Finance Minister, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, has announced plans to ban rice imports by the end of 2030 as part of government’s efforts to boost local rice production and promote the consumption of made-in-Ghana rice.
According to him, the decision will be supported by increased domestic production, milling, storage, quality assurance and reliable distribution systems to ensure Ghana can meet its rice consumption needs.
Presenting the 2027 Budget Statement to Parliament on Thursday, November 12, 2026, Dr Forson said government would introduce targeted tax incentives for rice development hubs to encourage investment across the rice value chain.
He explained that the incentives would cover irrigation, mechanisation, silos, modern mills, packaging and logistics, adding that the measures would lower investment costs, reduce post-harvest losses and enable Ghanaian rice to reach consumers at competitive prices.
The Finance Minister also announced plans to amend public procurement laws to require public institutions, including schools and hospitals, to purchase locally grown food with public funds.
He said the proposed amendments would ensure that rice and other staple foods purchased for public institutions were sourced exclusively from Ghanaian farmers.
“Mr Speaker, we are amending the public procurement laws to require that public funds spent on rice and other staples for our schools, hospitals and other institutions purchase only foodstuffs grown in Ghana,” he said.
“This will ensure that public spending feeds our children, patients and other beneficiaries while providing a reliable market for Ghanaian farmers and creating jobs here at home,” he added.
Dr Forson stressed that government’s decision was guided by the need to ensure that public expenditure directly benefits local producers and businesses.
“Mr Speaker, the principle is simple. The money of the Ghanaian people must create opportunities for the Ghanaian people. If you spend their money to put rice on the table, that rice must come from their farms,” he stated.
He further emphasised the importance of prioritising locally produced rice in public procurement, saying: “Our public purse must nourish both those who eat and those who produce our food. Mr Speaker, if you use Ghana’s money to buy rice, you must buy Ghana rice.”
