Rice importers could be required to buy locally produced rice equivalent to half of their intended import volumes before receiving permits to bring the commodity into Ghana, under a proposed government policy aimed at strengthening domestic production.

Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson announced the proposal as part of efforts to reduce the country’s reliance on imported rice, create a guaranteed market for local farmers and encourage investment in the agricultural sector.

Speaking during an engagement with students and the KNUST community on the New Economy, he explained that an importer seeking permission to bring in 100,000 metric tonnes of rice could be required to demonstrate that 50,000 metric tonnes had already been purchased from local producers.

He said government needed to introduce deliberate interventions to protect domestic farmers and prevent imported rice from undermining the local agricultural industry.

The Finance Minister also disclosed plans to tighten public procurement requirements to compel government-funded institutions to give preference to locally produced rice, particularly under the Free Senior High School (Free SHS) programme.

He questioned why Ghanaian rice farmers continued to struggle to find buyers despite the government’s annual expenditure of between GH¢4.5 billion and GH¢5 billion on the Free SHS programme.

According to him, approximately GH¢3.5 billion of that amount is spent on feeding students, presenting a significant opportunity for local rice producers to secure a reliable market.

Dr Ato Forson argued that public funds should be channelled in ways that stimulate domestic production, support local businesses and ensure that government expenditure generates economic benefits within the country.

He identified the textile industry as another area where stricter local procurement policies could make a significant difference.

He questioned the continued importation of uniforms for security agencies when local manufacturers such as Juapong Textiles and Akosombo Textiles were struggling to sustain their operations.

The minister maintained that prioritising locally manufactured uniforms for the military and police would create jobs, increase demand for domestic textile products and help revive the industry.

He further indicated that government intended to back some of the proposed measures with legislation, including sanctions for individuals and institutions that fail to comply with the new procurement requirements.

He said the broader policy direction was to use public spending and trade regulations as instruments to expand local industries, generate employment and drive Ghana’s economic transformation.

Published Date: November 10, 2026