A coalition of major farmer groups and agribusiness stakeholders has announced plans to boycott the 2025 Farmers’ Day celebrations at all levels, citing government inaction and worsening conditions in the agricultural sector.
In a statement issued on October 29, 2025, the leadership of rice producers and millers, maize farmers, mechanization service providers, input dealers, and apex farmer associations said the decision reflects growing frustration among local producers, particularly those engaged in rice, maize, and soya cultivation.
The group accused the government of failing to honor its September 23, 2025, pledge that all locally produced rice and maize would be purchased through the National Food Buffer Stock Company (NAFCO).
According to the farmers, no such purchases have taken place, leaving thousands of tonnes of produce unsold and many farmers facing financial distress.
“Despite repeated assurances, farmers are still waiting. No action has been taken, and the situation has left many producers unable to sell their harvests,” the statement said.
The coalition further alleged that Ghana’s markets are being flooded with cheap, expired, and smuggled imported rice, often facilitated by “politically connected cartels” who evade taxes and repackage imports for sale.
These practices, the group claims, are crippling local producers who cannot compete on price.
Current data from the National Rice Development program indicates that over 200,000 metric tons of paddy rice from the 2024 season remain unsold across the Upper East, Northern, and North East regions, while this year’s harvest is projected to hit 1.5 million metric tons — up from 1.3 million in 2024.
The farmers have outlined a series of five key demands, including:
A six-month suspension of all foreign rice imports and tighter border controls effective November 2025.
A national importation strategy aligned with local production capacity.
A directive for all public institutions — including schools, hospitals, prisons, and security agencies — to purchase only locally produced rice and maize.
Immediate release of funds to NAFCO to buy surplus grain and reduce the glut.
The introduction of a guaranteed minimum price for rice and maize.
“This action is not an attack on the idea of honoring farmers,” the statement clarified. “It is a united statement that policies and practices which undermine farmers cannot be celebrated while our livelihoods collapse.”
The boycott has been endorsed by several major organizations, including the Association of Rice Producers and Millers, Chamber of Agribusiness, Peasant Farmers Association of Ghana (PFAG), Ghana National Association of Farmers and Fishermen (GNAFF), General Agricultural Workers Union (GAWU), Ghana Rice Inter-Professional Body (GRIB), and others.
The statement was jointly issued by the Committee for the Promotion of Local Rice and Other Commodities, which urged the government to act swiftly to stabilize the sector and restore confidence among local producers.
Source :www.kumasimail.com
