Ketu north: Ketu North Member of Parliament (MP), Mr. Eric Edem Agbana, has secured support from the National Food Buffer Stock Company (NAFCO) to provide rice farmers in the municipality with a sustainable and guaranteed market for their produce. Mr. Agbana made an appeal to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of NAFCO, Mr. George Abredu-Otoo, to address the marketing challenges facing rice producers in the area.

According to Ghana News Agency, following the discussions, NAFCO has agreed to operationalize the warehouse in Ketu North that was built by the previous government but has remained unused. The company will also purchase rice from local farmers at competitive prices under the NAFCO Food Reserves Programme and engage with farmer associations regularly to guarantee them a reliable market throughout the year.

On Wednesday, Mr. Abredu-Otoo visited Ketu North to see the facility firsthand. He was accompanied by the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Mr. Martin Amenaki, who led him and his team in inspecting the warehouse. Mr. George Abredu-Otoo emphasized NAFCO’s commitment to supporting farmers across the country, noting that rice production in Ketu North holds potential for boosting Ghana’s food security.

Mr. Agbana expressed gratitude to NAFCO for responding to his appeal. He mentioned that this intervention is a lifeline for rice farmers who have struggled with post-harvest losses due to a lack of a structured market. The MCE, Mr. Amenaki, described the initiative as a step towards promoting agribusiness and creating jobs for the youth.

Farmer associations in the municipality have welcomed the development, describing it as a ‘dream come true.’ Stakeholders believe the intervention will secure livelihoods and encourage more investment in rice farming, making Ketu North a significant hub in Ghana’s quest for food self-sufficiency.