT

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Rice importers could be required to buy locally grown rice equal to 50 per cent of their planned import volumes before receiving import permits under a policy proposed by the government.

Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson outlined the proposal to students and staff of Kumasi's Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) during a forum on the US$13 billion New Economy Programme.

Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson speaks at an event — Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson (file photo) — Credit: Citi Newsroom

For an intended rice import of 100,000 metric tonnes, the proposed rule would make permit approval conditional on proof that the importer had bought 50,000 metric tonnes from Ghanaian farmers.

Dr Ato Forson said the measure is designed to cut Ghana's reliance on imported grain, guarantee a ready market for local rice farmers competing with imports and protect rural livelihoods while stimulating domestic production.

The Finance Minister also proposed tighter purchasing rules for institutions funded by the state. They would be required to buy Ghanaian rice, particularly for school meals provided through the Free Senior High School (Free SHS) programme.

Forson asked why domestic growers still struggle to find buyers when the state spends between GH¢4.5 billion and GH¢5 billion a year on Free SHS, including roughly GH¢3.5 billion on feeding students in senior high schools.

Dr Ato Forson also pointed to the textile sector, questioning why the government imports uniforms for the military and police from foreign suppliers while domestic mills such as Juapong Textiles and Akosombo Textiles struggle to stay operational.

He said the government intends to turn several of the proposed local-procurement and trade measures into legislation, backed by sanctions for individuals and public institutions that breach the requirements.

Araba IncoomAraba Incoom writes on multiple topics with a vast knowledge across different sector. You can almost call me an AI, after all, my initials are Araba Incoom.

Rice importers may have to buy 50% locally to get import permits – Ato Forson

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