The Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr Frank Amoakohene, has stressed the critical importance of policy-driven food security for Ghana, warning that any compromise in this area could destabilise the country’s peace and safety.
The Minister made the remarks during a courtesy call from the Chief Executive Officer of the National Food Buffer Stock Company (NAFCO), George Abradu-Otoo, at his office in Kumasi on Tuesday.
Mr Abradu-Otoo is this week touring selected senior high schools, warehouses, and other agricultural facilities across the Eastern, Ashanti, Bono, and Bono East regions to enhance operational efficiency and strengthen food security initiatives.
Dr Amoakohene commended Buffer Stock’s lead role in the ongoing National Food Reserve program but noted that more needed to be done to secure the country’s food supply.
“I am aware of the food reserve program, and I commend you for that, but a lot more of our local farmers, especially rice farmers and millers, are still crying for help.
“We will need to step up a bit. Let’s consider processing, hygiene, and safety. If we are not food secure, it can jeopardise our peace and stability,” he said.
In response, Mr Abradu-Otoo assured that several steps are underway to safeguard the country’s food supply, including engaging the government and external donors for additional funding, scaling up grain purchases, and expanding and rehabilitating storage facilities.
During his visit, the NAFCO CEO toured Prempeh College, where he was received by the Headmaster, Very Rev. Lewis Asare.
The school, which serves 4,256 students, confirmed that it has adequate food stocks, crediting Buffer Stock for the support.
“The challenge had been how to get them food, but now we have them in abundance. I do not worry at all,” the Headmaster noted.
Mr Abradu-Otoo also inspected the company’s warehouse at Duase, which stores grains for the National Food Reserve, as well as silos and warehouses of the defunct Ghana Food Distribution Corporation in Sekyedumase and Ejura.
At Ejura, he met with chiefs and elders to discuss plans for revamping the Ejura Farms facilities, part of NAFCO’s ongoing efforts to strengthen the country’s food security infrastructure.
